Emerson challenges industrial test costs with new AI code generation

Global automation leader Emerson is embedding generative AI into its test software portfolio, introducing prompt-based code generation that could significantly reduce development costs for semiconductor, aerospace, and transportation clients and challenge established workflows. The move aims to boost engineering productivity, a sharp contrast to the consumer-facing AI deployments that have sparked public backlash.

"The NI platform has evolved through every major shift in technology, continually improving how test engineers reach their goals," said Ritu Favre, president of Emerson's test and measurement business, in a statement. "As AI reshapes product development, it's this adaptability that allows our AI-ready platform to stand out."

The expansion, announced May 13 at the NI Connect conference in Fort Worth, Texas, centers on NI Nigel™ AI, a proprietary technology that will now generate code in the NI LabVIEW+ Suite. In internal tests, Emerson claims the tool reduced development and troubleshooting times from days or hours to just minutes. The AI capabilities will also extend across its full software suite, including NI TestStand™ and NI SystemLink™, to provide context-aware guidance throughout the test lifecycle.

For Emerson (NYSE: EMR), the move is a direct bid to increase the value of its software offerings and capture a larger share of engineering budgets shifting toward AI-driven efficiency. By automating complex coding tasks, the platform could lower the barrier to entry for advanced testing and directly impact the productivity of a highly specialized workforce, a sensitive issue as other industries face backlash for deploying AI.

A Calculated AI Implementation

Emerson's strategy appears calculated to avoid the pitfalls seen by other major brands. While companies like Coca-Cola have faced criticism and accusations of devaluing creative work by using generative AI for holiday ad campaigns, Emerson is applying the technology to a specific, high-skill industrial problem. The target audience is not the general public but specialized test engineers, for whom the AI acts as a productivity tool rather than a replacement.

This distinction is critical. The backlash against AI often centers on the perceived threat to human labor and creativity. By positioning NI Nigel™ AI as an assistant that handles tedious code generation, Emerson frames AI as a collaborator that frees up engineers to focus on higher-level problem-solving. The company did not disclose pricing for the new AI features, which will be a key factor in their adoption.

An Integrated Automation Ecosystem

The core of Emerson's pitch is the integration of AI across its entire NI test and measurement platform. The company argues that the real value lies not in a single AI feature but in a unified system of modular hardware, open software, and a shared data foundation. This ecosystem approach is designed to differentiate its offering from competitors who may offer point solutions for specific tasks.

The NI platform is already used by major players across several industries, with companies like NVIDIA, Alstom, and Valeo citing its role in their development and validation processes. By embedding AI directly into the tools these companies already use, Emerson aims to make the adoption of AI-driven workflows seamless. The success of this strategy will depend on whether the performance gains, like reducing test development from days to minutes, can be replicated by customers at scale and justify the investment. For investors, the key metric will be whether this AI integration can accelerate the growth of Emerson's software revenue and solidify its market position against rivals in the test and measurement sector.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.