CAREL Unveils AI-Powered HVAC/R Programming Ecosystem at Chillventa

CAREL is set to showcase its "Effortless usability" portfolio at Chillventa 2026 in Nuremberg, highlighting STone, an advanced AI-powered programming ecosystem. Designed specifically for HVAC/R electronic controllers, STone addresses the industry's escalating demand for faster software release cycles, elevated code quality, and robust cybersecurity. The platform utilizes a modular architecture that supports the entire lifecycle of a unit—from initial design and simulation to local commissioning and remote maintenance. By facilitating code reuse and early-stage software validation, STone allows technical teams to refine complex thermodynamic control strategies prior to field deployment.

A central feature of the ecosystem is the STone copilot, which integrates generative artificial intelligence directly into the programming environment. This tool enables developers to describe required functions in natural language to generate optimized code drafts, significantly reducing repetitive tasks and accelerating debugging. Alongside its software development tools, CAREL will present a suite of digital solutions aimed at field installers. This includes preconfigured EVD ICE kits, the CPQ online configurator, and the APPLICA mobile app, which interfaces with latest-generation controllers for seamless parameter management. The company will also feature integrated cold room solutions—such as UltraCella and MPXPRO—designed to ensure operational continuity and precise humidity control.

Additional Context
This section provides technological and market background not explicitly detailed in the original release.

As HVAC/R equipment becomes deeply embedded within smart Building Management Systems (BMS) and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) networks, these units increasingly serve as potential network entry points for cyberattacks. Integrating cybersecurity protocols natively into the software development environment helps OEMs achieve compliance with critical international standards, such as the IEC 62443 framework for industrial automation and control system security. Furthermore, the HVAC engineering sector is currently facing a pronounced shortage of specialized control logic programmers. By introducing generative AI into the development environment—particularly for complex control algorithms governed by the IEC 61131-3 PLC programming standard—manufacturers can effectively bridge this skills gap. This AI assistance standardizes code generation, lowers the barrier to entry for new engineers, and ensures that increasingly complex, energy-efficient refrigeration cycles can be deployed reliably and securely.

Edited by Lekshman Ramdas, Induportals editor – adapted by AI.

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