Siemens CEO's mission to automate everything

Decoder with Nilay Patel · with Siemens CEO · February 9, 2026 · 62 min

Summary

Siemens CEO discusses the company's mission to automate everything, from hardware to software, for other businesses. The episode delves into the societal and economic impacts of widespread automation, including job displacement and the creation of new roles amidst evolving global trade dynamics. It highlights Siemens' strategic technological advancements, such as digital twins and AI integration, and their commitment to workforce development.

Key takeaways

• Automation significantly impacts employment, requiring businesses to consider job displacement and new skill development.
• The shift in global trade necessitates adapting supply chain strategies, potentially leading to reshoring or nearshoring of manufacturing.
• Digital twin technology is crucial for optimizing manufacturing and operations across various industries.
• Integrating AI and machine learning into industrial solutions is essential for future technological advancements.
• Investing in workforce development, such as training skilled trades like electricians, is vital in an increasingly automated world.

Themes

Topics covered

Episode description

Siemens is one of those absolutely giant, extremely important, fairly opaque companies we love to dig into on Decoder. At a very basic, reductive level, Siemens makes the hardware and software that let other companies run and automate their stuff. We spent a lot of time talking about what happens to jobs when Siemens automates everything — and what happens to a company like Siemens when the free trade era we’re used to gets turned on its head. Read the full interview transcript on The Verge. Links: Siemens Energy CEO attends Trump meeting at Davos | Reuters PepsiCo, Siemens, Nvidia announce digital twin collaboration | PepsiCo Siemens spins off Healthineers majority stake | Reuters Siemens USA to train 200,000 electricians by 2030 | Siemens Subscribe to The Verge to access the ad-free version of Decoder! Credits: Decoder is a production of The Verge and part of the Vox Media Podcast Network. Decoder is produced by Kate Cox and Nick Statt and edited by Ursa Wright. Our editorial director is Kevin McShane. The Decoder music is by Breakmaster Cylinder. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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Frequently asked about this episode

What does this episode say about ai & automation?

Automation significantly impacts employment, requiring businesses to consider job displacement and new skill development.

What does this episode say about supply chain & operations?

The shift in global trade necessitates adapting supply chain strategies, potentially leading to reshoring or nearshoring of manufacturing.

What does this episode say about founder & leadership?

Digital twin technology is crucial for optimizing manufacturing and operations across various industries.

What does this episode say about ai & automation?

Integrating AI and machine learning into industrial solutions is essential for future technological advancements.

What does this episode say about ai & automation?

Investing in workforce development, such as training skilled trades like electricians, is vital in an increasingly automated world.

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