Schneider Electric Preps Conversational AI Tool for Sustainability Data Management

Schneider Electric is developing a conversational AI (artificial intelligence) software tool to help customers improve the way they manage enterprise energy and sustainability data.

The software, known as EcoStruxure Resource Advisor Copilot, is expected to launch in late 2023 or early 2024, the company said. A beta test will debut in September 2023.

Schneider Electric Conversational AI for Sustainability Data

The Schneider Electric effort involves Large Language Model technology. Schneider Electric will embed so-called Copilot AI technology inside Resource Advisor. Copilot will "equip energy and sustainability teams with enhanced data analysis, visualization, decision support, and performance optimization, and the ability to seamlessly process intricate industry knowledge and Resource Advisor system information."

In a prepared statement about the effort, Steve Wilhite, president of Schneider Electric Sustainability Business, said: “Building a sustainable, digital future means developing innovative, responsible tools to address today’s evolving decarbonization challenges head on. That means bringing ‘collaborative intelligence’ to life for the world’s biggest companies – simultaneously pairing cutting-edge technology with human expertise to deliver measurable outcomes. Resource Advisor Copilot will allow our clients to work more quickly, responsibly, and confidently as they tackle resource management initiatives for their businesses, backed by the expertise from our leading global team of consultants.”

Ahead of the AI software launch, Schneider Electric's sustainability product and service strategy has lifted the the company's revenue momentum, CEO Peter Herweck said in the company's mid-year financial report.

Robert Bunger, from Schneider Electric's Office of the CTO, offered deeper details about the company's sustainable data center strategy in a July 2023 podcast with Sustainable Tech Partner.

Conversational and Generative AI for Sustainability Applications: Example Milestones

Schneider Electric is the latest in a growing list of companies that are injecting conversational and generative AI capabilities into sustainability and ESG software platforms. Among the examples to note from August 2023:

• Microsoft is seeking a patent for a sustainability platform that coordinates and optimizes power consumption between computing devices and the associated energy grid. At the same time, Microsoft is coordinating various generative AI efforts with the Microsoft Cloud for Sustainability platform.
• Persefoni raised $50 million in Series C-1 funding, and the climate accounting software firm has added more generative AI capabilities to its platform. Persefoni's business valuation was not disclosed.
• Workiva's software platform gained Generative AI (artificial intelligence) integration capabilities with third-party platforms such as Google Cloud and Microsoft Azure. Workiva committed to maintaining an "open ecosystem" approach to Generative AI, while also maintaining a "responsible" use of AI.

We'll be watching for more conversational AI milestones from Schneider Electric in the months to come.