NEWS 8 HYDRAULICS & PNEUMATICS June 2025 www.hpmag.co.uk UK emerges as Europe’s digital manufacturing frontrunner powered by AI and workforce transformation Global research report from Rockwell Automation reveals how UK manufacturers are leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance workforce capabilities and drive operational resilience. Rockwell Automation, the world’s largest company dedicated to industrial automation and digital transformation, has unveiled the UK findings of its 10th annual State of Smart Manufacturing Report. The research reveals that the United Kingdom is setting the pace in Europe, with manufacturers rapidly adopting artificial intelligence (AI), investing in workforce up-skilling, and prioritising cybersecurity as a strategic foundation for growth. The study, based on feedback from more than 1500 manufacturing leaders globally, highlights the UK’s striking progress in digital transformation. With 53% of UK manufacturers already implementing machine learning or AI on the factory floor, and an impressive 98% either using or planning to implement generative AI, the country is leading Europe in applied artificial intelligence. “AI is no longer just an emerging trend for UK manufacturers, it has become the driving force behind their transformation,” said Phil Hadfield, managing director at Rockwell Automation. “By combining a human-centric workforce strategy with deliberate digital investment, UK firms are not only embracing innovation but also achieving tangible performance improvements that position them as leaders in the global manufacturing landscape.” AI and generative AI are being deployed in quality control, cybersecurity, training content, and compliance reporting. Already, 15% of UK firms say GenAI delivered the highest ROI of any technology in the past year. Rather than replacing workers, UK manufacturers are using AI to enhance roles and address labour shortages. Thirty-eight percent of UK companies plan to upskill existing talent, up from 30% last year and well ahead of the European average of 30%. Cybersecurity has emerged as a foundational priority. With 97% of UK firms already investing or planning to invest in cyber platforms, and 21% citing it as their top ROI driver, businesses are building secure infrastructure before expanding digital services. Thirty-two percent now see cybersecurity as a top external risk, up from 28% last year. Meanwhile, digital twin adoption has jumped from 21% to 37% in just 12 months, with the UK reporting the highest planned adoption rate in Europe. Sustainability strategies also continue to mature, with 89% of manufacturers now operating under formal ESG policies, and 56% citing efficiency, not compliance, as the main driver. To view the full findings of the State of Smart Manufacturing Report please visit: https://bit.ly/3FQ3EdW Smart Manufacturing Week 2025 highlighted innovation, talent and technology Smart Manufacturing Week 2025 returned to the NEC Birmingham on 4–5 June. Bringing together Smart Factory Expo, Design & Engineering Expo, Drives & Controls, and Maintec—alongside specialist zones for Fluid Power & Systems and Air-Tech—the event offered wide-ranging insight into the technologies and trends shaping modern industry. More than just a showcase of products and services, the event was defined by its ambition to push the boundaries of what a manufacturing exhibition can deliver. With a focus on rich technical content, forward-looking innovation, and the sector’s most pressing priorities, Smart Manufacturing Week offered a comprehensive platform for learning, collaboration and inspiration. Live technology demonstrations were at the heart of the event. The Technology Showcase Arena featured working examples of robotics, artificial intelligence, digital twins, and connected industrial devices. One of the standout attractions was T-1-FNY, an eight-foot-tall, 300kilogram robot built from reclaimed parts. Originally designed for fictional destruction, the robot now performs domestic tasks, demonstrating object recognition and adaptive automation with surprising dexterity and a touch of personality. Elsewhere, Fracture Reality’s JoinXR platform was demonstrated in a series of exclusive VIP sessions. The technology, which enhances design workflows, technical training and team collaboration, offered visitors a glimpse into how extended reality is being used to streamline complex industrial projects and reduce error rates. For those looking towards the future of industrial innovation, Innovation Alley provided a compelling mix of early-stage companies and university spinouts. These participants, many of them actively shaping the next generation of industrial tools and systems, added a valuable
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