Manufacturers worldwide are keenly aware of the pressures to automate, driven by rising costs, increasing demand, and a growing skills gap. Despite the potential of automation technologies, a striking 80% of manufacturers have yet to implement these solutions at scale. This gap between interest and implementation poses significant challenges for the industry, especially as the landscape becomes more competitive.
What Happened
Only 20% of manufacturers are prepared to scale automation, even though 98% are exploring AI-driven solutions, according to the Manufacturing AI and Automation Outlook 2026 report by Redwood Software. The interest is there, but implementation lags due to several factors. Brian Gerkey, CTO of Intrinsic, a robotics software firm recently integrated into Google, highlighted that most U.S. manufacturing facilities remain non-automated. He emphasizes that while the hardware is ready, the software isn't up to par, lacking the necessary integration and data infrastructure.
Why It Matters for the AECM Industry
For manufacturers, failing to automate means risking competitive disadvantage. Automation can drive efficiencies, reduce labor shortages, and meet customer expectations. However, the lack of a unified data infrastructure and integration between systems like ERP and CMMS creates barriers. Additionally, the necessary training and workflow overhauls present significant challenges, particularly for smaller plants. As the industry evolves, these barriers could widen the gap between automated and non-automated facilities, affecting supply chains and market competitiveness.
What's Next
Manufacturers must focus on building robust data infrastructures and improving system integration to prepare for automation. Industry leaders suggest starting with simple automation tasks, such as implementing a single robot for repetitive tasks, before scaling up. As automation becomes inevitable, those who act now will likely gain a competitive edge. The industry should watch for advancements in software capabilities and integration solutions that can support the scaling of automation efforts.
Source: [Plant Engineering]. Read the original story ->
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