How Wilo is future-proofing employees worldwide for the age of AI
In this blog you will find:
Artificial intelligence is not only transforming technologies. It is changing how people work, make decisions, and drive innovation.
At Wilo, AI is far more than a tool. It is a central element of the company’s strategic direction and an expression of its commitment to think about water intelligently. With WATER AI, Wilo therefore pursues a clear goal: to give employees worldwide access to artificial intelligence and actively train them to use AI responsibly, securely, and effectively.
AI as part of everyday work - for everyone, everywhere
Whether in administration, development, sales, or production:
At Wilo, AI is not an exclusive topic for experts but an integral part of daily work.
Looking at the administrative areas of the water technology group alone reveals a wide range of AI use cases: With WiloGPT, the company’s own AI platform, employees worldwide receive secure and privacy-compliant access to generative AI. This is complemented by the targeted use of Microsoft Copilot, which supports productive work directly within familiar Office environments, from drafting concepts and analyses to structured knowledge work.
The goal is clear: AI should relieve employees, foster creativity, and create space for value-adding activities.
Transformation requires qualification - not just technology
Technology alone is not enough. That is why Wilo consistently focuses on qualification, guidance, and cultural integration of AI.
A central component is the global training and upskilling initiative that supports employees depending on their role and needs, from basic AI understanding to application in concrete use cases. This is complemented by tutorials, learning paths, and community formats in which experiences are shared and best practices made visible.
One highlight of the past year was the Wilo Digitalisation & AI Roadshow: it made artificial intelligence tangible for the global workforce, explained concepts in an understandable way, and demonstrated practical ways AI can support everyday work, open, dialogue-oriented, and globally connected. Through targeted best-practice examples, experiences were also exchanged across regions.
AI in production
People and technology working together
Wilo’s approach is particularly visible in production. The intelligent worker guidance system in the Green Fab at the Wilopark in Dortmund, supported by digital assistance systems and AI-based applications improves quality, efficiency, and ergonomics while putting people at the center.
This consistent integration of digitalization, AI, and employee orientation has received multiple awards, including the Microsoft Intelligent Manufacturing Award (MIMA). The entire Dortmund production site first won the Factory of the Year 2023 award in the Digital Transformation category and in 2024 even became overall winner.
The Wilo Smart Factory shows that AI does not replace people. It supports and empowers them.
We embrace AI
With WATER AI, Wilo’s response to the digital and AI age, the company follows a clear framework for its AI transformation.
The pillar "We embrace AI" demonstrates how the company systematically integrates AI into processes and everyday work. It contains five focus areas:
Communication & awareness
Transparent communication, success stories, exchange formats, and guidance create acceptance and enthusiasm for AI.
Training & competence building
Continuous learning, role-based qualification programs, and hands-on training make AI usable.
Enablement & support
Help desks, communities, champion networks, and the AI Competence Center provide support in daily work.
Impact & continuous improvement
Measurable added value, feedback mechanisms, and continuous development ensure AI delivers real benefits.
Governance & security
Clear guidelines, secure platforms, and responsible use build trust, internally and externally.
“With WATER AI, our ambition is to responsibly empower every colleague worldwide for the age of artificial intelligence and together shape the transformation toward an intelligent, sustainable future.”
Responsible, secure, and future-oriented
A key element for the success of the company’s AI transformation is collaboration across many departments, including IT Security, Global Information Management, the AI Competence Center, and many others.
In this way, Wilo combines expertise in technology, use cases, governance, and security. The collaboration ensures AI applications are not only innovative but also compliant, secure, and ethically responsible in line with legal requirements and the company’s own values.
AI as a cultural question
At Wilo, it is not simply about “introducing” AI. It is about creating a culture in which people remain curious, are allowed to try new things, and experience technology as support. “We embrace AI” stands for a transformation that connects technology and people paving the way toward an intelligent, sustainable water future.
