Siemens reorganizes automation business for future industrial demands
Siemens is reshaping its industrial automation strategy by creating a unified Automation business unit. The new organization will officially begin operations on October 1, 2026.
The company will combine four major business areas, including Customer Services, Factory Automation, Motion Control, and Process Automation. This structure aims to provide customers with more integrated solutions across PLC, DCS, motion systems, and industrial software platforms.
The decision supports Siemens’ ONE Tech Company strategy, which focuses on connecting automation, software, and artificial intelligence technologies. Therefore, Siemens expects the new structure to improve collaboration and accelerate industrial innovation.
From an industry perspective, automation suppliers face increasing pressure to deliver complete production ecosystems rather than individual control products. Manufacturers now require connected control systems that combine hardware, software, data analytics, and AI capabilities.
Rainer Brehm appointed President of Siemens Automation
Siemens has appointed Rainer Brehm as President of the new Automation organization. He will take responsibility for leading the global automation business from October 1, 2026.
Brehm will report directly to Cedrik Neike, Member of the Managing Board of Siemens AG and CEO of Digital Industries.
Before this appointment, Brehm served as Digital Industries COO for automation business and CTO. In this position, he helped develop Siemens’ automation portfolio, including software-defined automation and Industrial AI technologies.
Moreover, Brehm previously led Siemens Factory Automation business as CEO. His experience covers industrial control technologies, customer requirements, and global automation markets.
Industrial automation enters an AI-driven transformation phase
The industrial automation market is moving from traditional control systems toward intelligent and software-driven production environments.
Modern factories increasingly depend on PLC platforms, DCS architectures, industrial communication networks, and AI-based optimization tools. As a result, automation companies must provide solutions that support flexible manufacturing and autonomous operation.
Siemens believes that automation, software, and artificial intelligence will become increasingly connected. This approach reflects a broader industry trend where manufacturers use digital technologies to improve productivity, reduce downtime, and optimize energy consumption.
In practical applications, companies are combining PLC control, industrial edge computing, digital twins, and predictive maintenance systems. These technologies allow operators to monitor equipment conditions and improve production decisions.
Unified automation structure improves customer solutions
The new Siemens Automation organization will bring different engineering disciplines together under one business structure.
Factory Automation focuses on technologies such as PLC systems, industrial networks, and manufacturing automation. Process Automation supports industries that rely on continuous production, including chemical, energy, and pharmaceutical applications.
Motion Control provides solutions for high-performance machine applications, including servo drives, motion controllers, and industrial robotics. Customer Services supports lifecycle management, modernization projects, and technical assistance.
By combining these capabilities, Siemens can provide more coordinated solutions for complex industrial environments. However, successful integration will depend on maintaining strong technical expertise across different automation fields.
Siemens automation portfolio and market position
Siemens has been a major supplier of industrial automation technologies for decades. Its automation portfolio includes SIMATIC PLC systems, industrial communication products, process control platforms, and digital engineering software.
For many manufacturers, Siemens control systems support production lines, power plants, infrastructure projects, and process industries worldwide.
The company’s strategy reflects a wider movement among automation suppliers. Leading companies such as Siemens, Rockwell Automation, ABB, Schneider Electric, Emerson, and Honeywell are investing heavily in software integration, cybersecurity, and industrial AI.
Therefore, future competition in automation will not depend only on hardware performance. Instead, suppliers must combine engineering knowledge, software capability, and industry-specific solutions.
Expert view: automation suppliers must balance innovation and engineering reliability
From a technical industry perspective, the creation of a unified automation business represents a logical response to changing customer expectations.
Many industrial users still operate complex environments that include legacy PLC systems, DCS platforms, field instruments, and safety controllers. They need modernization paths that protect existing investments while introducing new digital capabilities.
In real-world automation projects, successful transformation rarely comes from replacing all equipment at once. Instead, companies often upgrade systems step by step through industrial networking, software integration, and data-driven optimization.
Siemens’ challenge will be maintaining strong engineering support while expanding AI-based automation solutions. Industrial customers require practical technologies that deliver measurable improvements in production performance.
Application scenarios: Siemens automation solutions in modern factories
A manufacturing plant can combine Siemens PLC systems with industrial networks and digital tools to improve production efficiency.
For example, an automotive factory may use PLC-based machine control, motion systems for robotic assembly, and Industrial AI for production analysis. Meanwhile, a process plant may integrate DCS platforms with advanced monitoring systems to improve operational stability.
In both cases, unified automation technologies help engineers manage equipment, analyze operational data, and optimize production processes.
The future industrial environment will require automation systems that are flexible, connected, and easier to maintain. Siemens’ new Automation business unit represents one approach toward this direction.
Conclusion: Siemens prepares for the next generation of industrial automation
Siemens’ decision to establish a dedicated Automation business unit highlights the changing priorities of the industrial automation sector.
By combining factory automation, process automation, motion control, and customer services, Siemens aims to create a stronger foundation for AI-enabled manufacturing.
However, the success of this strategy will depend on execution, engineering capability, and the ability to support customers across different industries.
As industrial companies continue digital transformation projects, automation providers that successfully combine PLC, DCS, software, and AI technologies will play a key role in shaping future production systems.