Siemens CEO Outlines Industrial AI Adoption Path for Asia's SMEs
Roland Busch, Siemens' chief executive, late last week in Seoul detailed a step-by-step strategy to integrate artificial intelligence into smaller manufacturing operations, emphasising industrial data and gradual investment.
Phased AI Integration for Smaller Firms
Siemens President and CEO Roland Busch last week discussed the phased adoption of industrial artificial intelligence (AI) for small and medium-sized manufacturers.
Speaking at the Asia-Pacific Conference of German Business 2026 in Seoul, Mr Busch noted that while AI promises extensive industrial transformation, its practical application, particularly for businesses with limited resources, remains challenging.
He stressed the need for AI models to be trained on specialised industrial data and knowledge, coupled with an adoption strategy tailored for companies with constrained capital and existing infrastructure.
Korea's Industrial AI Focus Praised
Mr Busch, who also chairs the Asia-Pacific Committee of German Business, commended Korea's Industry Ministry for its M.AX manufacturing AI transition initiative. He suggested that Korea's strength lies in leveraging its industrial expertise to adapt available AI models for manufacturing needs, rather than focusing heavily on competing in general-purpose foundation models.
Siemens aims to broaden its client base in Korea and deepen partnerships, citing ongoing collaborations with major Korean firms such as Samsung across electronics, batteries, and semiconductors, SK hynix in semiconductors, and HD Hyundai and Hyundai Motor.
Investment Outlook and Workforce Shifts
Addressing concerns about an AI investment boom, Mr Busch indicated that he does not perceive it as a bubble, citing the substantial financial capacity of leading technology companies. However, he questioned whether all announced projects would proceed as planned.
Siemens anticipates sustained demand for its AI-related offerings through 2030, although growth rates are expected to moderate eventually. Mr Busch also pointed out that the wider adoption of AI will reshape employment, reducing demand for repetitive roles while generating new job categories, necessitating adjustments in educational curricula and corporate training programmes.
Asian manufacturers, particularly smaller enterprises, face a critical juncture in adopting industrial AI to maintain competitiveness. Siemens' approach, focusing on gradual investment in data infrastructure and specialised training, offers a pathway for these firms to enhance productivity and accelerate product development.
The emphasis on industrial-specific AI, as seen in Korea's M.AX initiative, suggests a strategic direction for other Asian economies to adapt AI to their unique manufacturing strengths.
Companies should prepare for necessary capital expenditure in foundational digital tools, which may not yield immediate returns but are essential for long-term efficiency gains and workforce reskilling.
This article is journalism, not investment advice; consult a licensed professional before making financial decisions. Market data is indicative, may be delayed, and should be verified with your broker or exchange before use.
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