Schneider Electric and NVIDIA collaborate for AI-Optimised data centers

Transforming infrastructure with AI for enhanced efficiency, scalability, and sustainability in data centers.

Schneider Electric, the leader in digital transformation for energy management and automation, has announced a collaboration with NVIDIA to optimise data center infrastructure. This partnership aims to pave the way for groundbreaking advancements in edge artificial intelligence (AI) and digital twin technologies.

Drawing on Schneider Electric’s expertise in data center infrastructure and NVIDIA’s advanced AI technologies, the collaboration will introduce the first publicly available AI data center reference designs. These designs are poised to redefine benchmarks for AI deployment and operation within data center ecosystems, representing a significant milestone in the industry’s evolution.

As AI applications gain traction across industries, the demand for processing power has surged exponentially. This rise in AI has led to notable transformations and complexities in data center design and operation. Data center operators are working to rapidly construct and operate energy-stable facilities that are both energy-efficient and scalable.

 “We’re unlocking the future of AI for organisations,” said Pankaj Sharma, Executive Vice President, Secure Power Division & Data Center Business, Schneider Electric. “By combining our expertise in data center solutions with NVIDIA’s leadership in AI technologies, we’re helping organisations to overcome data center infrastructure limitations and unlock the full potential of AI. Our collaboration with NVIDIA paves the way for a more efficient, sustainable, and transformative future, powered by AI.” 

Cutting-Edge Data Center Reference Designs

In the initial phase of this collaboration, Schneider Electric will introduce state-of-the-art data center reference designs tailored specifically for NVIDIA accelerated computing clusters. These designs are crafted to cater to various tasks such as data processing, engineering simulation, electronic design automation, computer-aided drug design, and generative AI. There will be a particular emphasis on enabling high-power distribution, liquid-cooling systems, and controls, all aimed at ensuring straightforward commissioning and reliable operation for the extreme-density cluster.

Through this partnership, Schneider Electric aims to equip data center owners and operators with the necessary tools and resources to seamlessly integrate new and evolving AI solutions into their infrastructure. This integration will enhance deployment efficiency and ensure reliable life-cycle operation.

Addressing the evolving demands of AI workloads, the reference designs will provide a sturdy framework for implementing NVIDIA’s accelerated computing platform within data centers. This framework prioritises performance, scalability, and overall sustainability. Partners, engineers, and data center leaders can utilise these reference designs for both existing data center rooms requiring support for new deployments of high-density AI servers and new data center constructions fully optimised for a liquid-cooled AI cluster.

“Through our collaboration with Schneider Electric, we’re providing AI data center reference designs using next-generation NVIDIA accelerated computing technologies,” said Ian Buck, Vice President of Hyperscale and HPC at NVIDIA. “This provides organisations with the necessary infrastructure to tap into the potential of AI, driving innovation and digital transformation across industries.”

Future Roadmap

Alongside the data center reference designs, AVEVA, a subsidiary of Schneider Electric, will integrate its digital twin platform with NVIDIA Omniverse. This connection will create a unified environment for virtual simulation and collaboration, facilitating seamless interaction among designers, engineers, and stakeholders. Such integration aims to expedite the design and deployment of complex systems, ultimately reducing time-to-market and costs.

“NVIDIA technologies enhance AVEVA’s capabilities in creating a realistic and immersive collaboration experience underpinned by the rich data and capabilities of the AVEVA intelligent digital twin,” said Caspar Herzberg, CEO of AVEVA. “Together, we are creating a fully simulated industrial virtual reality where you can simulate processes, model outcomes, and effect change in reality. This merging of digital intelligence and real-world outcomes has the potential to transform how industries can operate more safely, more efficiently and more sustainably.”

Collaborating with NVIDIA, Schneider Electric intends to investigate new use cases and applications across industries, advancing its vision of fostering positive change and shaping the future of technology.