How Schneider Electric Is Transforming Industrial Automation with Generative AI and Digital Twins

At Automate 2025, Beyond the Bot caught up with Allan from Schneider Electric to explore the company’s groundbreaking innovations in industrial automation, robotics, and generative AI. Schneider, known for inventing the first programmable logic controller (PLC) in 1968, has evolved into a global automation leader. Today, they’re pushing the envelope with technologies like software-defined automation, AI-powered co-pilots, and advanced digital twin platforms.

From PLCs to Schneider's AI Co-Pilots

Schneider Electric has come a long way since its early days. The company is now pioneering a shift to software-defined automation, enabling faster, more efficient, and more intelligent operations. At the center of this transformation is their generative AI co-pilot, embedded directly into their EcoStruxure™ Automation Expert platform.

This co-pilot allows engineers to generate real PLC code, validate it, simulate it, and even test it, all before deploying any physical hardware. Unlike public LLMs like ChatGPT, this AI model operates in a secure offline environment, which ensures that proprietary code and industrial data remain protected. With integrated libraries for Schneider’s hardware components, the co-pilot generates production-ready automation code, tailored to specific devices like Pack Drive PLCs.

Digital Twins: Virtual Engineering for Real-World Impact

Another major focus is Schneider’s digital twin technology. Used for simulation, training, and predictive modeling, digital twins help engineers visualize and optimize machine behavior before anything is built. During high-demand periods, like Black Friday or Christmas, digital twins can simulate energy consumption and system load, preventing costly downtime or failures.

This tech is especially valuable for warehouse automation, baggage handling systems, and logistics centers. Schneider's digital twin suite integrates seamlessly with their control software, allowing real-time insights and augmented reality visualizations for maintenance and diagnostics.

Addressing Adoption Barriers in Robotics

Despite the availability of cutting-edge automation technologies, adoption challenges persist, especially for small to mid-sized businesses. Allan emphasized that many companies hesitate because of knowledge gaps and training issues. The industry’s shift from traditional ladder logic to structured text and G-code programming has left some operators behind.

The solution? Leverage system integrators. These experts help companies select the right robotics and automation solutions for their unique industries, whether that’s food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, or water treatment. System integrators not only ensure the right technologies are deployed, but also help businesses build sustainable ROI with properly trained staff and scalable solutions.

The Rise of Open, Multi-Vendor Automation Platforms

Schneider’s EcoStruxure Automation Expert is also leading the charge toward open, vendor-agnostic platforms. Customers are no longer tied to a single hardware brand, they can now integrate third-party components, offering flexibility and future-proofing.

With AI-powered code generation, digital twin simulation, and support for multi-vendor hardware, Schneider Electric is redefining how automation engineers design, test, and deploy solutions in Industry 4.0 environments.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're in manufacturing, logistics, or process automation, Schneider’s innovations demonstrate that smart automation is no longer a future concept, it’s here now. With generative AI, digital twins, and secure software-defined environments, Schneider Electric is helping businesses accelerate digital transformation safely and efficiently.