ALTEN x VITESSE Automation Join Forces to Modernise Industry Without Replacement, Powered by AI
In an industrial landscape defined by cost pressures, performance demands, and sustainability challenges, the technological signature of industrial systems has become a central issue. How can existing, often heterogeneous equipment be modernised without requiring massive capital investment?
Many mid-sized industrial companies (ETIs) have yet to structure their transformation, while large groups struggle to scale their initiatives. Yet, those committed to this journey are achieving superior growth.
In response, a pragmatic approach is essential: building a collaborative solution, connecting existing equipment, leveraging their data, and deploying artificial intelligence directly at the heart of industrial operations starting from the current infrastructure and enhanced by data and AI. This is the vision behind the partnership between ALTEN and VITESSE Automation, officially signed on Monday, 30 March 2026, at the Global Industrie trade fair in Paris.
Challenges: Modernising an Existing Industrial Fleet
The core challenge of industrial transformation lies in the reality of the field: an ageing, heterogeneous yet still operational fleet of machines.
Several constraints persist, such as poorly connected equipment, complex systems that are difficult to integrate, investments that are hard to justify, and AI projects that are sometimes disconnected from real-world applications. This paradox is central: replacing machines is rarely feasible, but failing to modernise them risks undermining competitivity.
The industrial transformation must therefore address two key objectives:
- maximising the value of existing infrastructure
- delivering a rapid return on investment (ROI)
This requires a gradual transformation, grounded in real data and concrete use cases.
An Integrated Approach: Connect, Exploit, Act
The ALTEN × VITESSE Automation partnership is built on an operational approach that spans the entire transformation journey.
Connecting Equipment
The first step involves auditing connectivity and linking existing machines such as PLCs, robots, and production lines without disrupting operations. Non-intrusive sensors can also be deployed to enhance data collection.
Exploiting Data
Data is harnessed through a no-code/low-code platform, enabling the creation of dashboards, process automation, and alert configuration. This accessibility empowers frontline teams to take ownership and drive operational improvements.
Deploying AI in Real Time
AI models are executed directly at the edge (Edge Computing), close to the machines. They enable real-time data analysis, decision-making, and system intervention, shifting the focus from analysis to action.
Ensuring Scalability
ALTEN accelerates the industrialisation of solutions by combining IT/OT integration, digital twin deployment, and generative AI. With enhanced cybersecurity and optimised multi-site rollouts, this approach ensures the robustness and long-term sustainability of industrial projects.
Tangible and Measurable Benefits
The approach stands out for its fast and tangible results.
Operational Performance
Use cases enable real-time supervision, remote diagnostics, predictive maintenance, and continuous optimisation. Data becomes a direct decision-making tool.
Accelerated ROI
By leveraging existing infrastructure, manufacturers can limit investments, deploy rapidly and validate gains before scaling, reducing risks and encouraging team adoption.
Secure Scalability
Beyond pilot projects, solutions are designed for large-scale deployment with high-level cybersecurity and reliability.
Towards a Sustainable Industrial Transformation
The industrial landscape is evolving towards smarter, autonomous systems, integrating AI directly into operations.
This approach:
- Optimises existing resources.
- Extends equipment lifespan,
- Minimises hardware investments, and
It enables a transformation that is both high-performing and sustainable. Industrial modernisation does not necessarily require replacing equipment; it requires intelligent evolution.
The ALTEN and VITESSE Automation partnership embodies this pragmatic approach: connecting, exploiting, and activating intelligence at the heart of industrial systems.
The challenge for manufacturers is now to move from pilot to full-scale deployment, building a robust, scalable, and reality-anchored technological signature.