Next level connectivity: plug connections and AI

The industrial world is undergoing tempestuous change. Every day, we are experiencing how digital ecosystems, artificial intelligence and collaborative platforms are changing the way we develop products and launch them on the markets. A joint project between Microsoft, HARTING and Siemens is one particularly exciting example of this: an AI-supported generative engineering tool that is taking connector design to an entirely new level.

Advancing and elevating networking is the decisive trend. Digital ecosystems and centralised data marketplaces enable companies to exchange data securely and efficiently – not only with each other, but vis-a-vis research institutions and start-ups. This openness creates the foundation for new business models and accelerates the development of innovative products. The cloud is a central component in this context: It makes data exchange flexible, scalable and cost efficient, for example thanks to the pay-per-use principle. Accordingly, companies only pay for the services or resources that they actually use. As opposed to the traditional licence or flat-rate models, there is no need for high initial investments. Instead, cloud services, computing capacities or software applications, for example, are billed flexibly and according to demand – just like electricity or water. This makes the use of modern technologies not only more cost efficient, but also particularly adaptable to changing requirements within companies themselves.

Artificial intelligence is at the core of the project. Together with Microsoft and HARTING, Siemens has developed a solution that allows users to simply enter their technical requirements in natural words – by keyboard or by voice. AI translates these inputs into technical specifications and uses them to create a customised 3D model of the desired connector. The special aspect here: HARTING's product and configuration expertise remains protected within the company. Especially in open, digital ecosystems, it is essential that expertise and data sovereignty are maintained – and this is guaranteed by state-of-the-art cybersecurity.

Processes that previously took weeks of engineering work are now completed by AI in just 15 to 30 seconds. A standardised database is the foundation for this, for example by way of a product lifecycle management (PLM) system, which bundles all the relevant information and enables the AI-supported automation of the product development process chain, from design, on to simulation and all the way through to production.

The advantages of this development are multifaceted: AI-supported designs can save material and installation space, while also contributing to ecological sustainability. In addition, time-to-market is significantly reduced and companies can meet individual customer requirements faster and more precisely. It is no longer merely about internal process optimisation, but about genuine collaboration and the development of new, data-driven business models.

One of the biggest challenges – and at the same time the key to success – is bringing people together with different expertise and from different disciplines. The potential of digitalisation can only be fully unleased and leveraged if a common language and common goals are defined. The interaction between HARTING, Microsoft and Siemens shows just how valuable this co-operation can be: together, we are shaping the future of industry – faster, smarter and more sustainable.

The generative AI tool is just the beginning. With the right blend of technology, team spirit and openness to new ideas, an exciting journey lies ahead of us.