AI-Driven Industrial Automation

AI will revolutionize engineering in the future, including industrial automation.

AI-Driven 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

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.

Take a look at Eplan AI use cases 

At SPS 2024 in Nuremberg, Germany, we presented our work on key focus area, which included AI-based knowledge acquisition, AI-Copilot, an automated 3D panel layout and quality control using artificial intelligence. 

Additionally, we showcased our ongoing development of the project data interpreter which facilitates seamless integration with legacy systems.

Leading AI expertise for the future of industrial automation

Technical advancements at Hannover Messe 2025 

In collaboration with Siemens at Hannover Messe 2025, we unveiled our latest advancements for using generative AI-powered copilots for engineering. This partnership aims to deliver a comprehensive end-to-end integration that will digitize 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. We demonstrated how the Industrial Copilot can automatically make changes within an Eplan project - and this is just the beginning.

Our shared goal is to provide customized solutions that elevate customers' engineering processes. To achieve this, we are enhancing integration between the Eplan Platform and Siemens TIA Portal. 

Another focus of our collaboration is the standardization of data models to improve interoperability and ensure seamless data flows through component data synchronization and digital twins. We believe that engineering copilots will play a central role in the future of engineering by handling repetitive tasks, reducing manual effort, and significantly accelerating development processes. 

Together for Autonomous Engineering 

During Hannover Messe 2025, we demonstrated how artificial intelligence could enhance engineering in the future through a use case developed with Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service. The showcase illustrated the automated generation of a mounting plate layout using AI.

This process includes selecting the appropriate enclosure and/or mounting plate, as well as the cable ducts, DIN rails, and other components. AI generates the correct layout at the touch of a button, allowing the user to promptly identify which enclosure is the right fit for each project. Experts at Eplan estimate the potential time savings in the planning and design phases could reach up to 40 percent. 

(Source: Microsoft LinkedIn Post)

Sebastian Seitz, together with thought leaders from the industry, at the DLD Conference 2025

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.

Successful TECH 2025

The first TECH event in Heilbronn featured 200 speakers and 1,400 guests, with more than 150,000 people tuning in via livestream. The vision is to create a platform that showcases Europe's strengths and provides a space for exchanging ideas about Europe as a hub for innovation.

Eplan CEO Sebastian Seitz spoke on the topic of 'Industrial AI: How AI is Changing the DNA of Engineering'. Seitz believes that AI has clear value for both smaller companies, which can quickly generate multiple solution options, and larger companies, which often have greater potential to reuse solutions. He explained that the long-term goal is to automate repetitive tasks.

However, a key prerequisite for the successful use of AI technology is the availability of high-quality data, and much work still needs to be done in this area.