Energy operations automation

Iberdrola, a Spain-based multinational utility company, uses AWS to support sustainability and energy transition initiatives at global scale.The article says Iberdrola enhances IT operations in ServiceNow using Amazon Bedrock AgentCore and different agentic architectures to manage thousands of change requests and incident tickets more efficiently across departments.It also says Iberdrola uses AWS AI/ML and generative AI capabilities to optimize renewable energy production, lower energy consumption and cost, and accelerate energy solutions into production.

IberdrolaEnergy & Utilities

Demand IQ built a software-as-a-service product that uses conversational AI and geospatial data to make residential solar shopping more transparent and accessible.The solution helps homeowners quickly assess whether their roofs qualify for solar, understand estimated costs and savings, and move through qualification, quoting, and appointment booking online.

Demand IQEnergy & Utilities

Microsoft's AI Co-Innovation Lab in Milwaukee has collaborated with over 60 small- and medium-sized manufacturing companies in Wisconsin to develop tailored AI solutions that address various operational challenges.Participating companies include Paper Machine Converting Company, Husco, Packer Fastener, Renaissant, Sentry Equipment, and Wiscon Products, spanning industries such as paper manufacturing, automotive parts, fastening supplies, shipping logistics, and precision machinery.The lab developed prototypes like real-time anomaly detection systems on Azure, AI-powered report evaluation tools, automated order matching software, multilingual voice assistants for logistics, AI-driven contract compliance systems, and production scheduling optimizations.These innovations have accelerated tasks that previously took weeks or months down to days or weeks, increased operational efficiency and accuracy, and provided competitive advantages for the manufacturers.

Paper Machine Converting CompanyManufacturing

Siemens partnered with Microsoft to develop Industrial Copilots deployed on the Siemens Xcelerator open digital business platform leveraging Azure OpenAI Service.The AI copilots assist engineers, operators, and decision-makers by translating machine and production data into actionable insights and recommendations with natural language interaction.Siemens Industrial Copilots serve automation engineers, software developers, and shop floor operators with use cases such as faster code generation, debugging, application development acceleration, and real-time troubleshooting.The copilots have resulted in up to 60% faster code generation, significant reduction in simulation times, and up to 60% reduction in unplanned downtime, enhancing operational efficiency and knowledge transfer.Siemens plans to add multimodal capabilities for image and text diagnosis and explore agent-based autonomous automation.

SiemensManufacturing

Infosys, in partnership with Microsoft, developed an AI agent-powered productivity solution that transforms operations in the energy sector. Leveraging Microsoft Copilot Studio, Azure OpenAI, Azure AI Foundry, Infosys Topaz, and Infosys Cobalt, the solution turns massive operational datasets into actionable insights for improved safety, reliability, and efficiency.The AI Assistant digests complex reports, images, and tables, providing predictive insights and real-time alerts to operators. This enables faster, data-driven decision-making and automation of repetitive workflow and report generation tasks. Operators can anticipate and avoid potential issues, minimizing non-productive time (NPT) and operational risk.By integrating advanced conversational AI into operational workflows, the solution empowers energy sector companies to unlock new productivity levels. It also improves coordination between engineering, field teams, and back-office operations through consistent, real-time insights accessible through intuitive conversational interfaces.Built atop the Microsoft Cloud and AI stack, Infosys embeds these agentic AI capabilities into their platforms for the energy industry, delivering measurable improvements in key safety and efficiency KPIs.

InfosysEnergy & Utilities

Microsoft in partnership with Incredible Health developed AI solutions to address high insurance claim denial rates and administrative burdens in rural hospitals, helping improve financial health and workforce efficiency.The AI-based claims denial navigator streamlines denied Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial insurance claims resolution for hospitals, offering actionable recommendations to billing staff.Incredible Health created AI voice agents that assist healthcare workers with resume refinement, interview preparation, and personalized candidate outreach, supporting over 1 million healthcare workers.Microsoft technologies used include Azure AI, Copilot, and AI voice technologies, enhancing workflow automation and hiring processes in the healthcare sector.

700 rural hospitals in the United StatesHealthcare

Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) undertook a digital transformation to address the demanding challenges of global energy supply, decarbonization, and minimizing operational downtime. By deploying AI-powered platforms, including ENERGYai and Neuron 5, ADNOC capitalized on Microsoft Azure technologies and autonomous AI agents to modernize its operations. These platforms were developed through collaboration with Microsoft and AIQ, focusing on seismic analysis, predictive asset maintenance, and optimization of energy usage.The new AI-driven processes enabled real-time insights and actionable analytics. Predictive maintenance capabilities led to rapid identification and resolution of issues, while autonomous agents continuously monitored and optimized energy use. Workflows that previously took months were accelerated to days or minutes, boosting efficiency.The company saw a significant reduction in unplanned downtime—up to 50% at one plant, more sustainable and reliable operations, and enhanced workforce empowerment using the unified OneTalent platform. Streamlining over 16 legacy HR processes, the company aligned talent and strategic goals, nurturing innovation and capacity. AIQ served as the consulting and implementation partner.Broad use of Azure OpenAI and Azure Machine Learning put ADNOC at the forefront of energy sector digitalization. The intelligent platforms not only improved plant reliability and productivity but also made substantial progress in sustainability.

ADNOCEnergy & Utilities

Asia-Pacific's utilities sector is undergoing rapid modernization, pushed by rising energy demand, aging infrastructure, and decarbonization mandates. Microsoft, in collaboration with regional utilities and partners such as Schneider Electric, is driving transformation across Australia, Japan, and Southeast Asia. The initiative leverages AI, Azure Cloud Platform, and generative AI to automate maintenance, streamline regulatory processes, manage distributed energy resources, and optimize forecasting. Notable implementations include predictive maintenance for grid assets, AI-generated permitting documents, and distributed energy resource management systems. Utilities such as Japan’s largest power generator and Pacific Gas and Electric have benefited from AI advisors and real-time anomaly detection, enhancing grid reliability and operational safety. The solutions are designed not only for technical efficiency but also to improve regulatory compliance and support renewable integration. Results include significant risk reduction, improved forecasting, and accelerated clean energy project implementation.

