Siemens and Machine Builders Agree on AI-Centered Data Alliance
Siemens and several leading machine tool manufacturers — including Grob, Trumpf, Chiron, Renishaw and Heller, along with the Machine Tool Laboratory (WZL) of RWTH Aachen and the Voith Group — have formed an alliance that provides for a systematic exchange of engineering, manufacturing and machine data that will be used to develop new generative AI applications for industrial environments.
This collaboration marks a decisive step toward the realization of an industry-specific AI model, the Siemens Industrial Foundation Model, which Siemens first presented its vision for at Hannover Messe 2025.
The alliance plans to significantly increase efficiency and innovation cycles in the manufacturing industry with the targeted use of AI technologies. One potential use case in the field of machine tools is the automated creation of part programs for machine tools. These programs, with verified source data, can be created significantly faster with genAI technology, while reducing the error rate in code creation. In addition, programmers will be relieved of basic tasks and can focus on more complex challenges.
The exchange of anonymized machine data in this partnership is in strict compliance with data protection and security standards. Among other things, the data will be used to develop and train AI models specifically tailored to the requirements of industrial manufacturing. The data from the alliance will be used to automatically create numerical control programs. Other use cases include predictive maintenance with precise machine-specific forecasts, adaptive manufacturing processes that adapt in real time to changing conditions, and energy-efficiency optimization through the intelligent control of machine parameters.
"Access to high-quality machine data from different manufacturers is the key here," said Roland Busch, CEO of Siemens AG. "With this alliance, we can develop AI systems that reflect the complexity entailed in development and manufacturing, and so it will become a powerful partner for skilled workers."
The alliance's long-term strategy includes bringing more companies on board — even beyond the machine tool industry — to leverage industrial artificial intelligence across different industries.
