AI-Driven Industrial Automation

AI will revolutionise engineering in the future, including industrial automation. At EPLAN, we don't just support this development, we actively shape it together with our partners and set new standards in engineering for the future. We are already using these technologies to create solutions that are not only technologically advanced but also proven in practice and truly focused on the needs of our customers.

The future of industrial automation is built on collaboration - between man and machine, between expertise and innovation.

EPLAN’s AI Approach

Our goal is to empower electrical engineers with sustainable, AI-based solutions that adapt to their specific needs while maintaining the creativity, expertise, and problem-solving skills essential to engineering. Developing these technologies is no small feat - it requires deep domain knowledge and a precise understanding of our customers' environments. But this is where EPLAN excels.

For years, we have focused on supporting engineers with innovative solutions, data and methods to streamline and simplify their daily tasks. AI takes this a step further, enabling us to develop tools that reduce manual work, automate repetitive processes and make engineering workflows more efficient than ever before.

We are committed to the ethical and transparent development and use of AI and meet multiple security standards and certifications (Trust Center).

“If AI systems can interconnect with each other, both across the board and independently, we will raise the benefits for customers to a whole new level. In automation technology, for example, there are considerable efficiency gains to be had, such as a reduction in costly design and planning time. AI-assisted tools allow developers to simulate a variety of different scenarios in just a few minutes, something that would previously have taken days or even weeks. This not only saves time but also significantly and consistently improves the quality of the outcomes.”

Sebastian Seitz, CEO of EPLAN

“AI leadership and software expertise combined with deep industry knowledge are the key levers for a new growth curve and international competitiveness for industrial companies. The future will be driven by AI, especially in plant planning, design and engineering. EPLAN and Rittal are pioneering and advancing industrial automation forward through AI and showing how this technology will improve mechanical, electrical, process and plant engineering tomorrow.”

Professor Niko Mohr, Member of the Executive Board of the Friedhelm Loh Group and CEO of Rittal International and Rittal Software Systems

Leading AI expertise for the future of industrial automation

We rely on a strong team of experienced AI experts who develop data-driven and scalable solutions for automation in engineering. With deep expertise in software integrations and cloud technologies, we create intelligent applications that seamlessly integrate into existing systems. As pioneers in the automation of design and development processes, we actively shape progress – practical, future-proof, and efficient.

Since 2018, our AIDA (Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics) department has been working on the analysis and validation of engineering data, machine learning and the use of AI models in the context of engineering solutions for automation technology.

We are also intensively exploring the advanced possibilities of generative AI systems.

At the same time, with our EPLAN Cloud development and the opportunities it offers, we are creating the necessary conditions for successfully implementing AI-based solutions and making them available to customers.

As a result, we are currently developing solutions that are not only technically advanced, but also offer our customers tangible benefits.

Consistent data as the foundation for AI applications

It's all about data. With our products, we have already created significant value by integrating practical solutions for collaboration and data consistency into our portfolio. Consistent data is the key, enabling seamless, cross-company processes.

The use of AI in electrical engineering is not feasible without consistent data. We are aware of our responsibility and will integrate emerging standards into our offering, helping to drive AI in electrical engineering forward – together with our partners.

Get an up-close look at EPLAN AI use cases

At SPS 2024 in Nuremberg, we presented our work on the identified focus topics, including AI-based knowledge acquisition – AI-Copilot, automated 3D panel Layout and Quality control using AI.

We also showcased our ongoing development of the project data interpreter for seamless legacy integration. Our experts for artificial intelligence and data analytics were on site in close dialogue with our users.

At SPS 2024 in Nuremberg, we presented our work on the identified focus topics, including AI-based knowledge acquisition – AI-Copilot, automated 3D panel Layout and Quality control using AI.

Technical Advancements at Hannover Messe 2025

At Hannover Messe 2025, we joined forces with our partner Siemens to present our latest developments in the use of generative AI-powered copilots in engineering. The goal of this collaboration is a comprehensive end-to-end integration that will digitalise and automate the entire engineering process in the future.

The Siemens Engineering Copilot already enables the automatic generation of TIA code blocks for programmable logic controllers. At the fair, we also demonstrated in a showcase how the Industrial Copilot can independently make changes within an EPLAN Project – and this is just the beginning. Our common goal is to deliver tailor-made solutions that take our customers’ engineering processes to the next level. To achieve this, we are driving forward the integration between the EPLAN Platform and the Siemens TIA Portal.

Another focus of our collaboration is the standardisation of data models to improve interoperability and seamless data flows, through component data synchronisation and digital twins. We are convinced that Engineering Copilots will play a central role in the future of engineering. By taking over repetitive tasks, they will reduce manual effort and significantly accelerate development processes.

Technical Advancements at Hannover Messe 2025

Together Towards “Autonomous Engineering”

At Hannover Messe 2025, we demonstrated how artificial intelligence could support engineering in the future, using a use case developed with Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service. The showcase illustrated how a mounting plate layout can be generated fully automatically using AI. The selection of the correct control cabinet and/or the assembly plate as well as the cable ducts, DIN rails and other components is also part of the process. The AI generates the appropriate layout at the push of a button and the user then immediately knows which control cabinet is the right fit for which project. The experts at EPLAN estimate that there is potential for time savings in planning and design times of up to 40 per cent.

This is a potential application that is currently in the concept phase – a promising direction, but not necessarily one that will lead to a market-ready product.

(Source: Microsoft LinkedIn Post)

Together Towards “Autonomous Engineering”

This is a potential application that is currently in the concept phase – a promising direction, but not necessarily one that will lead to a market-ready product.

(Source: Microsoft LinkedIn Post)

We actively shape the future discourse on the use of AI in industrial automation

Sebastian Seitz, together with thought leaders from the industry, discussed at the DLD Conference 2025 in Munich during the panel discussion “The AI Frontier: Redefining Industrial Automation” how artificial intelligence is reshaping industrial automation. The discussion focused on simplifying complex processes, accelerating engineering workflows, and developing intelligent and user-friendly automation solutions.

In the long term, our focus at EPLAN is on developing a powerful co-intelligence combining human and artificial intelligence.

TECH 2025 participation in Heilbronn

We are delighted that Prof. Dr. Niko Mohr and Sebastian Seitz will be attending the first Technology Experience Convention Heilbronn conference from 25 to 27 May 2025, at the heart of Europe's largest AI ecosystem.

In an era marked by rapid transformation, Europe faces both unparalleled opportunities and pressing challenges. TECH’s mission is to shape the technological future and create a platform for pioneering discussions, developments and collaborations. This exclusive event will showcase cutting-edge technologies, inspiring keynote speeches, and dynamic interactive sessions and masterclasses, providing a platform for innovation, collaboration, and forward-thinking dialogue.