The technology industry is known for its rapid pace, with companies rising and falling in a matter of years. However, there are a few exceptions that have managed to survive and thrive over time. One such company is Siemens, the oldest electronics company still operating today, founded in 1847 by Werner von Siemens and Johann Georg Halske. The company’s early success came with the invention of the pointer telegraph, which replaced Morse code with letters on a dial, revolutionizing communication technology.
Siemens and Halske’s company quickly made a name for itself by building one of the first major telegraph networks in Europe, laying underwater cables and wiring up the continent. After Halske’s departure in 1867, the Siemens family expanded into new areas, including electric lighting, power generation, and railways. The company was also at the forefront of medical imaging technology, manufacturing X-ray machines just a year after their discovery in 1895.
Over the years, Siemens has continued to innovate and diversify, with a portfolio that now includes semiconductors, pacemakers, household electronics, and mobile technology. Although the company sold its mobile arm to BenQ in 2005, it remains a key player in various industries. Today, Siemens is a sprawling conglomerate operating in over 190 countries, with a focus on industrial automation, sustainable energy, and healthcare.
The company’s current portfolio is powered by AI and digital twins, which simulate real-world machines to optimize performance and predict failures. Siemens’ technology underpins much of modern medicine, from MRI and CT scanners to diagnostic systems used in hospitals daily. The company has also become a key player in sustainable energy, designing wind turbines, grid infrastructure, and industrial electrification systems that help the world transition to cleaner energy sources.
With its long history of innovation and adaptability, Siemens is likely to continue thriving in the years to come. The company’s ability to evolve and embrace new technologies, such as AI and digital twins, has enabled it to remain relevant and competitive in an ever-changing industry. As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change and technological disruption, Siemens is well-positioned to play a leading role in shaping the future of industry and society.