On a mission to reduce the environmental impact of manufacturing components, Siemens turned its attention to the design of a robot gripper. Making up just 2% of the robot, the impact of this hand-like device may seem inconsequential. To achieve this feat, Siemens used AI-powered generative design tools to autonomously explore possible solutions and rapidly test and optimize them for functionality and manufacturability. “AI and generative AI are fundamentally reshaping how sustainability is integrated into product development,” says Pina Schlombs, sustainability lead and industrial AI thought leader at Siemens. “By enabling smarter design choices, real-time impact assessments, and circular design, these technologies empower businesses to create innovative products that meet both market and environmental demands.”