NVIDIA has released the Factory Operations Blueprint (FOX), a reference architecture designed to coordinate specialized AI agents across existing factory systems to investigate production defects, arrange rework, and identify root causes.
A blueprint introduces a factory manager agent
to sit atop current plant operational systems.
This central agent coordinates a network of specialized software agents, industrial data, and existing equipment to automate workflows.
The architecture targets manufacturing environments where investigating a single defect requires gathering evidence from multiple production stations, machine databases, and operating procedures.
AI agents automate defect investigation
The FOX architecture demonstrates a multi-step automated response to a suspected defect in a surface-mount technology (SMT) assembly line for printed circuit board (PCB) production.
When an automated optical inspection (AOI) camera flags a circuit board, the process follows a specific sequence.
- Secondary Inspection: The Factory Manager Agent retrieves the board’s identifier, the affected component, and the inspection image via a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server or API. A Visual Inspection Agent performs a second assessment by comparing the component against a factory handbook using NVIDIA Cosmos, a world understanding model. This method utilizes in-context learning to allow the model to use instructions and examples during inference without a separate fine-tuning step.
- Logistics and Rework: Following inspection, the system can coordinate a robot to carry the flagged board to a rework station.
- Root-Cause Reporting: A Root Cause Analysis Agent processes machine data to produce a PDF report. This report includes the gathered evidence and a recommended corrective action.
Engineers can query agents using natural language through a chat interface.
This interface lets them switch between different investigations while tracking every action for auditability.
Manufacturers face high downtime costs
Unplanned downtime costs an average large plant in the sectors surveyed by Siemens $253 million per year.
The FOX blueprint acts as a reference architecture rather than a completed, plug-and-play product.
NVIDIA notes that the system can be integrated with existing software.
Developers can configure which specific decisions require an operator’s review. This allows plants to set their own rules for human sign-off alongside data connections and specialized agents.
The architecture supports on-premises deployment for manufacturers managing proprietary production records, machine telemetry, and inspection images.
FOX can run on an NVIDIA DGX Station to host models, data stores, and agent services locally.
NVIDIA offers early access to FOX
NVIDIA is currently offering early access to the blueprint.
The architecture does not replace a plant’s existing equipment or operational systems, according to NVIDIA.
The blueprint was part of an October 21, 2026, announcement covering digital-twin applications for the semiconductor, automotive, aerospace, and process industries.
The architecture is also applicable to production planning beyond defect handling.
Agents powered by NVIDIA Nemotron at a Siemens Electronics Factory in Erlangen use simulations to balance supply levels and existing orders. This process can enable cost savings of up to 20%.
How will integration quality and model performance affect the actual impact on factory environments?