Siemens and KION launch digital partnership

Siemens and KION have launched a strategic partnership to advance the digitalization of supply chains and warehouses. The goal of this collaboration is to make complex intralogistics processes more flexible and predictable through the use of artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and simulation technologies. The companies aim to increase productivity and resilience in logistics.

As part of the partnership, intelligent warehouses are to be created, where digital and real elements merge. Cameras and sensors capture large amounts of data, which are analyzed by AI. This data enables the creation of digital twins of machines, systems, and warehouses, based on which complete processes can be simulated. For example, logistics companies can virtually analyze how changes in warehouse layout affect goods handling. KION will be the first company in Europe to use Siemens‘ new simulation software Digital Twin Composer, which allows for the parallel and real-time simulation of various processes.

Digital Twins as a Key Technology

Cedrik Neike, member of the board of Siemens AG and CEO of Siemens Digital Industries, emphasizes the need to make supply chains not only efficient but also resilient. „Together with KION, we are using digital twins and industrial AI to transform the warehouse from a physical hub into a digital nerve center of the supply chain,“ explains Neike. This development aims to lay the foundation for greater resilience and flexibility in logistics.

Rob Smith, CEO of KION GROUP AG, highlights that KION orchestrates comprehensive solutions for customers as a provider of supply chain solutions. „With Siemens as a strategic partner, we strengthen our ability to connect the digital and physical worlds on a large scale,“ says Smith. The partnership enables solutions based on digital twins to be elevated to a new level.

The Digital Twin Composer software was first introduced in January at CES in Las Vegas. It serves as a modular toolkit for digital factories and logistics, allowing companies to create AI-driven digital twins of their products and processes. After the commissioning of a warehouse, the Digital Twin Composer acts as a tool for continuously optimizing workflows. Companies can thus leverage industrial AI, simulation, and real-time data to better plan processes and virtually test systems.

KION also employs its own software environment to plan and implement logistics solutions. In combination with Siemens‘ PLM software Teamcenter and digital twins, KION can manage logistics solutions throughout their entire lifecycle. This enables companies to simulate their warehouses already in the planning phase and make data-driven decisions.

Additionally, Siemens and KION have reached an agreement to exchange selected industrial data. KION will contribute operational data and expertise from complex warehouse environments to accelerate the adoption of AI-driven solutions in warehouse logistics. This agreement exemplifies data-driven partnerships through which Siemens is advancing the development of an Industrial Foundation Model. This model aims to expand the use of industrial AI across various processes and domains.