Japan’s largest power generatorEnergy & Utilities

Volkswagen Group is modernizing vehicle production with AI to improve efficiency, flexibility, and sustainability across its global factories.Using the Digital Production Platform (DPP) powered by AWS, Volkswagen deploys over 1,200 AI applications worldwide in 43 factories.AI applications optimize electricity consumption, reducing energy costs by 12% and CO2 emissions, enable predictive maintenance, and improve quality control with real-time image analysis.DPP facilitates faster detection of production errors and supports software deployment, making production more flexible and resilient to disruptions.The collaboration with AWS extends to preparing for software-defined vehicles and next-gen electronics architecture joint venture with Rivian Automotive.

VolkswagenManufacturing

Schneider Electric, a global leader in energy and industrial automation, faced growing operational complexity and rising energy demands in AI-driven industrial environments. To maintain its leadership and advance sustainability, Schneider Electric developed an AI-native ecosystem centered on its EcoStruxure platform and powered by Microsoft Azure AI Foundry and Azure OpenAI. Strategic alliances with Microsoft and NVIDIA enabled the integration of AI throughout energy, automation, and sustainability applications. Schneider Electric now delivers industrial AI copilots, end-to-end AI-ready infrastructure for high-density data centers (including liquid cooling with Motivair), predictive maintenance, and a data-driven 'self-healing' supply chain. The architecture enables seamless connection from sensors and hardware to cloud AI services, driving outcomes like lower costs, accelerated delivery, and massive reductions in energy and carbon footprint. Schneider Electric has achieved a €130M+ supply chain value, reduced inventory/delivery times, and scaled recurring AI software revenues. Its open ecosystem and vertical integration make it a dominant industrial AI partner globally.

Schneider ElectricManufacturing

Schneider Electric is transforming its energy management and industrial automation processes by deeply integrating generative AI through Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service. Key initiatives include Resource Advisor Copilot for comprehensive data analysis and decision support, Jo-Chat GPT as an internal assistant, Finance Advisor for financial teams, Knowledge Bot for customer support, and conversational search for product discovery. These use cases improve analysis, streamline operational workflows, automate customer care, and foster innovation. By embedding AI capabilities directly into its tools and processes, Schneider Electric supports sustainability, increases operational efficiency, and empowers both customers and employees. Early adoption of generative AI and the establishment of an AI hub have positioned Schneider Electric as a technology leader in the sector. The company also leverages the scalability and security of Azure cloud and is exploring further Copilot integration for offer development and frontline empowerment.

Schneider ElectricEnergy & Utilities

The article discusses how major process manufacturing organizations—such as a global chemical company, a life sciences organization, and a rubber and plastics manufacturer—are moving from AI pilots to broad, enterprise-wide deployments using Microsoft Azure AI, Azure IoT, and generative AI. The focus is on using AI for predictive maintenance, analytics, research and development acceleration, supply chain optimization, and real-time decision-making. These implementations have delivered significant results, including reduced time-to-market, cost savings, increased efficiency, and improved customer satisfaction. Particular emphasis is placed on data readiness, responsible AI adoption, and overcoming key barriers such as security and legacy complexity. The article references Microsoft's sector research and numerous specific business outcomes from adopting AI in core manufacturing processes.Operational efficiency and revenue growth are cited as top business priorities for these organizations, achieved via targeted AI investments aligned with business needs and careful change management. The article includes multiple, concrete customer stories and quantifiable impacts on time-to-market, forecasting, and cost reduction, demonstrating how industrial leaders are successfully scaling AI and repositioning themselves competitively through digital innovation.

Uniper, a major player in the energy sector, collaborated with Celonis and Microsoft to undertake a comprehensive digital transformation of its business processes. The project aimed to achieve operational excellence, transparency, and streamlined workflows using advanced AI and automation technologies. By integrating Microsoft Copilot Studio, Power Automate, and Microsoft Fabric with the Celonis Process Intelligence platform, Uniper deployed AI-driven process orchestration across 27 mission-critical business functions. Over 350 users interact with the system, connecting to multiple enterprise data sources.The project involved end-to-end process improvements, from plant maintenance and HR to IT service management and financial reporting. Uniper realized tangible results, including increased workplace safety, shortened recruiting cycles, faster IT response, and enhanced reporting. The approach also set a blueprint for AI adoption in the broader energy industry.This collaboration demonstrates how the interplay of Celonis workflow intelligence and Microsoft AI technologies enables scalable, intelligent automation tailored for complex environments like energy production and distribution. The article details real-world outcomes, positioning Uniper as a leader in leveraging AI for large-scale operations.

UniperEnergy & Utilities

Schneider Electric, a leader in industrial automation and smart building technologies, developed an AI copilot powered by generative AI in collaboration with Microsoft.The solution integrates Microsoft Azure AI Foundry with Schneider Electric's EcoStruxure Automation Expert platform.This AI copilot eliminates repetitive tasks, automates code generation and validation, and provides real-time recommendations, diagnostics, and predictive maintenance to improve operational efficiency.It supports faster deployment of complex industrial automation systems and enhances collaboration across hardware and software platforms.

