Rockwell Automation and Microsoft Collaborate to Advance Industrial Transformation

Rockwell Automation and Microsoft have announced an expanded collaboration to integrate advanced cloud and AI solutions into industrial operations. The companies state that their combined expertise will enable manufacturers to derive critical insights, streamline processes, and enhance scalability. Key technologies include Microsoft's Azure IoT Operations and Rockwell’s FactoryTalk® software, which aim to bridge shop-floor operations with digital systems for improved efficiency and data-informed decision-making.

As part of this collaboration, Rockwell has introduced new capabilities in its FactoryTalk Design Studio software, incorporating Generative AI through Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service. This feature, according to the company, simplifies system design by allowing users to generate and troubleshoot PLC code with natural language prompts. Additionally, Rockwell’s AI-enabled FT Optix models bring AI-guided operational support directly to manufacturing floors.

"We are excited to strengthen our partnership with Microsoft as we work to meet the evolving challenges faced by today’s manufacturers. This enhanced collaboration fuses cloud and AI technologies with our extensive expertise in industrial automation, enabling our customers to reach unprecedented levels of efficiency, innovation and resilience in their operations.” said Jessica Korpela, director, global customer innovation at Rockwell Automation.

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