FOCUS ON AI
AI brings with it technological progress comparable to the steam engine, the printing press or electricity. It serves as a tool to support us and push us beyond our limits
TRUMPF presented its AI-based assistance for laser cutting at INTECH 2025. they trust us gives us further competitive advantages and positions us as a trustworthy partner in the industry.
How can a company with German roots avoid‘ missing the boat’ when it comes to AI?
SE: Europe has a unique opportunity to combine its deep-rooted industrial expertise and clear sense of responsibility with AI technology. I see this combination as the key to sustainable innovation. This is where we differ fundamentally from countries such as the USA and China.
Why do we still need humans?
SE: People are and will remain the focus. AI brings with it technological progress comparable to the steam engine, the printing press or electricity. It serves as a tool to support us and push us beyond our limits.
What measures does TRUMPF take for data protection?
SE: The responsible use of AI goes handin-hand with data protection at TRUMPF. In addition to technological security mechanisms, it is important to understand that data protection starts with each individual employee.
Here is an example. Large Language Models( LLMs), such as ChatGPT, use huge amounts of data to deliver results. If employees use public AI tools, sensitive or business-critical data may be leaked; this must be avoided as a matter of urgency. When developing AI, we first consider which data is being used for which purposes, as well as the risks and how we can keep them in check. When it comes to data security, we work closely with our legal, IT and cybersecurity departments.
What are your favourite AI tools?
SE: I hardly ever use Google anymore. Instead, I use AI tools such as Perplexity or Claude. This facilitates research immensely and can deal much more precisely with the context and sources, making it possible to check the answers.
I also use our internal AI tool( blueGPT) in my daily work at TRUMPF. I would advise all colleagues who have never worked with AI to try out various AI tools. You can also use them to learn how to work with them …… n
“ With the Cutting Assistant, users get the [ right ] laser cutting parameters for their material. All they need to do is take a photo of the cut edge using a hand scanner. The AI takes care of the rest,” said TRUMPF.
Image: TRUMPF.
About TRUMPF
TRUMPF is a high-tech company offering manufacturing solutions in machine tools and laser technology. It drives digital connectivity in manufacturing through consultancy, platform products and software. TRUMPF is one of the technology and market leaders in versatile machine tools for sheet metal processing as well as industrial lasers.
In 2024 / 25, TRUMPF employed 17,750 people and generated sales of 4.3 billion euros( preliminary figures). With about 90 companies, the TRUMPF Group is represented in nearly every European country as well as in North America, South America and Asia. The company has production facilities in Germany; France; the United Kingdom; Italy; Austria; Switzerland; Poland; the Czech Republic; the United States; Mexico and China.
www. trumpf. com
Image: TRUMPF.
44 | ismr. net | ISMR September 2025