Siemens, a global leader in technology and innovation, has recognized the outstanding contributions of 12 leading innovators in the fields of artificial intelligence (AI) and sustainability with its prestigious Inventors of the Year awards. The awards, presented annually, celebrate groundbreaking achievements in various categories, including Newcomers, Open Innovation, Outstanding Invention, Lifetime Achievement, Design and User Experience, as well as the recently added PhD Award.
A commitment to research and development
Siemens’ commitment to innovation is evident through its substantial investment in research and development, with an impressive €6.2 billion dedicated to this endeavor. In fiscal year 2023 alone, the company published a remarkable 5,383 inventions, equivalent to an average of 24 inventions every working day. This relentless pursuit of innovation has solidified Siemens’ position as a key player in shaping the future of technology and sustainability.
European unitary patent and siemens’ dominance
The launch of the European Unitary Patent in June 2023 marked a significant milestone in the world of intellectual property protection. The European Patent Office received over 12,000 patent applications for this novel type of patent, and it is noteworthy that the majority of these applications originated from Siemens. This dominance underscores Siemens’ pivotal role in driving innovation and technological advancements in Europe.
AI and sustainability at the Forefront
The 2023 Inventors of the Year awards shine a spotlight on inventors hailing from diverse geographical locations, including the United States, the United Kingdom, China, India, Kazakhstan, and Germany. These awards not only recognize the impact of AI but also highlight the crucial role of innovation in making power grids more sustainable, railcar axles more stable, and electric vehicle charging stations more universal.
Peter Körte, Chief Technology Officer at Siemens, emphasized the significance of innovation in the company’s future, stating, “Our innovations are our strength and the best way to predict the future of Siemens. We firmly believe that AI has the potential to revolutionize our work and the way we manufacture products. The AI we create is responsible, comprehensible, and trustworthy.”
Revolutionizing electric vehicle charging
One of the notable award recipients, Abhijit Kadam, developed an innovative procedure for adapting charging electronics to a vehicle’s requirements. What sets his invention apart is its ability to accommodate all types of cars at the same charging station. Additionally, Kadam’s procedure ensures zero switching loss when adapting the charging voltage in the DC-DC converter, making it exceptionally energy-efficient—a significant advancement in the world of electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
AI enhancing factory automation
Another outstanding innovation recognized by Siemens involves the utilization of AI in configuring complex factory automation solutions. Swathi Shyam Sunder developed an AI system capable of deriving context-aware recommendations from historical data on product configurations and relevant product and component information. This AI-driven system streamlines the design process, making it both easier and faster. Siemens has already integrated this development into its factory automation business, demonstrating its commitment to leveraging AI for improved efficiency and productivity.
Transparency in AI decision-making
In an era where AI plays an increasingly vital role in various applications, ensuring transparency in AI decision-making is crucial. Yushan Liu’s PhD thesis addresses this concern by developing methods for machine learning processes to deliver high-performance results while also providing clear communication of how decisions are reached. This is achieved through logical rules or graphical representations of the decision-making process. Such advancements are particularly essential in fields like medical diagnostics and safety-critical systems, where understanding the reasoning behind AI-driven decisions is paramount.
Siemens continues to be a driving force in innovation, particularly in the fields of artificial intelligence and sustainability. The recognition of 12 exceptional innovators through the Inventors of the Year awards underscores the company’s commitment to shaping the future through groundbreaking technological advancements. As Siemens invests heavily in research and development, dominates in patent applications, and pioneers AI-driven solutions, it remains at the forefront of innovation in a rapidly evolving world.
