IFS and Siemens Partner on Autonomous Grid Future

Collaboration aims to modernize energy and infrastructure operations

IFS and Siemens announced a strategic partnership at the Industrial X Unleashed event to deliver integrated AI-driven solutions for energy, utilities, and infrastructure operators. The collaboration combines Siemens’ expertise in grid planning, electrification, and smart infrastructure with IFS’s strengths in enterprise asset management, field service, and AI-powered scheduling optimization. Together, the companies aim to address challenges such as aging assets, supply chain disruptions, and labor shortages. The partnership also supports the energy transition by enabling autonomous grid operations through digital transformation.

Integrated Solutions for Grid Management

The joint offering bridges gaps between engineering and financial planning, operational technology and IT, and strategic asset decisions with real-time field execution. IFS’s AI-powered asset management and investment planning tools will be integrated with Siemens’ Gridscale X solutions. This combination provides utilities with enhanced operational intelligence across their infrastructure. As a result, operators can better manage distributed energy resources like solar and wind, which are reshaping grid dynamics.

The solution is designed to improve uptime, reduce costs, and support sustainability goals while maintaining reliability. Its modular, cloud-ready architecture allows organizations to adopt digital transformation without disruptive system overhauls. Industry-specific applications target utilities, energy infrastructure, manufacturing, and critical facilities. The approach reflects growing demand for resilient and adaptive grid systems.

Industry Perspectives on Transformation

Max Roberts, COO of IFS, emphasized that autonomous grids are becoming a reality today. He noted that combining Siemens’ grid intelligence with IFS’s AI platform enables smarter investment decisions and predictive maintenance. Dr. Sabine Erlinghagen, CEO of Siemens Grid Software, added that modern grid operations require fundamental transformation rather than incremental improvements. She highlighted the partnership’s potential to accelerate modernization and reduce operational risks.

Timothy Swanson, industry advisor and former CIO/CSO of FortisBC, pointed to accelerating changes in the sector, from electrification demands to extreme weather events. He stressed that outdated tools cannot meet current challenges. Swanson said utilities are excited about the integration of planning systems from equipment level upward, which is essential for delivering reliable and cost-effective service. The collaboration is seen as a step toward building the grid of tomorrow.

Pathway to Autonomous Operations

The partnership sets a foundation for self-optimizing grid operations. By integrating advanced AI with grid-scale solutions, utilities can adapt to the complexity of inverter-based resources. The combined system supports long-term sustainability outcomes while ensuring resilience. Both companies view the collaboration as a way to align technological innovation with pressing industry needs.