Energy optimization

The Microsoft Intelligent Manufacturing Award 2026 recognizes pioneering AI-driven digital industrial solutions transforming manufacturing operations across the EMEA region.Award winners include companies such as Krones, tesa, Luxottica, Tetra Pak, Kongsberg Digital, AUMOVIO, Erbe Elektromedizin, and others, employing Microsoft technologies to optimize and digitize their manufacturing processes.These AI solutions include AI-powered digital twins, modular AI platforms for energy management, digital product passports, unified smart factory platforms, and AI-powered clinical evidence mining.The projects demonstrate measurable impact such as faster decision making, improved resilience and sustainability, cost reduction, enhanced productivity, and automation across various manufacturing operations.

KronesManufacturing

Leading Korean firms such as LG Electronics, SK Innovation, Hanwha, and Hanwha Qcells have implemented agentic AI solutions built on Microsoft Azure to transform operations, boost collaboration, and accelerate R&D in manufacturing and energy sectors.LG Electronics' HS division developed the CHATDA platform powered by Azure OpenAI—classifying questions, generating code, and automating responses, leading to improved product quality and faster R&D cycles.SK Innovation deployed an Azure-based generative AI platform that automates document analysis, data processing, and reporting in refining and petrochemical operations, integrating Power Automate, Azure OpenAI, and Teams for efficient workflows.Hanwha rolled out Copilot Studio-based departmental AI agents, automating management reporting and compliance processes and evolving these into autonomous multi-agent systems.Hanwha Qcells integrated AI and IoT solutions using Azure AI, Power Platform, and Fabric for real-time energy optimization and grid service predictions, realizing energy cost and carbon emissions reductions.Across these cases, adoption of Microsoft 365 Copilot and Power Platform fostered collaboration, workforce upskilling, and a culture of AI innovation.

Multiple leading energy companies in France and globally have implemented Microsoft Fabric's Real-Time Intelligence and Digital Twin Builder to modernize electric grid load balancing. Traditional legacy systems were unable to respond effectively to rapidly fluctuating demand and supply. The new solution continuously ingests high-velocity sensor data from the electric grid, modeling the network in real time with digital twins. Predictive analytics and AI-powered automation now trigger teams’ alerts and dynamic grid optimizations. The solution also enables proactive maintenance and better supports decarbonization goals, with reduced outages and operational costs, improved reliability, and rapid insights driving adaptive grid management.

Multiple energy companiesEnergy & Utilities

Intesa Sanpaolo, Italy's largest banking group, optimized real estate and facility operations using Microsoft Azure technologies and ICONICS solutions. The initiative involved creating a 'digital twin' framework powered by Azure IoT Hub, Azure Data Factory, and Power BI to enable proactive, data-driven management of the bank’s 40 million square feet of assets. The solution improved operational efficiency, reduced energy consumption, and cut annual costs. These enhancements were accompanied by the establishment of a specialized team named Data Control Room Immobiliare (DCRI), focusing on innovation in IoT systems and AI applications.

Intesa SanpaoloReal Estate

Vestas, a wind energy leader, has implemented Microsoft Azure and .NET for their Vestas Turbine Simulator and Climate Library. The Turbine Simulator processes vast volumes of data like atmospheric conditions and turbine specifics to determine optimal turbine configurations. The Climate Library stores historical geospatial climate data to provide insights into weather patterns, helping optimize energy output. Transitioning from on-premises computing to Azure, Vestas achieves efficiency, scalability, and cost reduction. Azure’s cloud capabilities allowed them to utilize up to 400,000 CPU cores, speeding up development cycles and compute-intensive processes, critical for driving renewable energy innovations.

VestasEnergy & Utilities

Schneider Electric, a leader in digital transformation for energy management and automation, launched the One Digital Grid Platform to address mounting challenges in the utilities sector. Built on Microsoft Azure, the platform employs AI for real-time insights, predictive analytics, and automation while ensuring the cybersecurity of grid operations. The system is designed to modernize infrastructures to handle higher electricity demand, to better integrate distributed energy resources (DERs) like EV charging or rooftop solar, and to ensure resilience against extreme weather events.The One Digital Grid Platform offers an interoperable solution that integrates mission-critical software into a secure and scalable ecosystem. Utilities benefit from real-time data insights, faster DER integration, automation of operational processes, and robust cybersecurity. The platform's architecture allows for plug-and-play integration with software from partners such as Esri and Uplight, enabling broader functionality such as asset management, grid flexibility, and enhanced customer engagement.Schneider Electric has partnered with Microsoft to leverage Azure’s hybrid cloud foundation, combining over 30 years of grid expertise with innovative digital technology. In addition, the investment in supporting energy and AI sectors within the US reflects a commitment to supporting regional growth.

Schneider ElectricEnergy & Utilities

Companies like Uniper and Emirates Global Aluminum leverage Azure's adaptive Cloud for uniform IT-OT integration, enhanced performance, and scalable AI automation. AI techniques deployed on Azure Databricks and Azure IoT Hub improved energy reliability and predictive maintenance.

Multiple energy companiesEnergy & Utilities

DHL, a global logistics leader, transformed its last-mile delivery operations through the deployment of a dynamic, AI-powered route optimization system. Confronted by soaring B2C trade, unpredictable demand surges, and rising customer expectations for real-time tracking and flexible delivery options, DHL moved beyond manual, static route planning. The new system integrates real-time GPS, traffic, and weather data with predictive AI algorithms hosted in the cloud (inferred to be Azure). It enables live adjustments for up to 120 stops per route and automates volume forecasting with remarkable accuracy. Customer-facing features like 'Follow My Parcel' offer unprecedented delivery flexibility, while AI analytics refine logistics and resource allocation. The improvements led to dramatic gains—on-time delivery rates jumped to 95%, fuel and maintenance costs fell, and customer satisfaction soared. The architecture supports adaptability, operational scaling, and seamless integration with existing TMS and ERP systems. DHL demonstrates how advanced AI and analytics can optimize logistics for cost, efficiency, and customer loyalty.

DHLLogistics

Siemens has embedded Microsoft Azure AI into its energy management systems to drive real-time assessment of energy consumption. Leveraging the technology, Siemens aims to improve operational efficiencies and align with their global sustainability goals. This implementation showcases their commitment to adopt advanced AI solutions and combat environmental challenges, particularly in the energy sector.

SiemensEnergy & Utilities

Hyundai has deployed an AI-enhanced vehicle-to-grid (V2G) system in South Korea, leveraging Microsoft AI capabilities to address energy sustainability challenges alongside growing electric vehicle (EV) adoption. The solution utilizes artificial intelligence to forecast energy demand, optimize charging and discharging schedules, and direct EV-stored energy back to the grid during peak periods. This supports both grid stability and renewable energy integration. Microsoft technologies, including advances in AI (with references to Copilot), underpin predictive analytics, real-time data processing, and cloud integration in the ecosystem. The system creates value for EV owners by enabling cost savings through smart charging strategies and boosts the resiliency of the South Korean power grid. Hyundai’s initiative demonstrates leadership in sustainable mobility by harnessing distributed energy assets for greater efficiency and environmental impact.