Global energy technology company Schneider Electric has unveiled what it says is the world’s first fully software-defined medium voltage (MV) switchgear, which is set to redefine how electrical distribution systems are designed, deployed, and operated.

The company says the innovation is part of its vision to create more flexible, resilient, and sustainable energy infrastructure. It explains that, as electrification accelerates and AI factories drive data centre demand, the approach allows power infrastructure to evolve at the same pace as the digital services it supports. 

Software-defined MV equipment addresses the constraints of traditional MV systems that rely on engineered-to-order, custom-built designs, resulting in longer lead times, complex procurement processes, and limited scalability. The new equipment is designed to shift functionality into software and enable over-the-air updates that deliver new features and performance improvements without physical modifications.

Standardised hardware platforms replace bespoke designs, making systems easier to deploy, adapt, and scale. In addition, upgrades can be implemented with no operational downtime, ensuring uninterrupted service.

The company explains that the transformation is supported by a simplified and modular hardware architecture that reduces system complexity. Moving away from fully custom assemblies toward configurable, software-enabled modules enables faster ordering and manufacturing while lowering the environmental impact of production. At the same time, digital-first commissioning processes, supported by automated testing and intuitive interfaces, accelerate deployment and simplify on-site operations.

Software-defined MV equipment is said to embed energy intelligence across the system lifecycle, enabling built-in connectivity and analytics for real-time visibility into system performance, as well as AI-powered predictive maintenance through the company’s EcoCare services.

“Data centres are being asked to build faster than traditional power infrastructure can move,” said Schneider Electric executive VP: power systems division Melton Chang. “With software-defined MV switchgear, we are bringing the logic of software to medium voltage equipment — so customers can deploy in a fraction of the time, standardise across regions, and add new capabilities with zero downtime. As their energy technology partner, we are making power infrastructure as agile as the digital operations it serves.”

The company intends to extend the software-defined MV architecture across its MV portfolio and the rest of the powertrain — including PremSet and the AirSeT range, including GM AirSeT, RM AirSeT, and SM AirSeT.