Artificial intelligence is evolving from a technology trend into a strategic success factor in industry. While many companies are still discussing its potential, Solunio, a software developer based in Brunico, South Tyrol, is taking the next step: With a clearly defined AI strategy and the newly integrated AI Scout, the company is specifically expanding the Visual Shop Floor software platform with AI functions that have concrete practical relevance. Visitors to HANNOVER MESSE 2026 will be able to experience these innovations live for the first time—including in the form of an interactive shop floor chat.

From transparency to intelligent support

Digital shop floor management is now established in many production and logistics environments. Software solutions replace analog boards, provide real-time metrics, document deviations, and drive actions throughout the shop floor cascade. This has created a robust foundation for transparency, accountability, and process stability.

An additional, assisting layer

However, as data volumes grow and dynamics increase, so do the demands on analysis, prioritization, and decision-making. Information is available—the key is to quickly contextualize it and translate it into effective actions. This is precisely where the AI Scout comes in, expanding the existing system with an additional, assisting layer.

The AI Scout: AI Functions in Productive Use

With the AI Scout, Solunio is gradually integrating AI as an integral component of Visual Shop Floor. A Shop Floor Chat is already available today, which interactively answers specific questions from shop floor management—such as regarding priorities, current events, responsibilities, or open issues. Users thus receive dialogue-based support that makes information accessible in context and accelerates decision-making processes.

No-Code/Low-Code Approach

In addition, several AI-powered “assistants” are available that significantly reduce administrative effort, particularly in the context of autonomous system adaptation based on the no-code/low-code approach. Configuration and customization processes are intelligently prepared and guided in a targeted manner, making the operation and expansion of the platform more efficient and user-friendly.

Subject matter experts are noticeably relieved

Instead of complex forms and manual parameterization, the user increasingly acts as a subject matter decision-maker and validator. The technical implementation is prepared in the background and methodically supported. According to Solunio, this significantly reduces the effort required for administration and further development—while simultaneously increasing flexibility. Subject matter experts are noticeably relieved of the burden and can focus more on substantive issues and their leadership responsibilities.

Methodology remains – effectiveness increases

The basic principles of Shop Floor Management—transparency, regular communication, escalation logic, and continuous improvement—remain unchanged. AI neither replaces leadership nor responsibility, but rather increases the effectiveness of the established methodology: relevant issues are identified more quickly, relationships are presented more clearly, and decision-making processes are specifically supported. The system thus evolves from a pure information and organizational platform for shop floor processes into an active assistance system that provides guidance in day-to-day operations and clearly highlights priorities.

Clear Roadmap for the Future

Solunio is consistently further developing Visual Shop Floor and pursuing the strategic goal of gradually expanding the platform into an adaptive, learning system through the targeted use of AI. This system is designed to seamlessly connect operational and strategic issues and provide sustainable support to decision-makers. AI is not viewed as an add-on module, but as an integral part of a future-proof shop floor architecture. Visual Shop Floor accompanies industrial companies throughout the entire development of shop floor management—from analog whiteboards to digital transparency and AI-based decision support. The features presented at HANNOVER MESSE 2026 are designed to bring this next step in development to life.

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