Industrial AI: strategies, insights, and success factors for measurable ROI

Artificial intelligence is undeniably one of the most significant technological developments of our time. Yet, many companies seem to be responding to this technology more with panic than with strategy. Millions are being invested, but returns are often elusive. We have gathered the latest insights from our AI and industry experts to help you cut through the noise. Conduct your own AI reality check and identify where AI can deliver genuine value.

Do the AI reality check
' Don’t be dazzled. From ‘ChatGPT cowboys’ and politically motivated quick fixes to decisions driven more by buzzwords than substance, the AI hype is everywhere. '
Romano Roth, Zühlke
Global Chief of Cybernetic Transformation & Partner

AI overkill: why hype clouds our judgement

The flood of buzzwords and promises around AI is overwhelming. Gartner® puts it even more starkly in its report on Defining AI and Setting Realistic Expectations: 

‘Superheated rhetoric surrounding the potential benefits of artificial intelligence is inflating related expectations […] and many enterprises are struggling to put a realistic value on an important source of innovation and differentiation’.

We see it every day – business leaders are under enormous pressure to implement AI. But this is exactly where the risk lies. The hype leads to rushed actions without foundational strategy, and costly missteps. This is one reason why, according to Gartner, around 90 percent of AI initiatives fail early.

Yet with the right foundation, much more is possible. That’s what our joint study with ETH Zurich shows – discover the 5 key insights on AI's tangible impact.

Get the learnings
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' Implementing AI without establishing the right foundations is inviting the next crisis. Without cultural change and a clear data strategy, any AI initiative remains little more than a paper tiger. '
Peter Güntzer, Zühlke
Director Data & AI Consulting and Partner

From hype to heart of business: where industrial AI creates real value

Lack of data is rarely the problem for industrial companies. More often, they are sitting on vast, underutilised data resources. The key to unlocking AI’s power as a driver of insights, decision-making, and untapped potential lies in making this data fit for purpose.

This requires a holistic approach, from defining the strategic problem to building a tailored solution architecture, integrating AI seamlessly into your processes, and ultimately embedding it into your products. With this solid foundation and a broad view, productivity gains of up to 50 percent and beyond become achievable.

Read more: the Cybernetic Enterprise for the industrial sector
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' Zühlke's role was pivotal. The team combined strong industry know-how, deep expertise in applied AI, and a user-centric approach to support our journey from strategy to implementation. '
Wolfgang Zintz
Head AI, Brückner Maschinenbau

Industry insights: industrial AI in practice

AI is already delivering measurable gains in efficiency and productivity across the industrial sector. From predictive maintenance that prevents downtime to AI-supported quality control that detects defects faster than any human eye – AI is driving process optimisation, reducing idle time, and cutting costs. Explore real-world successes achieved in collaboration with our clients:

Brückner Maschinenbau leverages GenAI to optimise production efficiency
a machine of Brückner Maschinenbau
Kanadevia Inova aims to reduce downtime & costs with AI
AI chatbot increases efficiency: 95% accuracy with half the effort
generative ai chatbot icon
Man looks at his tablet

AI in the industrial value chain

These projects demonstrate that AI is more than just a buzzword. The technology is making companies more resilient, efficient, and productive – while opening doors to entirely new business opportunities.

Want to explore further? Our continuously growing collection highlights practical AI and data use cases that deliver tangible value across the entire industrial value chain. It outlines both risks and opportunities, and presents actionable examples to support your AI transformation journey:

Get the full details
' We are entering the era of the cybernetic enterprise. The future belongs to those who master the symphony of organisation, processes, technology, and AI. That’s how the cybernetic enterprise is born. '
Romano Roth, Zühlke
Global Chief of Cybernetic Transformation & Partner
Beyond empty promises:

Start your industrial AI journey today

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At Zühlke, we focus on measurable results – not empty promises. Our approach to industrial AI is pragmatic, outcome-oriented, and geared towards strengthening your long-term competitiveness.

We support you through every phase – from potential analysis and AI strategy development to prototyping and solution scaling. Our methodology ensures proven ROI and seamless integration into your existing processes:

  • AI readiness check
  • Problem definition and solution architecture
  • MVP and initial implementation
  • Rollout and scaling

Ready to move beyond the hype? Complete the form to schedule an executive briefing and discover where AI can deliver the most value within your organisation.

  • Romano Roth, Thought Leader DevOps

    Romano Roth

    Global Chief of Cybernetic Transformation & Partner

    CV

    His passion is helping companies bringing people, processes and technology together so that they can deliver continuously value to their customers. 

    View LinkedIn profile of Romano Roth
  • Peter Guentzer

    Peter Güntzer

    Director Data & AI Consulting, Partner

    CV

    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.

    View LinkedIn profile of Peter Güntzer