On 7 January 2026, at CES 2026, Siemens announced a deepened collaboration with NVIDIA to jointly develop an industrial AI operating system, redefining industrial design, engineering and operational models. The partners plan to establish the world's first AI-driven, adaptive manufacturing base at Siemens' Erlangen, Germany facility in 2026 as the inaugural demonstration site. NVIDIA will provide AI infrastructure and simulation technology, while Siemens will contribute hundreds of industrial AI specialists alongside software and hardware resources, focusing on core areas including AI-native electronic design automation, simulation, and adaptive manufacturing.   Key implementation measures include: integrating NVIDIA NIM and Nemotron open-source AI models into Siemens' EDA software portfolio to enhance semiconductor and PCB design accuracy while reducing costs; launching the Digital Twin Composer solution, which merges Siemens digital twins, NVIDIA Omniverse simulation libraries, and real-world datasets, set to debut on the Siemens Xcelerator Marketplace in mid-2026.  Additionally, Siemens has launched the inaugural PAVE360 automotive technology autonomous driving experience programme. This initiative enables autonomous driving operations within virtual environments through system-level digital twins, accelerating software-defined vehicle development. Its core control logic achieves deep integration with Siemens S7 series PLCs, forming an end-to-end solution. 

Happy New Year !On July 8, 2025, Siemens announced the completion of its acquisition of ebm-papst's Industrial Drives Technology business. This move will strengthen Siemens' leading position in factory automation and digitalization, while capturing growth opportunities in emerging sectors such as intelligent battery technology, semiconductors, and electronics. Following the acquisition, this business will be marketed under the Siemens umbrella under the name "Mechatronic Systems."   This acquisition represents a strategic expansion of the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio, reinforcing Siemens' forefront position in flexible manufacturing automation solutions. By integrating the new business into its existing automation product ecosystem and leveraging its global sales network, Siemens will further explore new markets in areas like intelligent battery-driven and robotic solutions, unlocking significant commercial potential.   The expanded portfolio includes two main series: **SIMOTICS E-1EE1** (brushless internal rotor motors) and **SIMOTICS E-1EV1** (brushless external rotor motors). These are designed for battery-powered conveying, storage, sorting systems, and intralogistics applications. The portfolio offers 24V and 48V voltage variants, complete with drive solutions. The **SIMOTICS E ArgoDrive** steering system enables safe, precise, and omnidirectional control for Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) under heavy-duty conditions, specifically developed to meet the growing demands of intralogistics and automated production. Again, Happy New Year 2026! We wish you a happy and healthy and wealthy New Year.

At the recently held 20th China IDC Industry Annual Grand Ceremony in Beijing, Siemens unveiled its newly upgraded Data Center Solution 5.0 and showcased multiple new products for future 'AI factories.' Among these, new DC power distribution products such as the SENTRON 3VA series moulded case circuit breakers for 800/1000-volt DC made their debut in the Chinese market. This launch not only marks Siemens' cutting-edge position in the computing power revolution but also provides robust support for the digital transformation of critical sectors like healthcare. As a core medical technology business within Siemens, Siemens Healthineers is a key beneficiary and collaborative innovator of such high-performance data center solutions, jointly driving the release of productive forces in the AI era.   "With the surge in generative AI, a new computing power revolution has commenced. Faced with escalating demands for availability, power density, and computing-power synergy, building smarter, greener, and safer data centers has become an imperative for the computing power industry's advancement – and this is Siemens' innovation mission," stated Lin Bin, Executive Vice President of Siemens (China) Co., Ltd. and General Manager of Siemens Greater China's Intelligent Infrastructure Group. "Through the newly launched Data Center Solution 5.0, we will leverage Siemens' technological strengths in areas like digital twin, alongside decades of industry expertise, to collaborate with our extensive ecosystem partners. We will provide comprehensive lifecycle technical support for data centers, unlocking new productive forces for the AI era through 'new-quality computing power.'"   Reportedly, Siemens Data Center Solution 5.0 spans the entire lifecycle from planning and construction to operation and maintenance. It integrates virtual simulation software, intelligent hardware, and AI applications to empower high-value transformation within the computing power industry. Several products are already available on the Siemens Xcelerator platform. Leveraging this open digital business platform, Siemens will continuously expand its data center innovation ecosystem, accelerating co-creation and mutual success with upstream and downstream enterprises. Empowering Healthcare Innovation: The Synergistic Evolution of Siemens Healthineers and Data Center Solutions In the healthcare sector, digital transformation is profoundly reshaping the industry landscape. Siemens Healthineers, as a global leader in medical technology, relies heavily on efficient and reliable data processing and storage capabilities. Everything from AI-powered medical image analysis and telemedicine to precision medicine and smart hospital management involves the real-time computation and secure transmission of massive data. With the rapid development of medical AI applications, the underlying computing infrastructure faces higher demands: exceptional availability to ensure continuity of medical se...

