Siemens AI: Eigen Agent Automates Engineering Tasks

Siemens presented the “Eigen Engineering Agent” at the Hannover Fair. It is intended to separate complex tasks into individual steps and thus be able to plan and execute tasks independently. The name is actually derived from the German term “sich etwas zu eigen machen” (to make something one's own). Associations with the terms eigenvalue and eigenvector from linear algebra are also quite intentional.

Plan, check, and execute

According to Siemens, the Eigen Engineering Agent creates control programs, configures systems, and checks results. It works within existing engineering environments and fully executes tasks rather than just providing hints.

According to Siemens, skilled workers should be able to complete tasks in their daily engineering work two to five times faster with the Eigen Agent than without it. The quality of the results also improves: Before the results are shown to the engineer, the Eigen Engineering Agent checks all outcomes.

The Eigen Engineering Agent has been tested with more than 100 companies worldwide, according to Siemens. It was used, among other things, for programming controls, visualizing user interfaces, and configuring devices.

Integration into existing systems

The system is part of Siemens' existing platform for industrial automation, the so-called TIA Portal (Totally Integrated Automation). This allows companies to integrate the new technology into their existing processes without having to introduce entirely new systems.

The Eigen Engineering Agent connects digital planning with real implementation and can thus directly control and improve processes in industry. The agent is therefore part of Siemens' strategy to integrate AI more strongly into industrial applications.

Ultimately, engineers should no longer have to perform every task themselves but should define goals that the AI implements independently. This eliminates repetitive work and increases productivity.

(akr)