The two companies are developing AI chips and software to improve welding, cutting and marking processes // The technology is intended for more efficient laser applications to accelerate production, for example, of electric cars

Ditzingen (Germany)/San Jose, Calif. (USA), 15 July 2024 - Today, the high-tech company TRUMPF and SiMa.ai, the software-centric, embedded edge machine learning system-on-chip company, signed a partnership to develop lasers with artificial intelligence (AI). The goal is to equip several laser systems of TRUMPF with AI technology in the near future. This includes systems for welding, cutting and marking, as well as powder metal 3D printers.

"AI has high strategic relevance for TRUMPF. Our expertise in laser processes and manufacturing helps us to develop smart software for production purposes. SiMa.ai is the ideal partner for this next big step towards intelligent industrial solutions," says TRUMPF Laser Technology's Chief Technology Officer Richard Bannmüller
Both companies bring their respective expertise to the collaboration: TRUMPF, its laser application expertise, and SiMa.ai, its machine learning system on chip (MLSoC) technology.
"The rapid acceleration of AI innovation is reshaping how humans can leverage emerging technology - SiMa.ai's powerful MLSoC and flexible software alongside TRUMPF's highest level of process understanding is enabling AI solutions that drive the industry forward. In combination with TRUMPF's advanced AI software, SiMa.ai's one software-centric platform for all edge AI adjusts to any framework, network, model, sensor, or modality, making it possible to reach the next level of AI-assisted laser technology," says SiMa.ai Head of Sales and President of Automotive Business Harald Kröger. SiMa.ai, headquartered in San Jose, California with offices in Stuttgart, Germany, employs approximately 200 employees. Edge ML applications that run completely on SiMa.ai's machine learning system on chip see a tenfold increase in performance and energy efficiency, bringing higher fidelity intelligence to ML use cases spanning computer vision to generative AI, in minutes. At TRUMPF, approximately 90 employees worldwide are working on AI, primarily in product development.
Accelerated production of electric vehicles
The joint collaboration intends to accelerate complex material processing. The powerful, compact and energy-efficient AI chips will be integrated directly into the laser systems. The AI-optimized sensor technology can monitor the quality of the laser welding process in real time and evaluate more than 3,000 images per second. In electric car production, for example, the real-time quality inspection during laser welding with the help of artificial intelligence (AI) is expected to replace separate and complex testing procedures. Moreover, battery manufacturers will be able to increase the quality of their production in real time and reduce the reject rate which could ultimately lower the price of electric cars for consumers.

About TRUMPF

TRUMPF is a high-tech company offering manufacturing solutions in the fields of machine tools and laser technology. The Company drives digital connectivity in the manufacturing through consulting, platform products and software. TRUMPF is one of the technology and market leader in highly versatile machine tools for sheet metal processing and in the field of industrial lasers. In 2022/23, the company employed some 18,400 people and generated sales of about 5.4 billion euros. With over 80 companies, the TRUMPF Group is represented in nearly every European country as well as in North America, South America and Asia. The company has production facilities in Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, Poland, the Czech Republic, the United States, Mexico and China. Find out more about TRUMPF at www.trumpf.com

About SiMa.ai:
SiMa.ai is the software-centric, embedded edge machine learning system-on-chip (MLSoC) company. SiMa.ai delivers one platform for all edge AI that flexibly adjusts to any framework, network, model, sensor, or modality. Edge ML applications that run completely on the SiMa.ai MLSoC see a tenfold increase in performance and energy efficiency, bringing higher fidelity intelligence to ML use cases spanning computer vision to generative AI, in minutes. With SiMa.ai, customers unlock new paths to revenue and significant cost savings to innovate at the edge across industrial manufacturing, retail, aerospace, defense, agriculture, and healthcare. SiMa.ai was founded in 2018, has raised $270M and is backed by Fidelity Management & Research Company, Maverick Capital, Point72, MSD Partners, VentureTech Alliance and more.