Siemens - Experts & Thought Leaders

Siemens, a technology company, and SuperTrak CONVEYANCE™, a market pioneer in linear motion conveyance, announced a new strategic collaboration to maximize product range and machine throughput and shorten cycle time for machine building and manufacturing customers. The companies partnered to offer the market a smart conveyance system that can be installed as a transport technology on production machines and it’s also integrated in the TIA Portal. The carriers are powered by linear motors and move flexibly between stations during the production process. SuperTrak Horizon3™ The SuperTrak Horizon3™ closed-loop magnetic transport system enables high-performance machine designs The SuperTrak Horizon3™ closed-loop magnetic transport system enables high-performance, cost-effective, and space-saving machine designs for manufacturers. By combining the mechatronic system with Siemens’ Simatic controller and motion-control functionalities of the TIA Portal, all components work together seamlessly to help machine builders achieve optimal conveyance solutions. automation and digitalization “By leveraging Siemens’ strengths in automation and digitalization alongside SuperTrak CONVEYANCE™’s expertise in smart conveyance, we’ll help solve the manufacturing challenges our customers face daily,” said Rainer Brehm, CEO of Factory Automation at Siemens. “Together we’re enabling manufacturers to build and deploy high-performing and innovative automation and transport systems that increase throughput and reduce operational costs.” smart conveyance “Smart conveyance enables a more effective process design that helps machine builders and manufacturers achieve higher performance in a smaller footprint,” shared Ben Hope, Director of Product Commercialization at SuperTrak CONVEYANCE™. “Combine that with full integration in the TIA Portal, users can now utilize our technology together with Siemens’ motion-control tools.” Siemens Xcelerator It’s designed for smaller payloads and products and can carry up to three kilograms per shuttle Combining Siemens’ hardware and software solutions from the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio with the SuperTrak CONVEYANCE™ system yields a fully integrated, demand-oriented conveyance solution. The closed-loop linear transport system offers a variety of layout options. It’s designed for smaller payloads and products and can carry up to three kilograms per shuttle. The carrier pitch is reduced to a minimum size of 50 millimeters, allowing objects to be handled at high speed in a much closer range to achieve high throughput numbers, which are required by packaging customers. SuperTrak CONVEYANCE™ platform Connecting the SuperTrak CONVEYANCE™ platform with the Siemens TIA Portal and integrating it in the Simatic S7-1500T controller allows users to easily implement synchronized motion tasks with additional motion-control axes by using real-time communication. Each shuttle can be controlled independently through the use of technology objects in the TIA Portal. Technology objects enable different motion sequences, such as grouping multiple shuttles or clamping a product between two shuttles for a filling process. 3D simulation and animation A 3D simulation and animation of the system’s production process and shuttle workflow provides machine builders with valuable insights into the ideal layout of the system, required shuttle numbers, and throughput figures. The SuperTrak CONVEYANCE™ system with Siemens automation helps machine builders and manufacturers increase their productivity and product quality in order to remain competitive – while simplifying and reducing engineering efforts.

Siemens Mobility announced that the first Mireo Plus H hydrogen trains have received authorization for passenger operation in time for the scheduled timetable change on December 15, 2024, and are ready to inaugurate passenger service. Their approval marks another significant milestone for emission-free mobility in the Berlin-Brandenburg and Bavarian regions, where hydrogen-powered trains will be used for the first time. ultra-modern Mireo platform Andre Rodenbeck, CEO of Rolling Stock, Siemens Mobility, "We offer electric, battery, and hydrogen trains based on the ultra-modern Mireo platform and have completed the development of our innovative and environmentally friendly Mireo Plus H hydrogen trains right on schedule." "The first of these trains will now be entering passenger service and we are delighted to be a driving force behind the phasing out of diesel trains. This transition will reduce CO2 emissions and provide passengers in Germany with climate-friendly, powerful, and comfortable trains.”  