Microsoft, Rockwell Automation to bring Gen AI to robotics development

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Microsoft and Rockwell Automation have announced an expanded partnership to leverage Generative AI capabilities for enhanced productivity and faster time-to-market. The first outcome of this collaboration will be adding Microsoft’s Azure OpenAI Service into FactoryTalk Design Studio to accelerate time-to-market for their customers building industrial automation systems. 

Adding Azure OpenAI Service into FactoryTalk Design Studio helps engineers generate code using natural language prompts, automate routine tasks, and improve design efficiency. The collaboration will also empower seasoned engineers to accelerate development to more easily mentor newcomers on a learning path. 

Additionally, the collaboration will help developers more easily find relevant help from vast collections of information. 

“The explosive growth and interest in artificial intelligence is driving organizations to partner with Microsoft as a trusted cloud and AI provider,” Judson Althoff, executive vice president and chief commercial officer at Microsoft, said in a release. “I am pleased to further strengthen our longstanding relationship with Rockwell by combining its expertise in industrial automation with Microsoft’s generative AI technology to help industrial professionals expedite the creation of complex control systems, optimize the efficiency of their operations, and spur greater innovation across industrial organizations.”

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Rockwell and Microsoft also see potential in extending this integrated technology to solve other challenges. These challenges could include Quality Management and Improvement, Failure Mode Analysis, and training frontline workers to execute manufacturing processes through chat-based collaboration with experienced human workers as well as Azure OpenAI Service-based chatbots. 

The companies recognize that using AI to enhance automation across various roles, including decision-makers, control engineers, and operations, is a key area where they can help customers streamline their processes and drive worker productivity. 

“Rockwell’s decade-long relationship with Microsoft illustrates our ongoing commitment to providing best-of-breed solutions that empower customers and support our shared vision of driving industries forward through innovation and collaboration,” Blake Moret, Chairman and CEO of Rockwell Automation, said. “Together, we’re not just addressing current market needs; we’re shaping the future of technology in industrial automation.”

Microsoft and Rockwell are also interested in continuing to explore ways to advance innovation in the industrial metaverse. Both companies are using their IoT capabilities, cloud datasets, simulations, and AI to design and build products more effectively, efficiently, and sustainably.