Knowledge loss through retirements
Decades of design and service knowledge sit in heads, binders and legacy systems — and leave with every departure.
industries · Mechanical Engineering
AI in Mechanical Engineering
German machine and plant engineering thrives on design knowledge, precision and service. That is exactly where artificial intelligence (AI) comes in: it makes the knowledge of experienced specialists available, speeds up quoting and service processes and evaluates machine data that often goes unused today.
As an AI agency from Chemnitz we know the reality of mid-sized machine builders: grown IT landscapes, ERP and CAD side by side, little time for experiments. That is why we start with your processes, not the technology — and prioritise use cases by benefit and risk.
From the first analysis through integration to training your team, we guide you with a clear approach — GDPR-compliant and fully on premise if you wish, so design and customer data never leave your premises.
challenges
Where the industry gets stuck
Laborious quote costing
Individual customer enquiries require parts lists, work plans and price research. That ties up designers who should be developing.
After-sales service load
Fault reports, spare-part enquiries and maintenance appointments run through email and phone — with long response times.
Unused machine data
Sensors and controllers deliver data every second, but without analysis it yields neither forecasts nor improvements.
use cases
Concrete AI use cases
Six entry points proven in practice — each connected to your existing systems and data.
Quotation assistant
AI reads customer enquiries, finds comparable past projects including costing and drafts a quote — your sales team reviews and sends.
Knowledge base with natural-language access
Service technicians ask in plain language for wiring diagrams, error codes and repair history — the answer comes from your own documents.
Predictive maintenance
Models detect anomalies in machine data before a standstill occurs and propose maintenance windows.
Spare-part identification
A photo or description is enough: the AI identifies the part, checks availability and creates the quote.
Technical documentation
Operating manuals, maintenance plans and translations are generated AI-assisted from design data — consistent and versioned.
Quality inspection with image recognition
Camera systems and AI check components for dimensional accuracy and surface defects — objectively and documented.
services
How we support you
AI Consulting
We analyse quoting, service and manufacturing processes and prioritise AI use cases by benefit and risk.
AI Integration
Connection to ERP, PLM and machine controllers — on premise or in a GDPR-compliant data centre.
AI Training
Designers, service technicians and managers learn to use AI safely — state-funded.
Use funding
For machine builders in Saxony, the SAB digitalisation grant is often the most direct route — it funds software introduction, implementation and the associated training in a single project. Nationwide, the Qualifizierungschancengesetz funds further training for your employees with up to 100% of course costs — Sellium is an AZAV-certified training provider.
faq
Frequently asked questions
Which AI application pays off first in mechanical engineering?
Usually the one that relieves bottleneck staff: quote creation and service knowledge access deliver measurable benefit quickly because they build on existing documents and need no new sensors.
Does our design data stay in-house?
Yes, if you want it to. We implement AI solutions fully on premise or in a private cloud on request — drawings, parts lists and customer data never leave your infrastructure.
Does AI work with our grown ERP?
Usually yes. We connect AI to existing systems via interfaces instead of replacing them. Which connection is possible is clarified in the IT check-up of our AI consulting.
Do our employees need prior knowledge?
No. Basic digital skills are enough. Our AI training meets specialists, service technicians and managers where they are — with certificates at DQR levels 4–6.
Is an AI project in mechanical engineering funded?
Often yes: in Saxony via the SAB digitalisation grant, nationwide via the Qualifizierungschancengesetz for training and the research allowance for development projects. Our funding page gives an overview.
about sellium
Who is behind this content
This page is created and maintained by Sellium GmbH — a 360° AI agency from Chemnitz. Behind the content is the team around Dr. Christian Lohse, David Kempe, Hendrik Morawetz and Alexander Schuster, who analyse, implement and teach AI projects in mid-sized companies. All information on funding programmes is based on the official sources linked below and is reviewed regularly.
AZAV-certified training provider — selected courses are also AZAV-certified.
- ✓ Privacy First AI: GDPR-compliant, EU AI Act in view
- ✓ 100% data sovereignty possible — on premise or private cloud
- ✓ Based in Chemnitz — personally available across central Germany
Sources for funding information: Sächsische Aufbaubank (opens in a new tab) · Federal Employment Agency (opens in a new tab) · Federal funding database (opens in a new tab)
contact
Let's talk
Happy to help with anything AI. We will get back to you promptly.
Get in touch
Thank you for your message.
We will get back to you shortly. If it is urgent, you can reach us at +49 371 524 99 140 or contact@sellium.ai.