Schneider ElectricManufacturing

Major utility providers including Duke Energy, AES, Con Edison, Ontario Power Generation, and Exelon have implemented Microsoft-based AI solutions to solve pressing business and sustainability challenges. Duke Energy, with Accenture, rolled out an Azure/Dynamics 365 platform integrating satellite and sensor data for real-time methane leak detection, improving emissions management and repair prioritization.AES deployed predictive analytics on Azure for wind turbine maintenance, energy demand forecasting, and load distribution, achieving cost savings and outage reduction with data-driven decision-making. The system uses IoT data and advanced analytics to streamline operations.Con Edison introduced AI tools on Microsoft platforms to minimize power generation costs and reduce CO2 emissions, enhancing customer energy management and supporting decarbonization goals.Ontario Power Generation developed ChatOPG, an employee-facing AI assistant powered by Microsoft AI, boosting productivity, information access, and operational safety.Exelon leverages AI and drone-based analytics tools to optimize grid inspections, increasing grid reliability, maintenance accuracy, and reducing emissions. Collectively, these use cases demonstrate how AI adoption drives cost efficiency, environmental outcomes, and improved customer service in the utilities sector.

Infosys, in partnership with SAP, achieved SAP-validated partner status for RISE with SAP, providing standardized and scalable cloud ERP transformation for clients. The implementation leverages AI-first strategies, integrating solutions such as Infosys Cobalt and SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP) to modernize and optimize business workflows. AI-infused industry playbooks and solutions enable rapid adoption of cloud ERP, delivering tangible value by enhancing customer experience and minimizing errors. AI is embedded across services—code generation, knowledge acquisition, and industry-specific workflow automation—to deliver improved productivity and accelerated execution. The partnership ensures organizations can uphold clean core principles while maintaining their business process uniqueness. A utility company reported a 30% reduction in billing errors using AI-driven predictive insights. The collaboration enhances client confidence, streamlines transition strategies, and enables measurable business outcomes in complex transformation environments.

Xylity Technologies, operating within the manufacturing sector, sought to optimize its production schedules, streamline supply chain visibility, reduce waste, and elevate overall operational efficiency. Facing challenges common to modern manufacturers, such as the need for real-time insight, predictive analytics, and dynamic workflow automation, Xylity implemented Microsoft Copilot for Manufacturing.By leveraging AI-powered automation and integrating intelligent workflows, Xylity modernized its manufacturing processes to react swiftly to market demands and bottlenecks. The deployment focused on data-driven decision-making, with Copilot providing actionable real-time insights and predictive maintenance recommendations.The system enabled automated workflows that replaced manual interventions, significantly reducing operational friction. The resulting improvements in scheduling, resource allocation, and supply chain transparency empowered Xylity to anticipate and prevent inefficiencies and deliver sustainable operational advantage.Microsoft Copilot’s AI capabilities contributed directly to smarter business decisions, increased productivity, and cost reductions throughout the manufacturing lifecycle.The AI-driven transformation supports Xylity's growth ambitions, offering a scalable and future-oriented framework for continued optimization.

RWE Renewables has leveraged AI technologies to improve operational efficiency and productivity in its onshore wind and photovoltaic (PV) generation operations. The company introduced a Virtual Analyst (VA) tool powered by Azure AI to provide analysts with an intuitive interface for accumulating and summarizing key performance data on individual assets in real time. This tool allows analysts and site managers to utilize natural language queries, configure analysis parameters, and automate pre-defined data processing scripts. Automation of LiDAR sensor and weather station data processing enables analysts to focus more on high-value tasks by streamlining routine data workflows. The implementation has led to more proactive asset management, as site managers are alerted to potential equipment issues before they escalate. The solution also provides a robust data foundation for future AI advancements and predictive capabilities in wind resource assessment, setting the stage for ongoing digital transformation within RWE Renewables.AI-driven automation now analyzes and filters large volumes of sensor data, ensuring high-quality and reliable information is available for operational decisions. The initiative reflects RWE's commitment to digital transformation and its goal of maintaining a competitive edge in renewable energy operations. Overall, the project demonstrates how combining AI and automation technology empowers technical teams to deliver greater business value and respond swiftly to critical operational signals.

RWE RenewablesEnergy & Utilities

IPG, a manufacturing company, implemented a Factory Operations Agent using Microsoft Copilot Studio and Azure AI Foundry to connect manufacturing and quality management systems, enabling seamless data integration and analysis.The AI agent provided actionable production insights, conducted root cause analysis on production issues, predicted maintenance needs, and recommended worker skilling interventions.By leveraging generative AI, production managers accessed real-time metrics like OEE and yield, optimized throughput, and minimized bottlenecks.Predictive maintenance features reduced unplanned downtime, while data-driven worker upskilling improved productivity and satisfaction.Copilot streamlined communications, trend analysis, and created effective strategy presentations for both management and operations teams.Enhanced employee retention was achieved by improving job clarity, facilitating collaboration, and automating overhead tasks.The solution integrated securely with existing factory systems, improving both operational transparency and workflow efficiency.Customer feedback analysis and improved service communication directly supported higher satisfaction and faster issue resolution.The implementation resulted in visible business impact across KPIs such as reduced downtime, improved worker productivity, and efficient skills development.

IPGManufacturing

Coca-Cola HBC, a leading European and African beverage bottler, partnered with Crayon to address production line inefficiency due to slow identification and sourcing of spare parts. They implemented an innovative AI-driven image recognition app developed with Microsoft technology and Crayon's expertise. This app enables faster, accurate identification of crucial spare parts across multiple sites, ensuring smoother bottling operations. The project has been rolled out in phases across European and African locations, enabling streamlined operations and delivering measurable productivity improvements. The solution demonstrates tangible business value and achieved significant ROI in less than two years.The image recognition app was developed and deployed specifically for production line environments.This collaboration has dramatically sped up maintenance processes by quickly matching images of parts to internal sourcing databases or catalogs.Real-time part identification is expected to minimize production downtime and reduce manual errors.

