Microsoft showcases AI-powered virtual assistant at Hanover trade fair

Microsoft is showcasing cutting-edge AI-powered virtual assistants at Hannover Messe, the world's largest industry event for machinery and electronic technology, which starts on Monday.

Microsoft's innovations being showcased at the trade fair include the Factory Operations Agent, which is designed to optimize factory floor processes, offering workers a more efficient way to interact with machines and boost productivity.

The software enables workers to analyse machine data through natural language queries, making it easier for managers to fine-tune manufacturing processes. The AI assistant helps identify issues, simplifying error detection and problem-solving on the factory floor.

Agnes Heftberger, managing director of Microsoft Germany, on Monday highlighted the growing importance of AI in the country's industrial sector in an interview with dpa.

Heftberger said that AI has moved beyond the testing phase and is now a critical tool for industrial applications.

"We must not hesitate to introduce AI, otherwise Germany risks falling behind in global competition," she said.

Making data accessible for AI is essential, Heftberger explained, as the industrial sector is key to Germany's economy.

A recent survey by the digital association Bitkom shows that 42% of German industrial companies have already implemented AI in their production processes, with another 35% planning to do so.

The survey, which covered 552 manufacturing companies in Germany with over 100 employees, also found that 82% of respondents believe AI will be crucial to Germany's industrial competitiveness. However, nearly half, 46%, expressed concern that Germany could fall behind in the AI revolution.

Microsoft, alongside Google, Meta and Amazon, is among the leading global providers of AI systems.