Energy efficiency Locally produced hydrogen will be used in the trains’ fuel cells, and water vapor will be the only emitted by-product Niederbarnimer Eisenbahn Betriebsgesellschaft will operate seven Mireo Plus H hydrogen trains on the Heidekrautbahn line in Berlin-Brandenburg. These trains will save 1.1 million liters of diesel fuel per year and reduce CO2 emissions by 3,000 tons. Locally produced hydrogen will be used in the trains’ fuel cells, and water vapor will be the only emitted by-product. In addition, recovered braking energy will be used to further increase the trains’ energy efficiency. Mireo Plus H The Mireo Plus H, named “Freistaat Bayern”, will replace diesel trains at Bayrische Regiobahn (BRB) for two and a half years as of Monday, December 16, 2024. Test operations will begin in stages, starting with selected runs in the East Allgäu-Lechfeld network. Operations will later be expanded and the train will then also run on the Ammersee-Altmühltal network. The new Mireo Plus H provides an environmentally friendly, quiet, and efficient alternative to diesel propulsion, which is scheduled to be fully phased out in Bavaria’s regional rail system by 2040. Emission-free passenger transportation The Mireo Plus H combines innovation with sustainability. The train has a long operating range of up to 1,200 kilometers, is powered by an H2 traction system with a high drive power of 1.7 MW for accelerating up to 1.1 m/s2, and has a top speed of 160 km/h. Employing state-of-the-art technology, the Mireo Plus H sets new standards in emission-free passenger transportation. Siemens is especially pleased about this openness to new and innovative rail technology and that this climate-friendly and comfortable train will now be available to passengers in Bavaria and Berlin-Brandenburg. Battery trains in the East Brandenburg network The two-car trainset has a range of more than 120 kilometers on batteries alone In the state of Brandenburg, Niederbarnimer Eisenbahn Betriebsgesellschaft is launching a large fleet of Mireo Plus B battery trains on its East Brandenburg network. The 31 battery trains will enter service in phases by the summer of 2025. The two-car trainset has a range of more than 120 kilometers on batteries alone.  Reduces fuel consumption Operation of the battery-electric Mireo Plus B trains will reduce the consumption of diesel fuel by around 4.4 million liters a year on the East Brandenburg network. The new trains will eliminate local CO2 emissions and, depending on the electricity mix, reduce broader regional emissions by around 11,500 tons per year. At the same time, the trains will significantly reduce particulate emissions. New railcar features The new railcars are equipped with three doors on each side to ease access for passengers in wheelchairs or strollers, also from lower station platforms. Each of the new trains will provide passengers with 127 seats and 12 spaces for bicycles, wheelchairs, and strollers. Passengers will also have free WiFi service, a dynamic passenger information system, and a specially designated family area. In addition, around 60 power sockets and USB charging ports are conveniently distributed throughout the train. New trains for the Danube-Isar network A generous number of luggage racks makes it convenient for passengers to stow their baggage In December 2020, Deutsche Bahn ordered 25 Desiro HC trains and six Mireo trains for service on the Danube-Isar network. The six Mireo trains were delivered in a 4-car configuration with 264 seats, including 14 seats in a first-class section, for the Airport Express operating from Nuremberg to Munich via Regensburg. All trains are equipped with duplex sliding steps to ease access for passengers with reduced mobility from different platform heights. In addition, an on-board lift enables wheelchair users to board and alight at low station platforms. A generous number of luggage racks makes it convenient for passengers to stow their baggage.  Multi-purpose open areas Some of the 25 four-car Desiro HC trains have already been operating on the Danube-Isar network since August 2024. Positive customer feedback shows a high level of satisfaction with the new double-decker trains. The trains have multi-purpose open areas equipped with innovative supports for bicycles. High-frequency window glass specially developed to substantially improve mobile reception and free WiFi service ensure seamless communication. Up to three Desiro HC trains can run coupled between Munich and Landshut to provide great flexibility in meeting capacity needs.  New Mireo trains for the Regensburg-Danube Valley network In addition, 21 Mireo trains will inaugurate service for rail operator agilis on the Regensburg-Danube Valley network with the scheduled timetable change: They will run on RE line 50 (Nuremberg – Regensburg – Plattling) and RE line 51 (Neumarkt – Regensburg – Plattling). These trains will also be used for the Airport Express operating from Nuremberg to Munich. The high-performance trains offer more seating capacity and modern equipment and features, including WiFi service and high-frequency window glass for optimal mobile reception. A total of 23 four-car Mireo trains will be delivered to rail operator Agilis.