Dow, Shell, and Nucor harnessed an alliance between C3 AI and Microsoft to deploy large-scale enterprise AI solutions across global manufacturing operations.The collaboration integrates C3 AI’s suite of enterprise AI software, including Generative AI, with Microsoft Azure, the preferred cloud platform.These manufacturers sought to modernize production optimization, predictive maintenance, supply chain resilience, energy management, and sustainability initiatives.C3 AI and Microsoft provide joint product development, technical integration, and coordinated go-to-market strategies for broad industry adoption.C3 AI applications are made widely available through the Microsoft Commercial Cloud Portal and Azure Marketplace, streamlining enterprise-wide deployments.Dow leverages the alliance to advance its manufacturing sustainability and reliability goals, tying operational reliability to decarbonization efforts.Shell scaled predictive maintenance and equipment monitoring enterprise-wide, enabled by co-innovation between C3 AI and Azure.The joint solutions are used by thousands of devices within global manufacturing for real-time maintenance, energy optimization and supply chain advances.C3 AI and Microsoft hold regular roadmap sessions to refine solution capabilities, based on evolving Azure enhancements and sector needs.The initiative represents one of the biggest manufacturing deployments of integrated generative AI on Azure, impacting productivity and sustainability.Microsoft serves as the cloud provider, with C3 AI as the solution implementer and main partner.

Rockwell Automation developed and deployed the FT Optix Food & Beverage AI model, in partnership with Microsoft, to provide real-time recommendations and knowledge to factory floor workers in food and beverage manufacturing. The AI model, hosted in the Azure AI model catalog, delivers industry-specific troubleshooting support and insights to frontline workers and engineers, improving operational efficiency. The implementation leverages Azure AI Studio and Microsoft Copilot Studio to integrate the AI model into daily manufacturing processes. This collaboration aims to accelerate digital transformation in the manufacturing industry by making advanced, tailored AI capabilities available to support workers on the factory floor.

Rockwell AutomationManufacturing

ADNOC and Masdar, major energy companies in the UAE, signed a Strategic Collaboration Agreement with Microsoft to drive AI deployment in energy operations with a focus on sustainability and decarbonization.The agreement involves evaluating opportunities to power Microsoft's data centers in the region with renewable energy from Masdar and deploying AI to enhance efficiencies and minimize emissions.Projects span carbon capture and storage, low-carbon ammonia and hydrogen production, and boosting biodiversity monitoring.The article highlights the transformative role of AI in the energy sector, referencing a co-authored industry report and a CEO forum on energy and technology alignment.ADNOC has already used AI tools to abate 1 million tonnes of CO2 in 2023 and claims $500M in value created through efficiency.The companies are aligning efforts with the UAE's Net Zero by 2045 ambition and global methane emission reduction targets.AI is recognized as critical to meeting both energy and sustainability challenges, requiring collaboration across technology, energy, science, and policy.

ADNOCEnergy & Utilities

A leading US-based natural gas infrastructure firm modernized its operational records management by implementing a cloud-based solution with Microsoft Power Platform, Azure, SharePoint Online, and advanced AI features. The firm faced challenges with managing tens of millions of critical documents for regulatory compliance and future AI enablement. Protiviti led the project, building a custom document repository with automated metadata extraction, integration into business systems, and asset hierarchy-based organization. The three-phase initiative covered workspace design, comprehensive migration analysis, and migration execution, resulting in a unified, compliant, and efficient records repository. The project significantly improved metadata accuracy, enabled decommissioning of legacy systems, and positioned the client for future AI innovation.

Natural Gas Infrastructure FirmEnergy & Utilities

Anglo American undertook a comprehensive AI-driven digital transformation under its FutureSmart Mining™ initiative to improve operational efficiency, sustainability, and safety in its mining operations.The company developed the VOXEL platform, integrating AI, cloud computing, simulation capabilities, and AI-powered digital twins to provide a unified operational management interface.A digital literacy program upskilled over 7,000 employees, fostering a culture of innovation and enabling some to become citizen data scientists and move into digital roles.AI use cases focused on ore sorting, particle recovery, automation of geological analysis, and sustainability efforts, which led to significant reductions in energy and water consumption.

Anglo AmericanOther

JERA uses Microsoft's AI to monitor power plants round-the-clock, boosting efficiency and preventing failures. National Grid leverages Azure and Copilot to streamline workflows and contributes towards its sustainability ambitions. Partnerships with Exelon, Schneider Electric, and others further optimize energy resource strategies using advanced Microsoft AI capabilities.

National GridEnergy & Utilities

Multiple global manufacturers, including Siemens and Dow, have implemented Microsoft 365 Copilot, Copilot Studio, Azure AI Foundry, and Azure Video Analyzer to transform operations.These solutions enable AI-powered process optimization, predictive maintenance, improved asset management, and enhanced communication on the factory floor.AI agents and Copilot integrations automate maintenance, reporting, and production scheduling, leading to reduced downtime and faster cycles.Manufactures leverage AI to streamline supply chain logistics, inventory management, and supplier identification, improving operational agility.Copilot Studio and Azure AI Foundry provide a foundation for safety agents and frontline worker support tools.Vision AI (Azure Video Analyzer) is used to boost employee safety and security at facilities like Dow.The AI-driven approach extends from production lines to new product ideation, leveraging data and LLMs to forecast customer demand and optimize product designs.Bayer, Legrand, and Volvo Group are also mentioned as adopters of Copilot and Azure AI in manufacturing use cases.The main implementations focus on tangible metrics: time saved in maintenance, increased first-time resolution, and cost reductions in supply chain processes.Opportunities for impact include improved employee retention and increased customer satisfaction, realized through automation and improved knowledge sharing.AI-powered contract and supplier management improve the efficiency of procurement and supplier quality transitions.