Siemens PLC series products are extensively utilised within industrial control applications. Distinct PLC series differ in functionality, performance, and scope of applicability. This article provides a detailed overview of the characteristics and distinctions across Siemens PLC series.   I. S7-200 Smart Series: The S7-200 Smart series constitutes Siemens' most fundamental PLC product line, suitable for compact control systems. Its features include: Low cost and compact form factor, ideal for straightforward control tasks. Support for multiple communication interfaces, such as RS232 and RS485. Integrated digital and analogue I/O modules to fulfil fundamental control requirements.   II. S7-300 Series (officially discontinued): The S7-300 series represents Siemens' mid-range PLC offering, designed for medium-sized control systems. Key features include: High performance and reliability, suitable for complex control tasks. Supports multiple communication interfaces, such as PROFIBUS and PROFINET. Highly expandable, accommodating large memory capacities and diverse expansion modules.   III. S7-400 Series: The S7-400 series represents Siemens' advanced PLC product line, designed for large-scale control systems. Key features include: High performance and reliability, suitable for extensive and complex control tasks. Support for multiple communication interfaces, such as PROFIBUS and PROFINET. Capacity for large memory and diverse expansion modules to meet varied application requirements. IV. S7-1200 Series: The S7-1200 series represents Siemens' compact PLC product line, suitable for small to medium-sized control systems. Key features include: Compact size and low cost, suitable for simple control tasks. Supports multiple communication interfaces, such as PROFINET and MODBUS. Highly expandable, accommodating various expansion modules.   V. S7-1500 Series: The S7-1500 series represents Siemens' most advanced PLC product line, suitable for medium to large-scale control systems. Key features include: High performance and reliability, ideal for complex and high-speed control tasks. Support for multiple communication interfaces, such as PROFINET and MODBUS. Capacity for large memory and diverse expansion modules to meet varied application requirements.   Our company can supply products from all Siemens series. Should you require any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us. Thank you for your consideration.

On October 21, GE Vernova announced it would acquire a 50% stake in transformer manufacturer Prolec GE, which it does not already own, for $5.28 billion. The company stated that this decision is primarily driven by the significant increase in demand for grid equipment, fueled by the artificial intelligence boom.   The shares targeted in this acquisition are currently held by joint venture partner Xignux. The transaction will be financed through an equal mix of cash and debt. Subject to regulatory approval, the deal is expected to close by mid-2026. Prolec GE was initially established in 1995 as a joint venture between Xignux and General Electric.   As a leading global manufacturer of dielectric liquid-immersed transformers, Prolec GE’s core business includes the design, manufacturing, and sales of transformers and high- and low-voltage components. The company produces products with multiple power ratings and voltage levels and offers complementary solutions such as load tap changer (LTC) training and oil filtration systems. With a 20% market share, it ranks second in the U.S. power transformer market, trailing only Hitachi.   As a major global grid equipment supplier, Prolec GE operates seven production facilities worldwide, five of which are located in the United States, and employs approximately 10,000 people globally. Notably, earlier this year, the company announced a $140 million capacity investment plan, which is expected to create 330 new jobs in Goldsboro, North Carolina, over the next three years. This initiative is part of a broader capacity expansion plan totaling over $300 million in the United States and Mexico. Following the acquisition news, GE Vernova’s stock price saw a slight increase in after-hours trading.   The company also plans to release its third-quarter financial results on October 22. Currently, as major tech companies and Silicon Valley startups race to expand AI services like ChatGPT, electricity demand in the U.S. is experiencing explosive growth. The U.S. Energy Information Administration predicts that, driven by continued growth in cryptocurrency mining and electricity demand from households and businesses, U.S. power consumption will reach record highs between 2025 and 2026.   Commenting on the acquisition, GE Vernova CEO Scott Strazik stated, “This acquisition aligns with our strategic and financial objectives while creating value for customers by strengthening our market presence in North America, where demand for grid equipment is rapidly expanding.” This move further solidifies the company’s position as a leading player serving the growing global grid market. With the rapid rise in demand for grid technologies in North America, the transaction will accelerate the growth of GE Vernova’s fastest-growing "electrification segment" by expanding its operational footprint and service support in the region.

Before selecting a PLC, we must first determine the system solution. Once that is established, we then choose the manufacturer and model. But do you know how to make these selections?   I. Determining the PLC Manufacturer When selecting a PLC manufacturer, the primary considerations should be the end-user's requirements, the designer's familiarity with and design preferences for different manufacturers' PLCs, compatibility with supporting products, and technical service capabilities. Regarding the reliability of the PLC itself, in principle, products from major international companies should not present reliability issues. Generally, for controlling standalone equipment or relatively simple control systems, Japanese PLC products offer a certain cost-performance advantage. For larger-scale systems requiring high network communication capabilities, open distributed control systems, or remote I/O systems, PLCs manufactured in Europe (Siemens) and America demonstrate superior network communication functionality.   II. Input/Output (I/O) Point Count The number of input/output points constitutes one of the fundamental parameters of a PLC. Determining the I/O count should be based on the total sum of all I/O points required for the controlled equipment. Under normal circumstances, the PLC's I/O points should incorporate an appropriate margin. Typically, the estimated I/O count is calculated by adding a 10% to 20% expansion margin to the statistically determined input/output point count. When placing an actual order, adjustments to the I/O point count should also be made according to the specific characteristics of the manufacturer's PLC product.   III. Memory Capacity Memory capacity refers to the size of the hardware storage units provided by the programmable logic controller itself. Program capacity denotes the size of storage units utilised by the user application within the memory; consequently, program capacity is smaller than memory capacity. During the design phase, as the user application programme has not yet been developed, the programme capacity remains unknown and can only be determined after programme debugging. To enable a preliminary estimation of programme capacity during design and selection, the memory capacity is typically used as a substitute. Estimating PLC memory capacity lacks a fixed formula. Numerous literature sources propose different approaches, generally suggesting multiplying the digital I/O point count by 10 to 15, adding 100 times the analogue I/O point count, and using this sum as the total number of words (16 bits per word). An additional 25% margin is then factored in.   Naturally, the above three steps constitute only the foundational selection process. We must further understand how to select control functions, which will be revealed in the next article. We encourage you to follow, like, and save this content for easy retrieval and future reference. Thank you.

