Schneider Electric has unveiled revealing new data at PACK EXPO International 2026, showing that U.S. manufacturers in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) and life sciences sectors are outpacing their global counterparts in adopting industrial AI technologies. This development highlights a pivotal shift in the manufacturing landscape, which industry leaders must understand to maintain competitive advantage.
What Happened
Schneider Electric, a leader in energy management and automation, presented findings indicating that U.S. manufacturers are integrating AI into their operations at a faster rate than their global peers. According to a survey conducted by Censuswide, 29% of U.S. CPG manufacturers have embedded AI end-to-end in their core operations and decision-making processes, compared to just 13% globally. Furthermore, over half of U.S. CPG manufacturers (52%) have deployed AI across multiple sites or processes, significantly higher than the global average of 27%.
The data was part of Schneider Electric’s broader engagement at PACK EXPO International 2026, where the company emphasized the role of digital and open automation technologies in creating AI-enabled manufacturing environments. Greg Magdanz, Vice President of OEM Sales at Schneider Electric, noted that these technologies are pivotal in helping manufacturers boost productivity, increase flexibility, and build more resilient operations.
What This Means for Your Business
For U.S. manufacturers, the accelerated adoption of AI presents a significant opportunity to enhance production efficiency and resilience. As AI becomes increasingly embedded in core operations, manufacturers can expect to see improvements in productivity and operational flexibility, leading to better customer outcomes. However, this trend also underscores the importance of investing in digital infrastructure and automation technologies to remain competitive.
The data also reveals that U.S. manufacturers face higher operational losses, with downtime, waste, and inefficiencies costing them 20% of potential revenue, compared to a global average of 15%. Addressing these challenges through AI and automation could result in substantial cost savings and improved ROI.
What US Operators Should Watch
U.S. manufacturers should closely monitor the ongoing integration of AI technologies and assess their current digital capabilities. As the industry moves towards a more connected and automated future, companies that fail to adapt may find themselves at a competitive disadvantage. Decision-makers should also track advancements in AI software and automation tools, as these will be critical in leveraging AI to its full potential.
By 2030, 67% of U.S. CPG manufacturers expect AI to be core to their operations, compared to 37% globally, indicating a strong future trajectory for AI integration. Companies should plan accordingly and ensure they are prepared for this shift by investing in the necessary technologies and training their workforce to operate in an AI-enhanced environment.
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