36 n ROBOTICS AND AUTOMATED MANUFACTURING July/August 2025 www.drivesncontrols.com The world’s manufacturers focus on people and tech As manufacturers around the globe continue to face uncertainty, they are turning to smart manufacturing technologies to manage their risks, improve their performance, and support their workforces. These are some of the findings of Rockwell Automation’s 10th annual State of Smart Manufacturing Report*, which is based on a survey of more than 1,500 manufacturers in 17 countries. The report analyses feedback from 1,560 respondents with roles ranging from managers to the C-suite, in industries including consumer packaged goods, food and beverage, automotive and life sciences. Covering companies with annual revenues from $100m to over $30bn, the report offers a wide spectrum of perspectives. Among other things, the report examines the adoption of emerging technologies such as AI (artificial intelligence), ML (machine learning) and cloud-based systems. Its key findings include: n Quality control is the top use for AI, with half of respondents planning to apply AI/ML to support product quality in 2025. n 81% of manufacturers say external and internal pressures are accelerating their digital transformation, with cloud/SaaS, AI, cybersecurity, and quality management emerging as the top areas for investments in smart manufacturing. n 95% of manufacturers have already invested in, or are planning to invest in, AI and/or ML within five years. n The number of organisations investing in generative and causal AI has grown by 12% over the past year, signalling a maturing approach to these technologies. n Cybersecurity is regarded as the second-biggest external risk, with 49% of manufacturers planning to use AI for cybersecurity this year – up from 40% in 2024. n 48% of manufacturers plan to repurpose or hire additional workers as a result of their smart manufacturing investments. n 41% are using AI and automation to help close the skills gap and address labour shortages. Many manufacturers face challenges when implementing AI. Nearly half of the respondents now regard the ability to apply AI as being an extremely important skill – up from just 10% a year ago. The report also reflects a broader movement towards more efficient and adaptive operations. Manufacturers are using smart technologies to strengthen their supply chains, accelerate sustainability initiatives and make faster, better informed decisions. “Today's technology advancements are unlocking new opportunities where the combined potential of people and technology will shape our collective future,” says Rockwell’s chairman and CEO, Blake Moret. “As this year’s report shows, manufacturers around the world are using smart manufacturing to navigate disruption and create new opportunities for speed and agility.” n *You can download the report via https://drivesncontrols.news/dokn5d0t A survey of more than 1,500 manufacturers in 17 countries has revealed how the convergence of people and advanced technologies is transforming their operations and strengthening their resilience. Generative AI tools can help manufacturers to eliminate unplanned downtime
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