Enbridge Inc., a leading North American energy delivery company, undertook a comprehensive digital transformation focused on operational safety, efficiency, emissions reduction, and asset optimization. The company migrated over 80% of its workloads to Microsoft Azure within two years, enhancing IT infrastructure, security, and sustainability. Leveraging advanced AI tools powered by Azure, Enbridge introduced real-time operational insights that optimize energy usage, asset maintenance, and threat detection. AI-driven Energy Optimizer tools improved liquid pipeline efficiency and reduced greenhouse gases, while intelligent automation proactively identifies pipeline maintenance needs enhancing safety. Right of way monitoring combines AI with aerial surveillance to detect and respond to potential threats faster and more accurately. Enbridge has also rolled out Microsoft 365 Copilot, Bing Enterprise, and internal chatbots widely among its employees, advancing workforce productivity.The cloud-first strategy, ongoing AI adoption, and wide rollout of Copilot and automation mark Enbridge as an innovator within the energy sector. The collaboration between Enbridge and Microsoft illustrates measurable improvements in cost savings, emission reductions, operational safety, and maintenance efficiency. Future efforts will continue to use AI, data analytics, and automation to advance sustainability and security goals in energy delivery.

Enbridge Inc.Energy & Utilities

Accenture and Avanade have partnered to deliver advanced Copilot-based solutions for manufacturing companies.The joint initiative deployed Microsoft Copilot, Microsoft Fabric, Azure OpenAI, Microsoft Dynamics 365, and Copilot Studio to support manufacturing operations, frontline worker efficiency, and sustainability goals.Solutions included Manufacturing Copilot, providing natural language access to data across applications and automating root cause analysis.The partnership also introduced Sustainability Copilot, streamlining Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) compliance by integrating Microsoft Cloud for Sustainability data with AI-driven insights.Pilot programs demonstrated productivity gains, with over half of users reporting quality improvements and reduced fatigue, and nearly a third less cognitive strain for workers.GitHub Copilot deployment among software engineering teams increased development efficiency and project delivery speed.The solutions address labor shortages, raise production outputs, cut operational costs, and reduce emissions.Accenture and Avanade have used their own organization as a pilot customer, leveraging experience to shape solutions they then deliver to external manufacturing clients.

Axpo, a leading renewable energy company in Switzerland, sought to enhance its operational efficiency by automating repetitive and rule-based processes in areas such as billing, supplier management, compliance, and customer service.By deploying Microsoft Power Platform and Power Automate as part of a Robotic Process Automation (RPA) strategy, Axpo streamlined the handling of invoices, regulatory reporting, supplier contract renewals, meter readings, maintenance scheduling, and customer inquiry responses.The RPA bots were implemented to extract and validate data, compile regulatory submissions, automate contract management, and remotely collect and verify meter readings from IoT devices.This automation minimized manual errors, accelerated billing cycles, guaranteed compliance reporting deadlines, improved supplier relationship management, and enhanced responsiveness to customer requests.Axpo achieved a marked reduction in operational costs and manual overhead, enabling staff to redirect efforts towards strategic growth and sustainability initiatives.Improved environmental reporting and outage management have further positioned Axpo for reliable service delivery and regulatory adherence.Flobotics partnered with Axpo to deliver tailored RPA implementations aligned with energy sector needs.The solution involves deep integration with existing systems, legacy data migration, and seamless processing between operational silos to achieve organization-wide process improvements.The initiative underscores the energy sector's increasing reliance on Microsoft automation tools to boost accuracy, compliance, and long-term competitiveness.

AxpoEnergy & Utilities

ANDRITZ, a global leader in plant equipment for industries like hydropower and pulp, partnered with Microsoft to push toward autonomous factories. This partnership centers on enhancing ANDRITZ’s Metris digital platform by integrating Microsoft Cloud for Manufacturing and Azure OpenAI Service. The new Copilot solution provides real-time anomaly detection, enabling natural language communication between operators and machines. This empowers manufacturing teams with actionable insights for process optimization, operational cost reduction, and increased reliability. Further, the automation streamlines internal workflows, freeing up employee time for more strategic and customer-facing work. The alliance exemplifies how industry-specific AI and cloud platforms personalize digital transformation for manufacturing.

ANDRITZManufacturing

This use case highlights how KUKA and Schneider Electric transformed manufacturing operations by leveraging advanced Microsoft technologies. At Hannover Messe 2024, they showcased real-world implementations of AI, IoT, and cloud technologies across the factory value chain—from accelerating robot programming to unifying IT and OT data. By employing solutions such as Azure OpenAI Service, Microsoft Fabric, Copilot, and Microsoft Cloud for Manufacturing, they improved quality, resource optimization, employee enablement, and sustainability across manufacturing functions. Multiple partners, including Hexagon, NVIDIA, PTC, and Rockwell Automation, collaborated to deliver intelligent, resilient, and sustainable operations. The demonstration included customer showcases such as BMW Group and addressed pressing manufacturing challenges, including rapid product development, issue resolution, and supply chain resilience.Innovations included new Copilot tools for factory operations, Dynamics 365 Field Service enhancements, and next-gen analytics in Fabric. The initiative demonstrated reduced development cycles, improved technician workflows, and smarter, data-driven decision making.This enabled factories to accelerate programming of industrial robots, apply AI-driven analytics for proactive maintenance, and optimize end-to-end operations. Enhanced employee productivity was achieved through AI-augmented tools like Copilot and Power Platform, extending benefits across HR, field service, and production. Sustainability was also addressed with Microsoft Sustainability Manager, helping organizations monitor and reduce environmental impacts through data and AI-driven insights.Over 130,000 attendees at Hannover Messe experienced nearly 40 live demos and presentations on these AI-powered manufacturing solutions. The showcase illustrated the power of collaboration among manufacturers, technology partners, and Microsoft, making a strong case for AI as a key enabler of industrial transformation.

Microsoft has recently announced a set of innovative AI and data solutions aimed at revolutionizing the manufacturing industry. These solutions include copilot templates on Azure AI, tailored to enhance productivity, streamline operations, and address supply chain challenges. Companies like Intertape Polymer Group have begun leveraging these advanced AI capabilities to optimize their data analysis and improve decision-making capabilities across various production lines. The announcement marks another step by Microsoft in applying AI in practical industrial settings, fostering improvements in real-time productivity and operational resilience.

