Software-defined
Automation

To adapt better to rapidly changing markets, industrial production must become more adaptable and autonomous. Siemens is developing software-defined automation, which replaces hardware-based automation devices with software-defined functions. At last year's Hannover Messe, Siemens already presented solutions in this field. At Hannover Messe 2025, Siemens will showcase further innovations in Hall 9, Booth D53.

The transition from hardware-based automation devices to software-defined automation functions is leading to an increasing relevance of software mechanisms in the machine and production environment. In this context, software-defined automation focuses on the implementation of these software mechanisms. It uses proven methods from software development and integrates IT-like update and management mechanisms. This makes the advantages of these approaches accessible to operational technology (OT), resulting in more efficient and flexible automation in industry.

Software

Siemens relies on the Industrial Edge as a robust software infrastructure for management and deployment. Machine automation programs run in a virtual environment, the runtime. The fail-safe virtual PLC SIMATIC S7-1500V presented in this article is ultimately an app that is already available to the first customers in a limited release for the time being.
Engineering in the field of software-defined automation now has an IT-like approach. With SIMATIC AX, short for Automation Xpansion, Siemens brings proven software development methods and mechanisms from software development into the world of industrial production. SIMATIC AX offers the latest IT tools based on Visual Studio Code. Industrial customers benefit from modular engineering workflows that provide software automation engineers with a versatile and adaptable toolchain that is tailored to their requirements. SIMATIC AX is already available as an early access release for selected customers.

Software-defined Automation

SIMATIC AX

Software-defined automation
requires a high level of cybersecurity:
Siemens OT Security Operations Center as-a-Service (SOCaaS)
supports customers worldwide with managed security services

Video: How Contiweb uses SIMATIC AX
for advanced print machines

Video: Wie Contiweb SIMATIC AX
für fortschrittliche Druckmaschinen einsetzt

Software-defined Automation
benötigt eine hohe Cybersecurity:
Siemens OT Security Operations Center as-a-Service (SOCaaS)
unterstützt Kunden weltweit mit Managed Security Services

Software-defined Automation benötigt eine hohe Cybersecurity: Siemens OT Security Operations Center as-a-Service (SOCaaS) unterstützt Kunden weltweit mit Managed Security Services