AI driving responsible management, industrial automation, and energy efficiency

26 March, 2025

Maria Tjader, Head of Government Affairs UK & Ireland at Schneider Electric said: “AI is not just a technological advancement; it is a strategic enabler that can help businesses enhance efficiency, reduce emissions, and drive economic growth. By integrating AI into industrial operations, companies can future proof their businesses and contribute to the UK’s sustainability and innovation goals.”

Schneider Electric’s AI-based solutions, framed in technology ecosystems such as EcoStruxure, transform energy management and automation to achieve both sustainability goals and industrial efficiency. The approach stems from the company’s very own digital journey, is supported by four international AI Hubs in India, France, U.S.A. and China and is actively leveraged by its Industrial Digital Transformation consulting arm.

According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), fully adopting AI could increase productivity by up to 1.5 percentage points annually. If these benefits are realised, they could contribute an average of £47 billion per year to the UK economy over the next decade. After significant advances in technology in the context of Industry 4.0, Schneider Electric is now calling for the potential of AI to be fully harnessed in the industrial space to correctly utilise data, streamline production lines and contribute to predictive maintenance strategies.

Schneider Electric’s Sustainability Research Institute has recently released a report on Artificial Intelligence for the Energy Transition to outline AI’s role in transforming energy management, showcasing its potential to optimise demand, reduce peak loads, and facilitate a more sustainable and resilient energy future.

François Disch, Digital Transformation Delivery Lead at Schneider Electric, UK & Ireland, highlighted how AI can transform sustainability and efficiency across the industrial sector. He said: “In 2016, Schneider Electric recognised the need to become AI-driven, and shortly after established our Global AI Hub – now strong of 350+ AI specialists. This strategic investment enabled us to develop and deploy AI capabilities internally across our own production lines, distribution centres and facilities. Now, we are extending this expertise to assist other businesses to harness AI for industrial automation, energy management and sustainability in the most responsible way possible. Government strategies provide a strong direction for industry and support solutions providers and end users in committing to innovation to reach a more sustainable, profitable future.”

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