Intertape Polymer GroupManufacturing

At SPS Fair 2023 in Nuremberg, leading German industrial automation vendors including Siemens, Bosch, and Beckhoff showcased innovative solutions integrating Microsoft Azure AI technologies. The event highlighted major trends such as IT/OT convergence, advanced machine vision, and the adoption of generative AI for automation, coding, and operational analytics. Siemens presented digital twin solutions and the Industrial Copilot, while Bosch demonstrated AIRO, an AI assistant supporting factory troubleshooting. Companies emphasized the rising importance of environmental sustainability, energy management, and AI accelerators embedded in industrial hardware. Cybersecurity measures aligned with IEC 62443 standards and new efforts to close manufacturing labor gaps were featured. The event illustrated rapid digital transformation in European manufacturing, driven by partnerships with Microsoft, among others.Examples of generative AI included Beckhoff's TwinCAT Chat for HMI development and Siemens's applications for operational analytics. Sustainability-focused solutions, such as Schneider Electric's machine vision for recycling and FANUC's low-energy servo systems, drew attention. Manufacturers are leveraging Microsoft Azure AI and Azure OpenAI Service to improve production flexibility, resilience, and efficiency.

BoschManufacturing

BlueScope, a global steel manufacturer, partnered with Microsoft to digitize and optimize its manufacturing, focusing on plant efficiency and energy reduction. Leveraging Azure Machine Learning, BlueScope developed machine learning models to analyze complex data from its steel refining processes, deploying these models at the Port Kembla steelworks. Asset data from an extensive network of 850 cameras enabled automated image analysis for equipment monitoring and safety. Smart analytics and advanced models were used to optimize the operation of the hot strip mill, reducing product defects and resource consumption. The collaboration involved knowledge sharing and upskilling of BlueScope's staff, facilitating transferability of solutions to other business areas and laying the foundation for scalable AI deployment. The digital transformation improved plant productivity, asset condition, operational reliability, and energy efficiency, aligning with BlueScope's sustainability goals and strategic digital priorities. The modeling techniques established can be adapted and scaled for other operational domains within BlueScope's global footprint.

BlueScopeManufacturing

Tietoevry partnered with Microsoft to deliver AI-powered solutions for autonomous industrial control systems. This collaboration uses Microsoft Project Bonsai, a low-code AI development platform, alongside Microsoft Azure. The goal is to help heavy-asset and manufacturing industries transition from traditional automation to fully autonomous operations.The Project Bonsai platform makes it possible for engineers to build AI components without data science expertise, offering operator guidance and direct decision-making to optimize process variables. The platform is already providing value to customers in pulp and energy production, enabling adaptive production controllers for ever-changing environments.Through this collaboration, Tietoevry can accelerate automation benefits for its customers, improving quality, productivity, cost-efficiency, and sustainability by optimizing processes and energy consumption. The platform also helps companies validate automation potential more easily, supporting scalable deployments across industries.Ultimately, this partnership aims to help industrial businesses achieve operational excellence by providing effortless validation and scaling of AI-driven automation.

TietoevryManufacturing

Honeywell partnered with Microsoft to improve optimization in commercial building operations using AI-driven controls. Honeywell Forge integrated Microsoft Dynamics 365 to reduce repair costs and reactive work orders through predictive maintenance.

HoneywellEnergy & Utilities

Dansk Lyskilde A/S, a Danish family-owned lighting retailer, modernized its sales processes and operations by implementing Microsoft 365, iGlobe CRM, and the MIPA AI-powered personal assistant app, with integration through Teams and Power BI for analytics.Facing the need to transition from traditional direct sales to project-based sales due to market changes and increased technical demands of LED solutions, Dansk Lyskilde sought better tools for collaboration, customer management, and effective data usage. The company worked with implementation partner iGlobe to create a centralized, cloud-based solution.The new system enables seamless communication among teams, more structured and timely engagement with customers, and data-driven sales strategies. MIPA, functioning inside Microsoft Teams, provides real-time task notifications, deadline tracking, and workflow integration, while Power BI gives sales and purchasing insights.The transformation led to improved sales efficiency, reduced costs and customer complaints, better employee productivity, and enhanced decision-making based on central data analytics.By integrating modern Microsoft technologies, Dansk Lyskilde is now positioned to meet the evolving needs of both customers and the lighting market, while securing business data and supporting ongoing business modernization.

Dansk Lyskilde A/SRetail

Baker Hughes, C3 AI, and Microsoft formed a strategic alliance to enable the rapid adoption of enterprise AI solutions for the energy industry using Microsoft Azure. This partnership combines the energy technology expertise of Baker Hughes, the AI software suite from C3 AI, and Microsoft’s global cloud platform. Solutions are designed to improve safety, reliability, operational efficiency, and environmental sustainability for large energy operators. The BHC3 AI Suite on Azure supports domain-specific applications, such as predictive maintenance, inventory optimization, and energy management across the value chain. Shell, among others, leverages these technologies, aligning digital transformation with decarbonization and safety ambitions. The alliance provides a secure, scalable AI platform, enabling accelerated deployment of AI-driven solutions in oil, gas, and wider energy operations.

Baker HughesEnergy & Utilities

ANDRITZ, a global leader in manufacturing and automation based in Austria, implemented an AI-driven platform to automate and optimize industrial plant operations. The project involved developing a platform using Ignition software integrated with Microsoft Azure, enabling the use of machine learning and reinforcement learning for autonomous industrial process control. The deployment included Azure-based virtual machines and SQL databases, supporting multi-location collaboration and the training of AI controllers. The initiative gained industry recognition by winning a major competition, validating its innovative use of reinforcement learning for continuous process optimization. The solution demonstrated a significant reduction in prototype development time and overall project costs, increasing ANDRITZ's credibility and opening new business opportunities. The architecture supports sophisticated scenario training, monitoring, and administration of AI controllers, showcasing the future of intelligent automation in manufacturing.The project set a precedent for AI-led automation in manufacturing, marking the first known industrial deployment of reinforcement learning for plant control. It highlighted the role of cloud platforms in enabling collaboration and scalability, and demonstrated robust integration between process simulation, real-time plant operations, and advanced analytics.

