Revolutionizing Industrial Automation: Rockwell Introduces AI Copilot for Faster, More Intuitive Design
The future of industrial automation is here. Rockwell Automation has unveiled a groundbreaking new feature for its FactoryTalk Design Studio software called AI Copilot. This innovative tool, developed in partnership with Microsoft, leverages the power of generative AI to streamline and enhance the design process for engineers.
Accelerating System Design with Natural Language
Powered by Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service, factory automation Design Studio
with AI Copilot allows engineers to communicate in natural language, simplifying complex tasks typically requiring specialized programming knowledge.
Designers can now use natural language prompts to generate code, troubleshoot issues, and receive explanations of existing code—all within a user-friendly, web-based interface, accessible anywhere without downloads or installations.
Boosting Productivity and Collaboration
More than just a code generator, AI Copilot transforms the way engineers think about design. It provides a collaborative and multi-user environment, allowing teams to work simultaneously and benefit from integrated version control. Continuous updates ensure that users always have access to the latest features and capabilities, further boosting productivity.
Empowering the Next Generation of Engineers
When asked about the implications of this technology, Chris Barnes explained, “Think about the proliferation of large language AI models like ChatGPT.” Imagine if CPGs could harness the power of natural language to accelerate ladder logic development. That’s exactly what AI Copilot aims to achieve” He further emphasized the significant impact on the workforce:
Vicky
continuous improvement efforts.
Smart Objects for Reusable Code Design
Tony Carrara, business manager at Rockwell, demonstrated the intuitive design process during an Automation Fair presentation. “With FactoryTalk Desktop we create Smart Objects: It’s a container that holds the program or routine—the real heart of the code.”
Using natural language, engineers can tell AI Copilot to create a specific Smart Object. For example,
“Create temperature control to monitor temperature across five tanks”. The
result is reusable snippet of code, ready for deployment across different projects.
“We can truly stay in the flow of their work, instead of constantly switching applications or searching the internet.
H2> Bringing AI to the Edge
Rockwell’s collaboration with Microsoft extends beyond software, with the introduction of Rockwell’s FactoryTalk Optix Food & Beverage model into the Microsoft AI model catalog enabled through Rockwell’s digital and service offerings. This revolution breaks new ground by bringing generative AI directly to the edge of automated packaging lines.
The AI model, adapted using Microsoft’s Phi-3 Small Language Models (SLM), provides operators with AI-guided instructions in a familiar interface, assisting in process and device operations. This means operators at the edge can now leverage contextualized AI guidance to enhance productivity, accelerate decision-making, and minimize errors.
In what ways does Rockwell envision AI Copilot transforming the future of industrial automation and the workforce that drives it?
## “This Changes Everything”: Rockwell’s AI Copilot Rewrites the Rules of Industrial Automation
**Host:** Welcome back to the show, viewers. Today we’re diving into a truly remarkable development in the world of industrial automation. Joining us is [Guest Name], VP of Software Engineering at Rockwell Automation, to talk about their revolutionary new AI Copilot feature. [Guest Name], thank you for being here!
**Guest:** Thanks for having me. It’s exciting to be here and talk about this groundbreaking technology.
**Host:** Let’s get right to it. Can you tell our audience what AI Copilot is and how it’s changing the game for industrial engineers?
**Guest:** Sure thing. Essentially, AI Copilot is an AI-powered assistant built right into our FactoryTalk Design Studio software. Imagine having a programming expert always at your fingertips, ready to help you design factory automation systems. That’s what we’re delivering.
**Host:** That sounds incredible. But how does it actually work?
**Guest:** It’s powered by Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service, which means engineers can communicate with the application using natural language. No more complicated code, just simple, everyday language. They can ask it to generate code, troubleshoot problems, even explain existing code they’re working with.
**Host:** This sounds almost too good to be true. Are you saying engineers can design entire systems just by talking to their computer?
**Guest:** It’s not quite that simple yet, but it’s close! AI Copilot empowers engineers by simplifying complex tasks and allowing them to collaborate more effectively. Imagine multiple engineers working on the same project, sharing ideas and seeing changes in real time. It makes the entire process faster, more efficient, and ultimately, more intuitive.
**Host:** This is huge, [Guest Name]. How do you see AI Copilot impacting the future of industrial automation and the workforce?
**Guest:** I believe it will revolutionize the field. We’ll see faster design cycles, more innovative solutions, and a new generation of engineers empowered to tackle even the most complex automation challenges.
**Host:** This is truly groundbreaking news. Thank you for your time and for sharing your insights with us, [Guest Name]. I’m confident our viewers have a lot to process here. This is a true game-changer!