On August 29, 2025, ABB India announced that it had secured an order worth INR 1.7355 billion from Siemens Renewable Energy to supply wind turbine converters and electrical cabinets.     A regulatory filing revealed that the monthly deliveries for this order are scheduled to commence in January 2026 and continue through December 2026. The company stated: "ABB India Limited accepted an order on August 28, 2025, at 7:00 PM Indian Standard Time from Siemens Renewable Energy Private Limited for the supply of wind turbine converters and electrical cabinets." The total value of the order is INR 1.7355 billion.     In its filing with the stock exchange, the company described the order as a "supply order," requiring the production and delivery of 3.X wind turbine converters and electrical cabinets based on a build-to-print model. The work will be carried out at ABB India’s facility in Nelamangala.     Following the announcement, ABB’s stock price rose more than 1% in early trading but ultimately closed largely flat. Market caution was largely attributed to the company’s recent pressured financial performance. Earlier this month, ABB India reported its second-quarter results for the 2025 calendar year. The company posted a net profit of INR 3.517 billion, down 20.5% year-on-year from INR 4.435 billion in the same period last year. Its earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) for the April–June quarter also saw a significant decline, falling 27% year-on-year to INR 4.41 billion. The EBITDA margin dropped to 13% from 19.2% in the same quarter last year.     However, the company’s revenue for the second quarter of the 2025 calendar year increased by 12.2% to INR 31.754 billion, compared to INR 28.31 billion in the same period of the previous fiscal year. Commenting on the performance, a Director of ABB India said: "Despite the impact of foreign exchange fluctuations and one-time events on profitability this quarter, we achieved a double-digit net profit margin for the 11th consecutive quarter."     From an industry perspective, this order not only demonstrates ABB’s capabilities in electrification and automation but also represents a strategic move in the wind power sector. For ABB, this could serve as key leverage to alleviate profit pressures and stabilize market confidence. For Siemens’ wind energy business, this in-depth collaboration with ABB signifies stronger supply chain support in the global wind energy market competition.   In short, the substantial order value and clear delivery timeline have sent a positive signal to the market. However, whether ABB can truly emerge from the shadow of declining profits will depend on its execution capabilities in the coming quarters and the overall industry conditions.

On 21 August 2025, Schneider Electric, a leader in energy management automation, announced the acquisition of US residential energy software company WattBuy. WattBuy specialises in delivering highly personalised energy insights and electrification solutions for household consumers. Its Chief Executive Officer and co-founder, Naman Trivedi, along with the existing management team, will continue to oversee the company's operations following the acquisition. This move significantly enhances Schneider Electric's capacity to drive the energy transition for American households, particularly addressing its previous limitations in end-user insights and personalised services.   WattBuy's core technological strength lies in its proprietary data modelling capabilities. Unlike generic energy recommendation tools, the platform precisely evaluates the economic viability and suitability of diverse energy solutions for consumers. This assessment is based on multiple dimensions including the user's exact residential address (matching local electricity pricing policies and sunlight conditions) and historical electricity consumption behaviour (such as monthly usage and peak/off-peak consumption patterns). It covers scenarios including electricity tariff plan optimisation, rooftop solar panel installation, and energy storage system configuration, delivering truly personalised decision support.   Within the commercial ecosystem, WattBuy has adopted an ‘API-first’ strategy to embed itself within numerous major US platforms, including property giant Redfin, resale home transaction service provider Opendoor, and Veterans United Home Loans. This has enabled cumulative reach to over 100 million users. Schneider can leverage this established partnership network to rapidly and extensively access the US household market, bypassing the need to build user bases from scratch.   Jaser Faruq, Senior Vice President of Schneider Electric's Prosumer Business, emphasised that WattBuy's personalisation capabilities highly complement the transparent comparison marketplace of EnergySage and the installation service network of Qmerit. The integrated portfolio will provide consumers with end-to-end electrification services—from information discovery and solution comparison to installation implementation—significantly lowering the barrier for households to transition to clean energy. This acquisition not only demonstrates Schneider's strategic intent to strengthen its position in distributed energy and consumer-side digital services, but also reflects its firm commitment to accelerating deployment at the grid edge through ‘mergers and acquisitions integration’ to reduce carbon emissions.