Balluff is driving digitalization forward with its smart solutions. The aim is to intelligently combine traditional automation technology (OT) and information technology (IT). The sensor and automation specialist is also in the midst of digital transformation within the company - since this year with two new initiatives in the field of artificial intelligence (AI): a self-developed AI-based chatbot (BalluffGPT) and an AI-supported code assistant (GitHub Copilot). Both are used in the company worldwide.

High safety standards guaranteed

"AI is already being used in many of our solutions - but we are also using the technology to increase both our efficiency and our effectiveness in our day-to-day work," says Patrick Wild, Head of Global IT and member of Balluff's AI Task Force. The focus is on generative AI (GenAI), which creates new content such as text, images or code - and therefore appeals to a broad target group.

As an AI-based chatbot, BalluffGPT provides employees with answers to their questions. "The tool was developed in our own cloud infrastructure and therefore meets all the high security standards," says Wild. There are plans to develop further Balluff bots that will work on the basis of internal data and documents and thus process information from knowledge databases or the HR department, for example. The GitHub Copilot is an AI-supported code assistant that helps developers to write code faster and more efficiently.

Innovation and efficiency

"At Balluff, we see our two AI initiatives as real game changers," says Wild, "because they not only increase our ability to innovate, but also simplify and speed up our day-to-day work in many areas." The openness of colleagues is crucial here. In addition to AI guidelines for the safe and sensible use of the new tools, employees are also offered various opportunities for exchange and training. The important thing is: "Artificial intelligence does not replace any of our employees. But it helps us to develop our skills and thus to find the best solutions for our customers time and time again."