Eschbach's SAMI Wins Smart Factory AI Award

Eschbach's SAMI (Shiftconnector Artificial Manufacturing Intelligence) clinched the Diamond Winner spot in the Smart Factory AI category at the 2026 Pinnacle Awards. The Pinnacle Awards recognize innovations and leaders shaping the AI ecosystem. This award acknowledges SAMI's ability to transform manufacturing data into actionable insights, enhancing safety and efficiency. SAMI is an AI assistant that enhances the Shiftconnector platform, capturing institutional knowledge and offering real-time operator support. The platform bridges the gap between human expertise and digital precision. It enables manufacturers to achieve higher operational excellence and safety levels. Eschbach's Shiftconnector platform integrates Generative AI (GenAI) to provide a conversational interface. This allows operators to query data in natural language, such as, "What happened during last night's shift?". The platform delivers instant, contextual insights, streamlining decision-making. Andreas Eschbach founded eschbach in 2005; the company is headquartered in Bad Sackingen, Germany, with a North American headquarters in Boston. Eschbach's Shiftconnector is utilized by major companies like BASF, Bayer, and DuPont. Shiftconnector simplifies shift handovers, improves visibility, and supports structured routines with real-time performance tracking. The Pinnacle Awards program recognizes achievements in AI innovation, engineering, enterprise transformation, responsible AI, and leadership. Kate Lang, Executive Director of the Pinnacle Awards, stated that the 2026 winners represent the highest level of innovation and real-world AI performance. This year's awards reflect the maturity of the AI ecosystem, from model breakthroughs to enterprise transformation. In January 2026, SAMI Chat won the IoT Breakthrough Award for AI Innovation. In 2025, Eschbach also won a Platinum Pinnacle Technology Award for the Shiftconnector platform. Shiftconnector supports digital transformation, helping managers, operators, and technicians improve team communications.