Peter Güntzer
Director Data & AI Consulting, PartnerTraditional automation no longer meets the growing demands placed on industrial systems. The answer? Physical AI – intelligent systems that not only analyse data but act autonomously in the physical world.
Physical AI integrates sensors, edge AI and autonomous actuators into intelligent systems capable of making real-time decisions and taking physical action. The result: equipment that thinks ahead and processes that adapt dynamically to new requirements.
This makes Physical AI a key technology for the next generation of industrial applications. By combining sensing, AI and robotics, machines can better perceive their environment, derive decisions independently and autonomously perform specific tasks. This leads to greater flexibility, improved quality and new opportunities for business models.
Why now? What leaders need to know
Physical AI is reshaping how industrial systems are developed, operated and optimised. Now is the ideal time for leaders to understand and evaluate its potential. Those who act early gain a clear advantage in terms of time-to-value and competitiveness:
Real-value areas
Flexible Manufacturing
Robots autonomously configure processes and reduce changeover times – without manual re-engineering.
Logistics & Intralogistics
Mobile systems optimise material flows, react dynamically to bottlenecks and shorten lead times.
Quality Assurance
Vision-based systems detect defects in real time and prevent scrap. AI analyses, responds and documents results in a fully traceable way.
What does this look like in practice?
Computer Vision – Seeing, understanding, acting: A core element of Physical AI is the ability to see. Using computer vision and AI, systems can interpret visual data and respond accordingly, for example:
Quality control
Cameras detect surface defects or missing components directly on the production line.
Navigation
Autonomous vehicles move safely through complex industrial environments.
Inspection
Devices identify anomalies such as leakages or wear at an early stage.
Our approach: Holistic and future-ready
Physical AI is not a single technology – it is the interplay of hardware, software and data, representing system integration at the highest level. We support you throughout the entire lifecycle, from strategy and prototyping to industrialisation:
- Device engineering: Robust hardware designed for demanding industrial environments.
- AI integration: Models tailored to your data, processes and operational needs.
- Edge computing: Intelligence deployed where it is needed most – enabling real-time decisions.
Our solutions for Industrial Physical AI
We make Physical AI industrial-ready – with scalable, standards-compliant and economically viable solutions that deliver real value.
Faster Time-to-Value
Our modular architectures shorten payback periods and create measurable value from day one.
Built-in Safety
Whether functional safety, regulatory compliance or IT/OT security – we develop for demanding, regulated environments with minimal risk.
Seamless Integration
Physical AI integrates effortlessly into your existing system landscape. From the initial vision to full-scale operations – we stay by your side.
Ready for intelligent systems that act?
Speak with our experts to discover how Physical AI can transform your industrial value creation – safely, at scale, and with measurable impact.
Peter Güntzer
Director Data & AI Consulting, Partner
Peter Guentzer is a seasoned expert in Data & AI, Advanced Data Analytics, IoT, and smart connected products, with a background as CTO of an IoT startup and experience at Siemens Cellular. At Zühlke, he integrates cutting-edge technology with business and strategic goals.
