Day 2 at Hanover Messe has been packed with insights as we explore how manufacturers can leverage AI and digital transformation to stay ahead.
In our panel discussion on the Digital Transformation Stage, “Implementing Generative AI Across the Digital Thread,” experts from PTC, Microsoft, and ABI Research shared real-world strategies for integrating AI copilots and agents into industrial software. Ayora Berry (VP, AI Product Management, PTC), Monica Ugwi (General Manager, Microsoft), Ryan Martin (Senior Director, ABI Research), and host Guy Bursell (Business Strategy Leader, Microsoft) led an engaging conversation on how AI is already delivering business benefits—boosting software R&D productivity, enabling real-time data analysis on the manufacturing floor, and streamlining service workflows with automation.
The conversation also highlighted the needs for manufacturers to advance beyond isolated AI implementations, creating an interconnected digital thread across PLM, ALM, CAD, and SLM systems. The panel provided practical frameworks and use cases to help attendees implement and scale generative AI within their operations. They underscored the importance of using AI agents—software capable of perceiving signals, reasoning, and contextualizing input—to enhance collaboration and streamline workflows. By addressing labor shortages and institutional knowledge gaps, AI can help accelerate innovation, improve machine performance, and optimize production, ultimately unlocking new levels of productivity and efficiency in manufacturing.
Later in the day, the "Digital Transformation Value Roadmap" masterclass provided a hands-on approach to mapping out a successful digital transformation strategy. Martin Messner (Principal Customer Strategy Offering Manager, PTC) and Juergen Nick (Business Development Director, PTC) guided attendees through an interactive method for identifying key business initiatives and the processes and technological capabilities needed to achieve them. Through a customer example, attendees were able to get real-world context into how they can help their organizations build a connected digital thread to drive real, measurable outcomes.
Both sessions reinforced a key theme—digital transformation and AI are no longer optional; they’re essential for staying competitive. If you missed these discussions or have any questions about these sessions, be sure to visit the PTC booth to learn more about how our solutions can help you put these insights into action!
Must-see demos
If you haven't had a chance to visit yet, there’s still plenty to see! Stop by the PTC booth (Hall 17, Stand D40) to experience how we Solve Problems Faster with AI Across the Product Lifecycle, where we showcase solutions that help accelerate product development, reduce time-to-market, and enhance workforce productivity while boosting operational efficiency. You can also learn more about our AI-powered solutions and dive into demos on designing and manufacturing for sustainability and the benefits of leveraging cloud-native CAD technology. These innovations have been a major highlight, and you won’t want to miss seeing them in action.
There’s also a lot happening beyond our booth. Over at the Microsoft booth (Hall 17, Stand G06), explore Speed Up Innovation with an AI-Assisted Workforce, featuring Polaris. Discover how PTC software is helping accelerate product development and enhance workforce efficiency.
You can also visit the OPC Foundation booth (Hall 9, Stand F30) to discover how Kepware standardizes data access for security, automation, and AI. Another must-see demo at the Dell booth (Hall 15, Stand C52) in collaboration with Accenture, showcases how to identify and eliminate production bottlenecks. Meanwhile, at the Industrial Digital Twin Association (IDTA) booth (Hall 9, Stand F27), we’re sharing insights into an asset administration shell story.
If you missed yesterday’s blog, check it out here.
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