The Future of Manufacturing: Unlocking Productivity with Smart Factories
In an exciting development, NEC Corporation and Siemens Industry Software Inc. have joined forces to revolutionize the manufacturing industry. Their collaboration aims to accelerate the digital transformation of factories, bringing us one step closer to a future where smart factories thrive.
A Global Partnership for Innovation
Tokyo, Japan, November 4, 2025 - NEC Corporation, a pioneer in IT and network technologies, has entered into a strategic partnership with Siemens, a leading technology company. This partnership, sealed through a Technology Partner Program Agreement, focuses on expanding global solutions in the realm of 3D robot simulations.
NEC, with its innovative digital twin solution, aims to optimize manufacturing operations and enhance productivity. This solution, offered under NEC's value creation model "BluStellar", leverages advanced technologies to transition manufacturing sites to fact-driven management.
Siemens, on the other hand, promotes the realization of digital enterprises and provides a comprehensive suite of software that empowers manufacturers worldwide to create value rapidly.
But here's where it gets controversial... or at least, where the real innovation lies.
Revolutionizing Robot Teaching: The Heart of the Collaboration
Traditionally, coordinating the motion of multiple robots was a complex and costly manual process, often requiring skilled engineers to teach robots how to perform specific tasks. This process, known as "teaching," was time-consuming and a significant bottleneck in launching production lines using multiple robots.
NEC's Robot Task Planning software, equipped with a proprietary algorithm, optimizes the coordinated operation of multiple robots and automatically generates robot motion plans using AI. This breakthrough technology significantly reduces the complexity and cost associated with teaching robots.
Siemens' Process Simulate software, part of the Tecnomatix® portfolio, is a globally adopted 3D robot simulator that enables virtual teaching without disrupting production lines. By integrating NEC's Robot Task Planning into the Process Simulate user interface, the collaboration has created a seamless solution that allows users to create robot motion plans with a single click.
This integration not only reduces the workload required for teaching but also shortens the production line setup period, optimizes cycle time, and facilitates the sharing and transfer of operational know-how, which was previously dependent on individual expertise.
The Impact and Vision
Kosuke Hidashima, General Manager of NEC's Technology Services Software Division, emphasized the significance of this collaboration:
"By integrating our 'NEC Robot Task Planning' digital twin with Siemens' global platform, we can bring innovation to manufacturing in the DX era. Our solution promotes on-site optimization through AI-driven digitization, analysis, and simulation in digital spaces. Together, we will create value by enhancing our customers' productivity and competitiveness."
Kunihiko Horita, country manager and vice president for Japan at Siemens Digital Industries Software, echoed this sentiment:
"At Siemens, we are proud to support NEC in advancing global leadership in robotics using digital twin technology and AI. By integrating NEC's cutting-edge Robot Task Planning solution with our Process Simulate, we are enabling manufacturers to accelerate robot teaching, reduce setup time, and unlock new levels of productivity. This collaboration showcases our commitment to digital transformation and intelligent automation, helping our customers and partners like NEC deliver smarter, faster, and more resilient manufacturing solutions worldwide."
About NEC Corporation
NEC Corporation, with its brand statement "Orchestrating a Brighter World," has established itself as a leader in integrating IT and network technologies. NEC strives to provide the social values of safety, security, fairness, and efficiency, promoting a more sustainable world where everyone can reach their full potential. For more information, visit NEC at https://www.nec.com.
NEC is a registered trademark of NEC Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Other product or service marks mentioned herein are the trademarks of their respective owners. © NEC Corporation.
The Future of Manufacturing: A Thought-Provoking Question
As we witness the collaboration between NEC and Siemens, it raises an intriguing question: How can the integration of digital twin technology and AI revolutionize the manufacturing industry, and what impact will it have on the future of work and productivity?
Feel free to share your thoughts and insights in the comments below! We'd love to hear your perspective on this exciting development in the world of smart factories.