Siemens Smart Infrastructure (SI) held its Capital Market Event today showcasing outstanding financial performance and value creation. SI announced upgraded mid-term targets to achieve 6-9 percent comparable revenue growth and a target profit margin range of 16-20 percent over a 3-5-year cycle.  mid-term targets It will continue to focus on delivering strong profitable growth, margin expansion, and cash generation, with emphasis on value creation in key geographies and innovation across its portfolio and end markets.  The business, which combines the real and the digital worlds for sustainable infrastructure, announced it had outperformed the market, including outgrowing its direct competitors, and exceeded the commitments made during Siemens Capital Market Day in June 2021.  11 percent CAGR The business has been a strong contributor to supporting Siemens to meet and exceed ambitious sustainability SI exceeded its previous mid-term targets, achieving an 11 percent CAGR for revenue growth in the period fiscal 2020-2024. Its record 17.3 percent profit margin in fiscal 2024 was well above the targeted 11-16 percent profit margin over the cycle. During the past four years, SI has more than doubled its digital business revenue to €1.7 billion, exceeding the €1.5 billion target it had announced back in 2021, one year ahead of time. The business has also been a strong contributor to supporting Siemens to meet and exceed ambitious sustainability targets. global megatrends For fiscal 2025, SI is targeting a major advance towards its upgraded commitments, aiming for revenue growth of 6-9 percent and a profit margin range of 17-18 percent. The strong position it holds will enable the business to continue capitalizing on growth drivers resulting from global megatrends, including electrification, decarbonization, resource efficiency, data and AI, resilience, and people-centricity – all recognized as drivers of the digital and sustainability transitions.  decarbonization goals With a clear commitment to supporting customers’ decarbonization goals, SI helped them avoid 44 million tons of CO2 emissions in fiscal 2024 alone. “We set ambitious commitments and we delivered. Now, we’re raising the bar again with new targets to unlock the next level of value creation,” said Matthias Rebellius, member of the Managing Board of Siemens AG and CEO of Smart Infrastructure. Smart Infrastructure business “As a global technology pioneer in this rapidly evolving market, our Smart Infrastructure business is in a sweet spot, strategically positioned to capitalize on growth drivers." "We help customers across a broad range of industries and geographies to increase their efficiency so they can operate both profitably and sustainably and reach their financial targets in a competitive environment.” expansion, and cash generation Commenting on SI’s achievements, Siemens AG’s Chief Financial Officer Ralf P. Thomas said, “Over the past years, Smart Infrastructure impressively demonstrated how successful a well-prepared and consistently executed transformation can be." "The business operated exceptionally well across all metrics in a dynamically growing market. SI has been and will continue to be a key pillar of Siemens’ overall success. With the medium-term targets announced today, we are confident that SI will continue to drive strong revenue growth, margin expansion, and cash generation – not only for SI but also for Siemens as a whole.” Building on success to create value, expand digital portfolio  It will seek to maintain a resilient and versatile business mix by expanding its digital and service business For its next phase, SI will carry on investing in its broad-based global presence, implementing a local-for-local strategy and capacity expansion, while nurturing in-country talent in its stronghold markets such as the United States and India. These investments will deliver scalable results in established end markets, such as data centers, healthcare, and power utilities, to continue to grow faster than the market. It will seek to maintain a resilient and versatile business mix by expanding its digital and service business and concentrating on high-margin, data-driven products to increase recurring revenue. digital revenue The business will continue to expand its digital and service focus. Its digital revenue increase is not only attributed to software but also to remote and data-driven services – key drivers of profitability. Since 2021, it has successfully shifted its business mix towards more margin-accretive products and a higher share of standardized systems and solutions. Siemens Xcelerator portfolio SI is strengthening its technological leadership across Buildings, Electrification, and Electrical Products by integrating cutting-edge innovations into the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio. Siemens Xcelerator, the company’s open digital business platform, combines SI’s offerings with the competencies of partners and developers for the benefit of customers. Building X, Electrification X, and Gridscale X SI will continue to expand its portfolio of repeatable and scalable products for cross-market implementation So far, the business has introduced three distinct umbrella portfolio categories to the platform: Building X, Electrification X, and Gridscale X​. All three have contributed to a revenue increase of above 20 percent in SI’s digital portfolio during the last year. SI will continue to expand its portfolio of repeatable and scalable products for cross-market implementation while focusing on high-growth markets such as data centers. data center business In fiscal 2024, SI exceeded its order intake expectations for data center business with a growth rate of around 60 percent, realizing more than €3.6 billion in orders, boosting revenue growth above 50 percent to more than €2 billion. The business enjoys longstanding relationships with all major tier-1 hyperscaler operators in the already booming data center business, fueled by the rise of AI. Its expertise, investments in scaling capacity to support customers, and constant, reliable delivery have persistently paid off. exponential demand SI’s addressable market continues to expand, growing 5-6 percent in the mid-term, and is forecast to reach more than €300 billion by 2029, from €185 billion in 2020. The business achieved above-market growth across all business areas, propelled by excellent execution of exponential demand for Electrification and Electrical Products.  Electrification business The Buildings business unit has the largest service business within Siemens and is pioneering in digital services The Electrification business is currently the market pioneer in medium voltage switchgear, Protection & Automation IEC, Grid Planning, and Meter Data Management. The Electrical Products business has jumped from fourth to second place in the market. The Buildings business unit has the largest service business within Siemens and is pioneering in digital services for smart buildings, with 140,000 connected building management systems.  Innovation and M&A Innovation and sustainability are at the heart of SI’s strategy. Its groundbreaking products that support the electrification of everything include the IoT-connected SENTRON ECPD, the world’s fastest electronic circuit protection device, which requires up to 90 percent less material, and the environmentally-friendly, F-gas-free blueGIS portfolio for medium voltage power supply, launched ahead of regulations in Europe. For building operators, examples include the Wireless Plug and Play Automation Bundle that works with Building X to reduce labor and energy costs, as well as Connect Box, which enables more efficient management of small and medium-sized buildings.  grid resilience and fire safety SI has bolstered its portfolio with strategic acquisitions, including C&S Electric in 2021 to address India's growing power needs, Brightly Software in 2022 to enhance digital building operations, and Trayer Engineering and Danfoss Fire Safety in 2024 to boost grid resilience and fire safety innovation. These investments highlight SI’s commitment to driving growth and innovation in fast-growing markets.

