AI Agents Unleashed: Redefining Industrial Automation?
Jan 15, 2025
auto_awesome
Armin Hadzalic, a senior software developer at Siemens specializing in industrial AI, dives into the revolutionary impact of AI agents on engineering. He discusses the implementation of AI co-pilots in Product Lifecycle Management, transforming user experiences. The conversation highlights the evolution of autonomous agents and the significance of context in automation. Armin also articulates how AI integrates into real-time feedback systems, enhancing collaboration and communication in engineering processes, paving the way for an interconnected agent economy.
Industrial AI agents are revolutionizing engineering processes by shifting from traditional programming methods to utilizing large language models for enhanced code generation and documentation.
The evolution towards conversational user interfaces in industrial applications will streamline tasks, emphasizing the integration of AI co-pilots to improve efficiency and user interaction.
Deep dives
The Journey of Industrial AI Agents
Armin Hat-Zalic has been working on industrial AI agents at Siemens, with a particular focus on the industrial co-pilot project. This project began with efforts in classic machine learning approaches to improve processes like bug prediction. However, the launch of ChatGPT in 2022 pivoted their strategy toward utilizing large language models for code generation as part of developing the industrial co-pilot. Currently, the team is implementing a second version that will serve as a managed service to assist engineers in setting up and navigating their engineering environments.
Understanding the Industrial Co-Pilot
The industrial co-pilot is designed to enhance various segments of the product lifecycle management process, starting from design and planning to engineering and operations. The first version acted as a self-service tool allowing users to connect to their Azure environments, enabling code generation and improved documentation interactions. Feedback indicated a preference for a managed service, prompting the development of the second version, which aims to alleviate the burden of configuration from users. Key use cases identified include assisting engineers with documentation queries, generating PLC code, and creating human-machine interfaces.
Defining and Building AI Agents
Armin emphasizes the necessity of defining what constitutes an AI agent beyond mere technical frameworks. He describes agents as autonomous systems capable of taking proactive actions, integrating Andrew Ng's criteria of functionality like reflection, planning, and collaboration. The focus should initially be on the specific use case rather than getting lost in complex technical capabilities, ensuring that the developed agents address real customer needs. The current project employs the semantic kernel framework, facilitating the development of agents designed around practical applications rather than theoretical complexities.
The Future of Agents and User Interfaces
The discussion also delves into the changing landscape of user interfaces within industrial applications, with a trend towards conversational interactions rather than traditional screen-based navigation. Armin envisions a future where voice commands replace complex clicks and key entries in engineering environments, streamlining tasks and enhancing efficiency. The potential for personal and business assistants in workplace settings signifies a broader shift towards an agent-oriented economy. As industries evolve, there will likely be a growing focus on integrating these intelligent agents into existing workflows while facilitating an easier way for users to interact with the technology.
In this episode, we delve into the transformative potential of industrial agents and co-pilots. Armin Hadzalic from Siemens shares insights into how artificial intelligence is reshaping engineering processes, from PLC programming to industrial co-pilots.
Thanks for listening. We welcome suggestions for topics, criticism and a few stars on Apple, Spotify and Co.