ANDRITZManufacturing

Norwegian power and utility companies faced the national challenge of implementing a smart meter grid and boosting renewable energy integration by 2019. In the absence of established best practices, these companies partnered with independent software vendors (ISVs) to deploy digital infrastructure with smart grid, metering, and analytics solutions built on Microsoft Azure. Examples include Ringeriks Kraft, which used Azure-based algorithms from eSmart Systems to optimize substations and avoid unnecessary expansion, saving millions. Lyse invested in telecom and smart home technology to enhance safety and eco-friendliness, leading to more than 50% of its revenue stemming from digital infrastructure. Companies like CGI, Enfo, Enoro, Teleplan, and Powel delivered IoT and Big Data analytics on Azure, enabling smarter metering, monitoring, and efficiency improvements, while Hafslund and Teleplan Globe contributed to a national scale smart grid rollout.

Ringeriks KraftEnergy & Utilities

Uniper, a leading German energy company, embarked on a digital transformation journey to support the EU’s climate neutrality goals by scaling renewable energy and modernizing operations. Facing a shortage of skilled workers and growing data complexity, Uniper adopted a unified cloud strategy with Microsoft Azure in 2016. To streamline workflows, the team introduced Copilot for Microsoft 365 for all employees, automating tasks like meeting transcription, action point extraction, and content summarization across enterprise data. Auditors leveraging Copilot can now create audit plans and checklists more efficiently, boosting audit productivity up to 80%. AI models also optimize energy trading decisions and provide near real-time recommendations. On the cybersecurity front, Copilot for Security speeds up threat detection and incident response, while also supporting automated compliance and device management. By reducing repetitive overhead, these tools allow staff to focus on value-adding work, delivering not only operational efficiencies for Uniper but also faster, better products for customers and advancing the energy transition.

UniperEnergy & Utilities

Siemens, a global leader in technology, sought to enhance both customer experience and technician efficiency in its field service operations. Its Smart Infrastructure Buildings Business Unit oversees over 10,000 technicians performing maintenance and repairs. Annually, these teams produce more than 1.4 million work-order reports for their customers. To elevate report quality and operational effectiveness, Siemens integrated Microsoft Dynamics 365 Field Service with generative AI. This solution automates the production of clear, standardized, and natural-sounding work-order reports, alongside optimizations in scheduling and dispatching. As a result, both customers and technicians benefit from improved service transparency and reduced downtime. The enhanced reporting helps Siemens customers operate facilities more efficiently and supports sustainability goals—critical for organizations managing complex building operations. This case illustrates the practical, real-world impact of Microsoft technologies when tailored to industry-specific operational scale and needs.

SiemensManufacturing

Telefónica, a leading telecommunications provider in Spain, faced the challenge of managing vast amounts of network data, seeking more efficient network optimization and customer service automation. Collaborating with Microsoft, Telefónica deployed a big data analytics architecture leveraging Azure, Azure Data Explorer, and Azure Databricks. This enables real-time processing and analysis of network data and anomaly detection. The integration of Power BI facilitated advanced dashboards and business insights, and more than 1,000 digital workers were deployed using Blue Prism RPA integrated with Microsoft technology. This intelligent automation supports proactive issue identification and improved customer experience, reducing operational time and maintaining high service standards in the company's B2C operations. The implementation resulted in increased network reliability, streamlined operations, and a measurable reduction in manual intervention.The project highlights the collaboration between Telefónica and Microsoft to harness AI and automation to transform large-scale network operations.

TelefónicaTech & Comms

EY partnered with Microsoft to help several Canadian energy companies modernize operations in response to the pandemic, addressing increased cyber threats and operational complexity.The collaboration deployed Azure cloud services, Power BI, and Microsoft Teams, digitizing infrastructure and enabling rapid data integration and visualization across operational, finance, and internal communications areas.Azure DevOps and Azure Data Pipelines were used to streamline software development and reporting; Azure Databricks, PySpark, and Azure SQL deployed machine learning models to predict risks.EY built customized Power BI dashboards and Power Platform solutions for analytics, enabling better financial decision-making and supporting a shift to remote work.A new employee portal modernized internal communication—using Teams, Mesh mixed reality, and Power Platform for automations—improving cohesion and user experience.Azure’s advanced analytics combined data from SAP and other systems, with Databricks providing NLP-powered purchasing analytics, improving supply chain and resource allocation.The work led to measurable gains in cybersecurity, operating efficiency, data-driven management, and overall business resilience, with EY Canada receiving the 2021 Microsoft Industry Innovation Impact Award.

EYEnergy & Utilities

bp, the global energy leader, initiated a multi-year journey to embed AI and advanced analytics across operations, partnering with Cloudreach and Microsoft. Faced with the challenge of extracting business value from vast operational data and improving supply chain efficiency, bp focused on rapid deployment and scaling of AI-powered solutions.With Cloudreach as the lead consulting partner, bp implemented Microsoft's Azure AI platform, deploying automation templates, and accelerator patterns for critical uses such as predictive asset maintenance and bulk document data extraction. Services used included Azure AI, Machine Learning, Form Recognizer, Anomaly Detection, and Project Bonsai.Key strategies included migrating local, ad hoc solutions to scalable and reusable Azure cloud architectures. AI-driven systems enabled unsupervised testing, predictive maintenance and bulk data extraction across regions. The collaboration also accelerated the ability to test and analyze wells—reducing time from months to weeks, while unlocking millions in cost savings. Innovative partnerships enabled pilot access to new Azure services and supported bp's continuous AI innovation culture.The deployment impacted asset management, supply chain operations, and enabled faster AI adoption across global bp operations, delivering measurable value, improved time-to-value for analytics, and new productivity frameworks for bp’s AI and data science teams.

