Autonomous technology could revolutionize the automotive sector

Schneider Electric Embraces AI for Sustainable Digital Transformation

Schneider Electric, a global leader in energy management and automation, is driving its digital transformation strategy with a focus on artificial intelligence (AI). The company's approach is systematic and strategic, ensuring that AI projects are driven by business needs rather than technological innovation.

Peter Weckesser, the Chief Digital Officer at Schneider Electric and a member of the company's Executive Committee since June 2020, leads the charge. Weckesser, who previously served as the Digital Transformation Officer for the Airbus Division Defence & Space, now heads the Schneider Electric Digital Organization. This team is responsible for the development of Schneider Electric's digital transformation strategy.

Schneider Electric's AI strategy, dubbed "AI at Scale," aims to make AI an integral part of their business development. The company is leveraging AI in various ways, from software development and customer service to industrial automation applications.

In software development, Schneider Electric is using generative AI, such as GitHub Co-Pilot, to streamline the coding process. For customer service, an AI-supported chatbot has been implemented to reduce response times.

Weckesser distinguishes between two types of AI: Analytical AI and Generative AI. Schneider Electric is using both types in its products. Analytical AI is used for predictive maintenance and process optimization, while generative AI is employed in software development.

Schneider Electric's focus on AI extends to its product offerings as well. The company's Zeigo Hub platform, for instance, uses agent-based artificial intelligence (agentenbasierte KI) to enhance data-driven decision-making and accelerate decarbonization efforts in industrial supply chains. This type of AI allows for simplified and personalized data input, improving operational efficiency across complex value chains.

In the realm of power management, Schneider Electric integrates AI with cooling control and infrastructure orchestration in data centers, enabling better energy efficiency and system management for industrial applications.

The company is also making strides in the automotive industry, driving innovation across all levels through connected products, edge control, and analyses and services. Schneider Electric supports the digital transformation of the automotive industry with intelligent real-time controls.

Moreover, Schneider Electric is focusing on liquid cooling for IT components, which is more powerful and energy-efficient than conventional air cooling. A water-cooled system can remove up to 90% of heat directly, while air-cooled systems can only remove about 40%.

The Schneider Electric Digital Organization is also responsible for the development of the EcoStruxure IoT platform. This platform enables end-to-end industrial, building, and sustainability solutions and software.

Success with AI at Schneider Electric depends on empowering employees for the new technology. The company recognizes AI as a strategic tool, with benefits in optimizing internal processes and integrating AI-based intelligence into products. AI is viewed as a fundamental driver of digitalization, with potential to revolutionize Schneider Electric's digital technology landscape.

In conclusion, Schneider Electric is leveraging AI to drive its digital transformation, focusing on areas such as power management, industrial automation, and customer service. The company's strategic approach to AI, coupled with its focus on empowering employees and sustainability, positions it well for success in the digital age.