Siemens launches IT-style engineering tool for industrial automation

Siemens has introduced SIMATIC AX WinCC Unified Elements, a new engineering application designed to bring IT software development practices to industrial automation. The tool is currently available exclusively in the United States.

The application allows automation engineers to build, version control, and deploy visualization projects using workflows familiar to IT software developers. It supports code-based engineering, graphical workflows, YAML-based project generation, AI-generated code, reusable libraries, Git integration, and CI/CD-style development.

This launch extends the SIMATIC AX family beyond programmable logic controller (PLC) programming into visualization, providing engineers with a unified environment for developing both control logic and user interfaces. Siemens stated the product aims to help manufacturers speed up automation project development, enhance collaboration, and modernize engineering workflows.

According to Siemens, the tool addresses a growing challenge in manufacturing: the widening gap between the pace of digital transformation and the availability of skilled automation talent. The company noted that IT-minded engineers increasingly expect modern software tools that go beyond traditional automation environments.

Siemens is strengthening its software-defined automation portfolio with this release, aiming to help manufacturers bring industrial projects to market faster through more open, collaborative, and AI-ready engineering workflows.