Knorr-Bremse has launched a new global artificial intelligence (AI) centre in Chennai, India, as part of its wider digital strategy and efforts to enhance operational efficiency.
The facility, which enters its ramp-up phase in August 2025, will initially employ around 70 specialists developing AI-based solutions aimed at improving process efficiency, performance, and implementation speed across the organisation. Early projects will focus on AI agents for accounting and software development, with future applications planned for supply chain management, process optimisation, and project management.
Marc Llistosella, CEO of Knorr-Bremse AG, said: “A core objective of our BOOST strategy programme is to increase the efficiency and performance of our organisation. As part of this, we are also taking our entire global processes to a new level. Our new AI centre in Chennai is a targeted investment in artificial intelligence, whose application to operational processes will make an important contribution to the digital transformation of Knorr-Bremse. As the global market leader, we want to be a frontrunner in the industrial use of AI, improving, accelerating, and completely rethinking numerous processes, working methods, and approaches.”
Sathees Navaratnam, Chief Digital Officer at Knorr-Bremse, added: “AI is rapidly finding its way into all areas of the company – whether procurement, human resources or, of course, IT. Against this backdrop, our presence in the technology hub of Chennai offers ideal conditions, both now and in the future. Specifically, highly qualified specialists on site can train AI models using our company data and quickly and flexibly adapt so-called AI agents to our needs. The solutions will support teams throughout the Group in improving processes, accelerating workflows, and making data-driven decisions.”
AI agents, the company explained, are software programmes capable of breaking down complex tasks into smaller steps and executing them independently. Initial uses include software development and automated invoice verification, with potential future applications in progress tracking, cost control, virtual product testing, and supply chain management. These agents will be supported by a bespoke analytics engine, designed to act as the AI’s core, capable of generating software code faster and more accurately than human developers.
Beyond internal benefits, Knorr-Bremse plans to apply AI capabilities to its multi-stage engineering and innovation processes for rail and commercial vehicle systems. The company expects AI agents to support the design of electronic and software components, such as braking systems, enabling faster, more adaptive research and development while better integrating customer requirements into product development.
Share on:
