Artificial intelligence is transforming manufacturing— from design and production to supply chains and workforce management. It is driving efficiency, agility, and sustainability by reducing waste and optimises energy use.
Yet adoption is often fragmented. Many manufacturers deploy AI in silos, limiting its full potential and slowing enterprise-wide transformation. In the era of Industry 4.0, real-time decision-making and intelligent automation are no longer optional — they’re essential.
True intelligent manufacturing means more than adopting AI. It requires rethinking industrial ecosystems to unlock value, boost resilience, and create lasting competitive advantage.
To understand how manufacturers are using AI, we surveyed 183 senior manufacturing AI leaders across eight countries. What we discovered is that AI leaders in the sector recognise that embracing AI is no longer optional but a strategic necessity — 93 percent believe that organisations that fully integrate AI will gain a significant competitive edge over those that do not.