bpEnergy & Utilities

ShopfloorGPT is an industrial AI assistant developed by Elunica for smart manufacturing environments. The solution leverages Azure AI and Large Language Models to interpret unstructured machine data, such as service reports, and turn it into actionable insights. It automates anomaly detection, provides proactive maintenance suggestions, and allows operators and managers to interact with machine data and diagnostics through natural language input. ShopfloorGPT is tailored to different manufacturing roles, offering real-time expert troubleshooting, personalized alerts, and reports. The assistant can be deployed either on-premises or via the cloud, and is designed to fit seamlessly into existing manufacturing infrastructure. It aims to minimize downtime, reduce expert dependency, and accelerate operational decisions. The deployment of ShopfloorGPT is expected to enhance workforce empowerment and overall production quality, making operations smarter, faster, and more efficient.

e& enterprise IoT&AI has implemented Utility Co-Pilot, an AI-powered virtual assistant designed for the utilities sector in the UAE, leveraging Microsoft Azure and Generative AI to enhance efficiency, transparency, and customer satisfaction.The solution integrates with smart grid infrastructure, making underutilized data accessible for AI-driven insights and management.Utility Co-Pilot delivers real-time, personalized support and automates a range of workflows, including outage reporting, usage alerts, billing management, issue reporting, and customer communications.The platform uses Microsoft Azure services and Microsoft OpenAI to deliver advanced predictive analytics, executive dashboards, and management reporting.Operational features include continuous (24/7) virtual assistance, actionable reporting for decision makers, and enhancements to process automation and interdepartmental collaboration.The GenAI engine provides personalized recommendations and daily/weekly consumption analytics directly to business users, field personnel, and end customers.AI governance models ensure data security, risk mitigation, and compliance across all functions, and feedback loops drive ongoing service improvements.

EnterpriseEnergy & Utilities

Smarkia Energy S.L. delivers a next-generation AI and machine learning energy management platform built on Microsoft Azure. Their solution enables utilities, industries, and building managers to capture real-time quality data using multi-protocol and IoT-ready technology. The platform provides innovative analytics, supporting data-driven decisions to maximize energy savings and lower operational costs. Key features include automated asset management, predictive maintenance, and computer vision-enhanced analytics, all in a cloud-based approach. Smarkia targets both supply and demand players in the energy transition sector, such as utilities, ESCOs, manufacturers, and public entities. The solution has achieved exceptional improvements in time-series data processing speed, accuracy, and data quality. Notable business outcomes include faster data analytics, higher quality insights, and improved operational efficiency throughout the energy value chain. Reporting and automated management capabilities further strengthen the offering for large-scale energy consumers.

Smarkia Energy S.L.Energy & Utilities

Utility providers in the energy, water, and gas sectors have adopted AI-powered chatbot solutions to enhance customer interactions and drive operational efficiency. The chatbots are built using Microsoft Copilot and Azure, enabling automated customer support, billing assistance, outage reporting, infrastructure monitoring, and personalized energy consumption insights across multiple channels. These solutions integrate with existing management systems such as CRM, SAP, ServiceNow, and IBM AS/400, ensuring seamless data exchange and automation. The AI bots offer multi-channel engagement, including web, mobile, messaging platforms, and voice assistants, and are designed with robust security for regulatory compliance. These ready-to-deploy bots deliver rapid ROI, reduce operational costs, and improve service scalability, while supporting secure, flexible, and efficient customer service for utility organizations.Providers in the utility sector seek to modernize operations and customer service.Advanced AI chatbots automate high-volume customer interactions and billing support.Integration with utility management systems ensures seamless workflow and data exchange.AI-driven outage reporting and infrastructure monitoring enhance response times.Personalized energy usage insights empower customers and promote efficiency.

Seeq Corporation partnered with a major oil and gas organization to enable rapid, self-service analytics for large-scale process manufacturing data using Microsoft Azure. Traditionally, data analysis cycles in the refinery took up to four months, which impeded proactive decision-making. By implementing Seeq’s advanced analytics platform leveraging Microsoft Azure Machine Learning, Power BI, and Power Automate, the organization enabled subject matter experts and engineers to analyze time-series and IoT data for immediate operational insights. Automated workflows, integrated dashboards, and AI-driven forecasting allowed engineers to shift from reactive to predictive operations. The new approach directly supported the company’s sustainability initiatives, curbing emissions and accelerating progress toward net-zero goals. The transformation demonstrates Microsoft technology’s impact on scalability, speed, and sustainability in one of the world’s most complex data environments.

Major Oil & Gas OrganizationEnergy & Utilities

Wasco Berhad, a Malaysian energy and infrastructure group operating in 13 countries, needed to analyze thousands of multilingual freeform safety reports to improve workplace safety and compliance.They built an enterprise data warehouse on BigQuery and used Google Cloud AI services including Vertex AI and Gemini for text analytics, risk prediction, and digitization of handwritten notes.AI models automatically categorize safety reports, identify risks, predict incidents, and recommend preventive actions, saving thousands of man-hours and enhancing safety visibility globally.

Wasco BerhadEnergy & Utilities

AirAsia, a major airline group in Asia Pacific, embarked on a five-year program to become a data-first digital airline, improving operational efficiency, customer experience, and revenue streams using Google Cloud's AI and data analytics services.The airline deployed BigQuery as a scalable data warehouse, integrated with Looker Studio for dashboards and reporting, and utilized Google Kubernetes Engine for running APIs to achieve scalability and reliability.AI-powered chatbots built with Dialogflow streamlined internal processes such as crew scheduling, safety reporting, and HR engagement, improving on-time performance and employee interaction.AirAsia adopted Cloud Identity for unified identity management enabling a zero trust security model, and Security Health Analytics to monitor cloud resource misconfigurations and compliance violations, enhancing security posture.Machine learning on AI Platform optimized ancillary service pricing to boost revenue.

AirAsiaOther