The Era of Intelligent Test: Highlights from NI Connect 2025

This month, The Edge highlights some of the most memorable moments from NI Connect 2025. From the 30 NI DAQ product launches to the new Nigel™AI Advisor for NI LabVIEW and NI TestStand, and incredible customer stories along the way, the event delivered big on innovation, impact, and inspiration. Keep reading for keynote highlights, real-world ML applications, and the ROI stories that show how test is becoming a strategic advantage. Plus, relive the excitement of the NI LabVIEW Challenge of the Champions, explore a game-changing semiconductor partnership, and grab your ticket to GDevCon N.A., where the community builds what’s next.

Day 1 Keynote: The Era of Intelligent Test Has Arrived

NI Connect 2025 opened with a bold message: Our intelligent approach to test is no longer a vision—it’s here. Ritu Favre, President, T&M, Emerson, and Kevin Schultz, CTO, T&M, Emerson, unveiled new enhancements to their platform from next-gen hardware, AI-powered software, and customer stories that highlighted how the NI platform approach empowers engineers to solve today’s challenges and accelerate innovation. Product highlights included 30 NI DAQ product launches and a live demonstration of the Nigel™ AI Advisor, available for NI LabVIEW and NI TestStand this July. Read the full Day 1 recap and watch the replay here.

Day 2 Keynote: How Engineering is Changing the World

During the Day 2 Keynote, the spotlight shifted from technology to the engineers who are pushing the boundaries of what is possible. Engineering leaders from Milwaukee Tool, Archer Aviation, and Qualcomm showed how NI’s Intelligent Test approach—rooted in modular hardware, open software, and community collaboration—is driving measurable business impact. From scaling global test labs to accelerating aerospace certification and empowering student rocket launches, the message was clear: with the right tools and data strategy, engineers can turn test into a growth engine, cut time-to-market, and create breakthrough products faster than ever before. Read the full Day 2 recap and watch the replay here.

The Debut of Nigel™, NI’s New AI Advisor

As part of the Day 1 Keynote at NI Connect 2025, attendees were introduced to Nigel™, NI’s new AI-powered tool for test and measurement. Built on Emerson’s secure cloud platform and powered by Microsoft Azure OpenAI, Nigel delivers expert guidance without compromising your data. Because privacy is a top priority, Nigel™never stores customer data or uses it to train large language models, protecting customer IP. Curious what Nigel™can do? Here are 7 ways Nigel™ is making test smarter, faster, and easier. 

Battle of the Buzzers: NI LabVIEW Champions Face Off

The NI LabVIEW community took center stage as fan-favorite Challenge of the Champions returned in full force. In a spirited, Jeopardy-style showdown, four elite teams of NI LabVIEW experts battled through brain-bending questions, buzzer wars, and friendly rivalry. Hosted by Software Community Director, Elijah Kerry, the event was a celebration of passion, skill, and the vibrant ecosystem that fuels NI LabVIEW innovation. Get the full recap, meet the teams, and see who took home the title.

The ROI Equation: Value Beyond the Bottom Line

Innovation doesn’t matter if it can’t show a return. In a candid panel discussion, leaders from Raytheon, Collins Aerospace, and Emerson discussed how engineers can frame ROI in ways that resonate—whether it’s dollars saved, downtime avoided, or data unlocked. From pilot projects to cultural shifts, they shared real-world strategies for proving impact and getting buy-in. Read the full recap to learn how to turn technical wins into business outcomes.

How Engineers Can Use ML Today with NI Solutions

Machine learning no longer requires a data science degree. During an engaging session, Sr. Director of Data Science, Alon Malki, showed how solutions like NI SystemLink and NI OptimalPlus GO make ML accessible to test engineers through intuitive workflows, reusable templates, and built-in analytics. From 60% faster RF testing to automated anomaly detection, these solutions are driving efficiency without adding complexity. See how engineers can use ML to save time, improve quality, and drive innovation.

Emerson and Advantest Partner to Usher in a New Era of Intelligent Manufacturing

Emerson and Advantest have announced a strategic partnership aimed at transforming semiconductor test through real-time, edge-based AI and ML. By combining Emerson’s deep domain expertise in analytics, algorithm development, and data management with Advantest’s real-time data infrastructure, the collaboration enables smarter decision-making across every stage of test. The result: improved yields, efficiency, and adaptability in the face of growing semiconductor demands. Read the full release.

Join Us at GDevCoN 

Join the LabVIEW community at GDevCon N.A. 2025, happening July 22–25 in Chicago, IL, at the OLC Education and Conference Center. This peer-driven event features cutting-edge presentations, hands-on workshops, and networking with fellow engineers and scientists from around the globe. New this year: dedicated LabVIEW and DQMH workshops on July 25. Whether you're looking to sharpen your skills or connect with the community, this is the event for you.

🎟 Tickets on sale now: Register here

📄 Event overview: gdevconna.org

NI Distribution Partners worldwide host seminars, tech days, and other events to help NI customers ensure success with NI tools and technology. Join us at an event near you:

Budapest, Hungary: Test and Measurement Summit hosted by Yotta Volt and ProDSP. May 20th, 2025. Register here.

Germany: dataTec Kostenloser Schnupperkurs | Messprojekte aufsetzen mit CompactDAQ und FlexLogger. May 20th, 2025 in Reutlingen and May 22nd, 2025 in Munich. 

Nantes, France: NI Seminar hosted by Equipements Scientifiques: Hands-on Workshops and Roadmap. May 20th, 2025. Register here.

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