KUKA Pushes on Digitalization & the Data-Driven Factory: Event Recap

At its first-ever software and digital event under the motto KUKA digital_powering your business, the automation giant showcased its extensive portfolio. Device Insight proudly participated as part of the newly established KUKA Digital division! We had the opportunity to engage in exciting discussions, gain valuable insights, and contribute our expertise to the concept of the Data-Driven Factory.

KUKA Digital Event

Software is playing an increasingly important role in mechanical engineering. In the data-driven factory, electronics, and software are now taking over what used to be done mechanically. Industry leader KUKA is taking this into account and has had its own digital division since September, whose subsidiaries also include Device Insight.

Device Insight: Anchored in Cutting-Edge Digital Technology

KUKA Digital aims to deliver seamless digitalization across diverse machines and systems, from initial 3D simulations to networking, data analysis, and the integration of artificial intelligence.

As part of KUKA since 2019, Device Insight now plays a key role in the new Digital Business Unit, helping businesses digitalize their operations. By leveraging IoT, data analytics, and AI solutions, we transform data into actionable insights that drive sustainable competitive advantages. Device Insight was present with a booth at the Digital Expo during KUKA Digital’s debut event on the first week of November this year.

Stefan Hübner zeigt die Data-Driven Factory
Stefan Hübner, CEO of Device Insight, talks about the data-driven factory

End-to-End Digital Processes: A Catalyst for the Industry

At the event, Device Insight presented a holistic vision for the Data-Driven Factory, which revolves around seamless data integration spanning production processes, supply chains, energy procurement, and beyond. This holistic approach to data connectivity and transparency empowers companies to respond quickly and effectively to changes.

Lively panel discussions enriched the program, offering attendees valuable insights into topics like how clean, end-to-end digital engineering processes significantly boost competitiveness. Carmen Joesten-Machado, Customer Success Manager for mosaixx, emphasized the importance of optimized processes:
“Seamless processes are absolutely key—from quoting and layout design to commissioning. This translates into greater efficiency, lower costs, and improved market opportunities, providing protection against increasing commoditization.”

Securing the Future through Digitalization: Lessons from Gerolsteiner Brunnen

In a hands-on talk featuring experts from process industries and manufacturing, we explored comprehensive data visibility, challenges, and solution strategies. Martin Dimmler of Device Insight set the stage, discussing how Gerolsteiner Brunnen has laid the groundwork for digital transformation with a data intelligence solution.
The goal: seamless data exchange between systems, machines, and equipment to create a more digital, efficient, and flexible production process. Dimmler shared practical examples of successful implementations and noted:
“Once the data platform foundation is laid, and initial use cases demonstrate value, the ideas flow freely—from every corner of the company.”

“Thanks to the data intelligence platform, we have already been able to achieve significant improvements in the management of our production processes - with a clear focus on greater transparency, flexibility and forward-looking planning. The first use cases have already been realized as part of the proof of concept and implemented within a very short time. At the same time, the platform is flexibly expandable and thus forms the basis for our further path to the data-driven factory.”

Helene Maselter
Head of Productivity and Process Management, Gerolsteiner

Experiencing the Data-Driven Factory

Visitors at KUKA’s Augsburg headquarters got a hands-on experience with technologies from KUKA and its subsidiaries. They explored simulations, virtual commissioning, and topics like digital twins, AI in manufacturing, robotic software, and digital factories.

Keynotes from Peter Mohnen (CEO, KUKA AG), Quirin Görz (former CIO of KUKA AG, now CEO of KUKA Digital), and tech blogger Sascha Lobo stood out as highlights. They urged companies to be bold in investing in digital and AI technologies. Mohnen and Görz illustrated KUKA’s transformation over its 126-year history, evolving to offer not just hardware but software solutions as well.

Sascha Lobo added a thought-provoking perspective on the speed and impact of the current AI transformation. Unlike previous technological shifts, the rapid pace of this change is challenging established business models and surprising even experts. Lobo emphasized the need for a positive mindset toward AI and digitalization, coupled with a workplace culture that encourages experimentation to maintain a competitive edge.

Conclusion: A Milestone on the Road to a Digital Future

Through a comprehensive customer journey—from the initial idea of a digital shopfloor solution to simulation, Gen-AI-based robot programming, and real-time data analysis—attendees in Augsburg gained a clear picture of what KUKA and its subsidiaries can achieve. This holistic approach, paired with insights from talks and panels, has undoubtedly inspired many participants to delve deeper into the concept of a Data-Driven Factory.

You can see a few live impressions in this video review!

Missed the event? Let’s connect! Device Insight’s expertise in connectivity, data collection, IoT, and analytics complements KUKA Digital’s offerings. Whether your company is just starting its digital journey or gearing up for the next transformation, we’re here to help. Reach out to us to learn more about KUKA Digital and our solutions portfolio.

Gerolsteiner Data-Driven Factory

Data-Driven Factory: Gerolsteiner

There is much more to learn from the Gerolsteiner case. Read the full story on how you can bring real-time transparency to your production and use data analytics for predictive process planning.

Gerolsteiner Data-Driven Factory
Case Study Gerolsteiner
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