Las Vegas – September 28, 2026 -- Schneider Electric has unveiled the world's first fully Software-Defined Medium Voltage (MV) switchgear, now live in an Equinix colocation data center, promising up to 3x faster ordering and manufacturing and up to 2x faster commissioning than conventional engineered-to-order systems.
The announcement, made at YOTTA 2026 in Las Vegas (September 28-30), targets the surging power demands of AI data centers, where operators need electrical infrastructure that can scale as fast as compute deployments.
Software-defined architecture cuts wiring complexity by up to 91%
According to Schneider Electric White Paper 303, a 20-panel comparison showed the software-defined configuration used 87% less control wiring, 91% fewer terminals, and 85% less copper than traditional MV switchgear, while adding digital connectivity and analytics. The architecture decouples system intelligence from hardware, allowing customers to add features via over-the-air updates without hardware replacement or downtime. Pilot programs continue through 2027, with broader availability planned for 2028.
RM AirSeT 38 extends SF6-free switchgear to 38 kV for AI campuses
Schneider Electric also introduced RM AirSeT 38 Software Defined, expanding its SF6-free AirSeT gas-insulated switchgear platform from 24 kV to 38 kV. The product uses pressurized pure air insulation and vacuum interruption technology instead of SF6 or fluorinated gases, targeting hyperscalers and colocation providers building 36/38 kV MV backbones for higher power density. Order intake is planned to begin in 2027, with first deliveries expected in 2028.
Galaxy VXL UPS delivers 1.25 MW per frame with 70% smaller footprint
The company's Galaxy VXL modular UPS delivers up to 1.25 MW in a single frame while occupying up to 70% less space than its predecessor. Schneider Electric states the system cuts lifecycle CO2 emissions by 31% compared with the prior generation. Live Swap technology, verified by a third party, lets operators add or replace power modules without planned downtime. Galaxy VXL is available globally and supports both Lithium-ion and VRLA battery technologies.
Equinix and industry leaders join Schneider Electric on-site at YOTTA 2026
Schneider Electric holds Yotta-level sponsorship, the event's top tier. Executives including Melton Chang, Executive Vice President of the Power Systems Division, and Jim Simonelli, SVP & CTO of the Data Center Segment, are speaking on panels alongside Equinix's Greg Metcalf, EPC Power Corp.'s Devin Dilley, and Volta Grid's David Bell. At Booth #701, the company is running a live IT pod demonstration on its Smart Spatial digital twin platform covering build, operate and maintain phases, including the Software-Defined MV switchgear, Galaxy VXL UPS, and EcoStruxure IT DCIM software.