The electrical industry is expected to have a labor shortage of about 60,000 workers by 2026. A labor shortage in the electrical trade is not inevitable, but it is likely to continue if the industry does not take steps to address the issue. Like other skilled trades, the electrical industry is facing challenges that could contribute to a labor shortage, including an aging workforce, a lack of interest among younger generations, and competition from other industries. However, there are strategies the industry can implement to address these challenges and attract a new generation of workers. These strategies include increasing awareness of the benefits and opportunities of skilled trades, investing in training and education programs, improving working conditions and compensation, embracing technology, promoting diversity and inclusivity, and collaborating among industry, education, and government. Improving working conditions Factors in the current labor shortage in the electrical industry include: Aging workforce: Many workers in the electrical industry are nearing retirement age, and there are not enough younger workers to replace them. This has led to a shortage of skilled workers with many years of experience in the industry. Lack of interest in the trades: There has been a decline in the number of young people pursuing careers in the skilled trades, including electrical work. This is due in part to a focus on four-year college degrees as the preferred career path, as well as a lack of awareness of the benefits and opportunities of skilled trades. Competition from other industries: The electrical industry is competing with other industries, such as construction and manufacturing, for skilled workers. Training and education: Training and education are critical for developing the skills and knowledge necessary for electrical work. However, there is a shortage of qualified trainers and educators. Increasing demand: The demand for electrical services is increasing, particularly in areas such as renewable energy and smart grid technology. Attracting and retaining workers To attract and retain workers, the electrical industry must offer competitive wages and benefits One strategy to address the labor shortage is to increase awareness of skilled trades and to promote the benefits of a career in the electrical industry through outreach programs in schools, career fairs, and other events. Providing access to quality training and education programs that develop the skills and knowledge necessary for electrical work is crucial for attracting and retaining workers. This can be done through apprenticeship programs, vocational schools, and community colleges. To attract and retain workers, the electrical industry must offer competitive wages and benefits, as well as a safe and supportive work environment. This includes offering training and development opportunities, flexible schedules, and opportunities for advancement. Inclusive work environment The electrical industry is changing rapidly, and workers must be equipped with the latest technology and tools to stay competitive. Providing workers with training and access to the latest technology can help attract and retain workers. The electrical industry should actively promote diversity and inclusivity to attract a wider pool of workers. This includes efforts to recruit workers from underrepresented groups and create a welcoming and inclusive work environment. The electrical industry is changing rapidly, and workers must be equipped with the latest technology Companies in the electrical industry are addressing the labor shortage problem by investing in workforce development programs and initiatives. For example, Schneider Electric has developed a comprehensive workforce development program called the Schneider Electric Energy and Automation Training (SEAT) program. The SEAT program provides training and certification for employees, customers, and partners in areas such as energy management, automation, and digital transformation. Developing training programs Siemens has developed several initiatives to address the labor shortage in the electrical industry. These initiatives include apprenticeship programs, vocational training programs, and partnerships with educational institutions to develop training programs. Graybar, a distributor of electrical products and solutions, has developed a workforce development program called Graybar University to provide training and education for employees, customers, and partners in areas such as lighting, automation, and safety. Joint apprenticeship training program Collaboration among industry, education, and government is crucial for developing solutions The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) have developed a joint apprenticeship training program that provides training and education for individuals looking to enter the electrical industry. The program provides on-the-job training and education in areas such as electrical theory, safety, and installation. Collaboration among industry, education, and government is crucial for developing solutions to the labor shortage in the electrical industry. This includes partnerships between industry and education institutions to provide training and education programs, as well as government initiatives to support workforce development in the skilled trades.