Microsoft and Rockwell Automation have expanded their partnership to leverage artificial intelligence in enhancing industrial productivity. Their first collaboration integrates Microsoft's Azure OpenAI into Rockwell's FactoryTalk industrial software.

The companies aim to use AI's generative capabilities to speed up time-to-market for automation systems. OpenAI's natural language features will help engineers rapidly generate code and automation based on text prompts.

"The explosive interest in AI is driving more organizations to partner with Microsoft as a trusted cloud and AI provider," said Judson Althoff, Microsoft's EVP of Worldwide Commercial Business. "We're excited to strengthen our relationship with Rockwell by combining its industrial expertise with Microsoft's generative AI to accelerate complex systems development."

Initially, OpenAI integration into FactoryTalk Design Studio will automate repetitive tasks for engineers and make it easier for new hires to get up to speed through AI mentoring. More broadly, the companies believe infusing AI throughout operations can optimize workflows.

Potential use cases include leveraging generative AI for rapid quality management iteration, failure analysis, and even chatbot-based employee training by having AI review work samples with novices.

"Our decade-long Microsoft partnership shows our commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions that move industries forward through collaboration and innovation," noted Blake Moret, Rockwell Automation's CEO. "Together, we're shaping the future of industrial automation."

The firms are also collaborating on mixed-reality technologies for industrial settings. By combining cloud data, 3D simulations, IoT sensors and AI, they aim to build immersive digital twin environments that can iteratively test product designs before physical prototyping.

Microsoft's Azure platform, paired with Rockwell's real-world manufacturing expertise, can bridge virtual and real worlds to enhance R&D, maintenance, training and more. This integration highlights the power of their expanded alliance.

"AI holds huge potential for advancing automation across functions like engineering, operations and decision-making," Althoff said. "We're committed to responsibly building trustworthy AI that helps customers improve productivity and time to market."

By merging software strengths, the tech leaders aim to rapidly roll out next-gen intelligent automation. Their unified AI approach could soon become an industry blueprint.