Lukas, at iDIP, an AI system has been named “Employee of the Month.” A clever gimmick – or are we actually witnessing a new industrial revolution?
Only half a joke. What we’re experiencing right now is an industrial revolution in fast-forward. Previous transformations took decades; today, the world is changing within a matter of months. And when I look at how much has changed in just the past three years, I can hardly imagine what the next three will bring. At iDIP, we’re seeing this firsthand in our software development. Since the beginning of 2026, we’ve increased our development speed roughly fivefold, and we expect it to reach a factor of ten by the end of the year. The role of a software developer has been turned on its head. Instead of writing every line of code themselves, developers now describe, review and guide the process. The AI generates the code. The result isn’t just faster – it’s also higher in quality. That simply wasn’t possible two years ago. So the question isn’t whether this development will reach the factory floor, but rather how quickly.
“We’re witnessing an industrial revolution in fast-forward.”
Lukas Naef, CEO iDIP Solution AG
At iDIP, AI is already transforming software development. How far has it progressed in industrial manufacturing?
We need to distinguish between two worlds. Traditional AI has long been delivering tangible benefits in production: vision systems and image recognition, label recognition, anomaly detection, predictive maintenance, autonomous navigation and plant simulation. These applications are already part of everyday industrial operations, implemented by specialists such as aerne engineering. With the advent of new language models, a second world is emerging: AI is evolving from a specialised tool into an assistant we can communicate and collaborate with directly. At iDIP, we’re focusing on two such assistants. The first is the Digitalisation Assistant. Through a chat interface, users can create their own factory apps – whether for analysing Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), warehouse management or quality measurements. Give the AI a few instructions, and the application is built directly on the platform. From idea to factory app in just a few minutes. The second is the Production Assistant. You simply ask, “How is production running?” and might get an answer like this: “Things are running well, except on Line 45, where the cycle rate has dropped. The bearing on machine MSR7 probably needs urgent maintenance.” The assistant analyses the data, identifies anomalies, provides relevant instructions and supports troubleshooting.
An AI system that analyses production data and answers questions. What opportunities does this create for machine builders like aerne engineering and their customers?
For machine builders, value is shifting from the hardware itself to everything that happens around the machine. Instead of working their way through a 300-page operating manual, operators will simply ask: “Why has the machine stopped, and what do I need to do?” They’ll receive an answer based on the documentation, fault history and current machine data. Digital service applications are another opportunity. Machine manufacturers can remotely monitor the condition of their equipment, plan maintenance proactively or trigger spare parts orders directly from a fault notification. Image recognition for quality inspections and voice control directly at the machine open up further possibilities. The benefits are tangible: less downtime, faster troubleshooting and easier operation. New employees can get up to speed more quickly, and valuable knowledge stays within the company.
Let’s fast-forward five years: You’re walking through a smart factory in 2031. What do you see?
I see three things. First: Production digitises itself. Connecting machines and developing digitalisation solutions will become many times easier. Companies will increasingly be able to digitalise their own processes, driven by the employees who work closest to them. Platforms like iDIP are already providing the foundation for this today. Second: The factory is having a conversation. The Production Assistant provides immediate feedback, recommends actions and simulates “What if …?” scenarios. We’re moving from reporting towards automated action. And third: Physical AI enters the factory floor. Humanoid robots will take over mechanical tasks – later than digital AI, but with a significant impact. Throughout all of this, people remain at the centre: humans make the decisions; AI supports them.
So AI is taking over more and more of our thinking – does that make us less intelligent ourselves?
The question is a little too broad, but yes, the risk is real. We’re discussing it in our own software development, too. If you simply let AI generate everything without understanding it, you lose the ability to assess the results. That’s why we have a clear principle: AI generates, humans review and take responsibility. The same applies in production. An assistant that simply says, “Press button B,” creates dependency. One that explains why builds knowledge. Used correctly, AI can even help preserve knowledge that would otherwise be lost when experienced specialists retire. Their practical expertise is captured and made available to everyone. So the key question isn’t whether we use AI, but how we use it.
“An assistant that simply says, ‘Press button B,’ creates dependency. One that explains why builds knowledge.”
Lukas Naef, CEO iDIP Solution AG
Your number one piece of advice for companies looking to get started with AI today?
Don’t start with the technology – start with a specific problem. Where are we losing time? Where are machines sitting idle unnecessarily? Where is information missing? The people on the production floor usually know best where the bottlenecks are. I’d work with them to identify an initial use case, make the necessary data available and then simply get started. It’s better to start small and demonstrate value quickly than to spend months developing the perfect concept.
To be continued: The pilot works. What comes next?
The AI works in testing. But how do you make the leap into day-to-day production? In the second part of our expert series, we speak with Lukas Naef about why so many AI projects fail to overcome this hurdle – and how to get it right.
Lukas Naef
As CEO of iDIP Solution AG, he is convinced that AI will fundamentally transform industrial manufacturing. Together with his team, he explores what is already possible today, embraces new approaches and encourages others to take the first step. Because those who want to shape the future must be willing to take risks.