Why is it important for engineers to have a dedicated AI? With the ongoing technological boom of AI agents and LLMs, you may be wondering about the future of artificial intelligence when it comes to test and measurement applications. This is where the popular new testing AI tool, Nigel™, comes in. In a recent webinar, R&D engineers from Emerson/NI shared a first look at what’s coming next for the AI in Q3 2026, starting on July 28th.
By utilizing the ChatGPT-5.4 platform paired with decades of NI documentation, Nigel is uniquely equipped to know more about test and measurement than any other AI model. Currently, Nigel runs on a cloud that is managed by NI, but there is increasing interest in a more agentic model.
Customized Experiences
Currently, one of the biggest benefits of Nigel is its ability to keep the engineer in control. It is integrated into LabVIEW, NI MAX, and TestStand. Nigel presents information concisely, utilizing tables and diagrams to offer quick visual insights in its responses. In every interaction, users are kept in the loop and can quickly validate the answers it gives.
Nigel supports multiple languages, making it accessible to engineers across the globe. All that is needed is an internet connection and access to OpenAI models! The AI also offers a new Project Save Version option, which allows the user to easily download and edit code without changing the original.
Secure Data Storage
Data security is an incredibly important aspect of Nigel, and the team at Emerson/NI has taken actionable steps to ensure that users can be confident in their privacy. All data is encrypted from the user’s machine to the cloud and back. Nigel does not use ChatGPT directly, and NI has an established agreement with OpenAI that none of the prompts are used for training. The prompts are not used to train Nigel, either. In fact, the development team had to go through a series of rigorous security tests set up by Emerson just to get the approval to launch the AI agent.
Nothing sent to Nigel is stored in the cloud, and the AI is capable of turning off specific actions for certain prompts.
Code Generation
One of the most highly anticipated features of Nigel is code generation, which is set to launch on July 28th, 2026. This update will allow users to create their own virtual instruments (VIs) within LabVIEW and to generate code using NI drivers. The length of the code generation process depends on the complexity of the VI, with simple ones being completed in just a few minutes.
The release of this 2026 Q3 update also improves how Nigel interacts with the FlexLogger and TestStand platforms. For example, creating FlexLogger plugins will become easier than ever before! For these platforms, Nigel is capable of creating custom dashboards to view everything through menus and configurations. Equipped with access to the connected hardware, Nigel can provide immediate insights. It can also research the applicable manuals in order to provide expert answers. Within TestStand specifically, Nigel can create interactive and automated workflows with sequence generation.
Nigel can inherit code and take on projects from other team members, helping teams keep their entire workflows unified. The AI can also locate and display dialogues in order to describe and summarize projects to new users.
Usage Restrictions
Nigel AI is task-based rather than token-based. Right now, users with a standard LabVIEW subscription are allowed up to 25 code generation uses per week, while users with the LabVIEW+ Suite are given up to 50 per week. However, a use is only counted if Nigel successfully creates a VI.
Operating Systems and Third Parties
The operating systems (OS) on which Nigel will work with LabVIEW are another current limitation. It does not currently work with the Community Edition or with macOS. However, the team at Emerson/NI are actively working on a release for Linux.
There are also limits on how Nigel can interact with third-party platforms and hardware. For instance, it cannot directly interact with Microsoft Word documents or Excel spreadsheets. If needed, there is a workaround for using Excel sheets. If the user saves an Excel sheet as a CSV, it can then be uploaded to the conversation and understood by Nigel.
When it comes to hardware, Nigel is able to scope and see all connected hardware. While future releases are expected to improve support for non-NI devices, the AI can currently use these devices only if they are recognized by the software and connected through NI drivers.
Nigel can look at and understand projects and connected hardware. While it knows the deployment targets you are creating, it cannot execute those deployments.
According to NI’s software roadmap, there is no shortage of updates currently in development and slated for release in the final two quarters of 2026. These updates include additional platforms for Nigel to interact with, namely VeriStand, InstrumentStudio, and SystemLink.
In addition to generating LabVIEW code and TestStand sequences, upcoming updates include a more agentic version of Nigel for cross-product workflows as well as MCP server interfaces. The Emerson/NI team is also working on allowing Nigel to visualize local test data, provide system and product intelligence within SystemLink, and support Azure Cloud hosting for customers.
Question: When can I get Nigel?
Answer: Nigel can be downloaded today, but code generation capabilities will not be available until July 28.
Question: Is Nigel capable of debugging a project?
Answer: Nigel can assist with debugging your project by reviewing errors and making informed suggestions for fixes. This is possible because the AI has access to your hardware and has an extensive knowledge of NI documentation
Question: As Nigel continues to evolve, will it be necessary to continually reinstall LabVIEW?
Answer: While code generation is only supported by the latest version of LabVIEW, Nigel can update itself while using older versions of LabVIEW for specific tasks.
Question: What version of TestStand do I need to use Nigel? Can it use projects?
Answer: Using Nigel requires the Q3 2026 version of TestStand, which releases on July 28th. It cannot use projects at this time.
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