Wilo awarded as a successful practical example of AI in product development

Five winner companies visit each other to exchange knowledge and experience

Dortmund/Aachen. As part of the international comparative study “AI-driven Product Development”, the Wilo Group has been recognised as an outstanding practical example of the successful use of artificial intelligence in product development. The study, conducted by the Laboratory for Machine Tools and Production Engineering (WZL) at RWTH Aachen University and the Complexity Management Academy, examined the use of AI in product development in over 150 companies.

“As a pioneer of digital transformation in our industry, we have consistently integrated artificial intelligence into our work processes,” explains Georg Weber, member of the Executive Board and CTO of the Wilo Group. “We develop our expertise and innovative ideas in our AI Competence Center. The technologies are used in both production and administration and make a significant contribution to increasing efficiency.” The adaptive worker assistance system is particularly noteworthy. It is used in the Smart Factory at Wilopark in Dortmund and has already received the esteemed Microsoft Intelligent Manufacturing Award (MIMA). It is considered the benchmark in the sector and accelerates digital transformation.

The adaptive worker assistance provides production employees with tailored step-by-step instructions for the assembly of approximately 12,000 product variants. The system dynamically adapts to the individual skills and experience of each and every employee. With increasing competence, the instructions are presented in a condensed form. The integration of augmented reality further simplifies operation and makes use more intuitive.

The comparative study “AI-driven Product Development” examines product, process and business model innovations as well as the effects on innovation and development processes in companies. The objective was to investigate the development of organisations and cultures following the implementation of artificial intelligence.

Alongside Wilo, other companies such as Engel Austria, Miele, Phoenix Contact, and Siemens Mobility were also honoured with the award. In order to promote the exchange of knowledge and learn from each other, representatives of the five award-winning companies will visit each other's sites at the end of 2024. The award ceremony will take place at the beginning of 2025.