New State of Smart Manufacturing Study Shows UK Leading the AI and Machine Learning Charge for Enhanced Productivity

Global research report from Rockwell Automation highlights how artificial intelligence is being deployed to give the workforce superpowers and build resiliency in operations.

MILTON KEYNES, England, March 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Rockwell Automation Inc., the world's largest company dedicated to industrial automation and digital transformation, today announced the results of the 9th annual "State of Smart Manufacturing Report," offering valuable insights into trends, challenges, and plans for global manufacturers. The study surveyed more than 1,500 respondents from 17 countries, including the United Kingdom (UK), France, Germany, Italy, and Spain.  

Among many findings, three major trends emerge from this report: the AI revolution is here for manufacturing, technology is being deployed to give the workforce superpowers, and building resiliency in operations is growing in importance.

"The world has changed, and manufacturing has changed with it, but there is more to do," said Asa Arvidsson, regional vice president sales, north region, Rockwell Automation. "Talent continues to be elusive globally. As manufacturers continue to seek opportunities for profitable growth, they are finding that uncertainty in workforce availability is impacting quality and their ability to meet their customers' needs and transform at pace. 

"The clear message from this report is that manufacturers view technology as an advantage for improving quality, agility, and innovation, and for attracting the next generation of talent. Manufacturers expect to mitigate risk through technology tied to process and people, build resiliency, and drive future success."

Key UK findings include:

• AI ranks as the top capability that manufacturers believe will drive the biggest business outcomes. 79% of UK manufacturers expect to use generative AI (GenAI) in their operations in 2024.
• 94% of UK manufacturers expect to use AI and ML in advanced analytics compared to 91% globally, the highest percentage of any country surveyed.
• A lack of skill set is the most significant barrier to implementing smart manufacturing technologies in the UK, at 33% - the highest percentage of all European countries surveyed.
• 25% of UK manufacturers believe that they lack the skilled workforce to outpace the competition over the next 12 months, significantly lower than Germany's 41% and France's 40%.
• Across Europe, companies reported a 30% increase in technology spending year-over-year. In the UK, 73% of companies spend between 21% and 50% of their operating budget on technology investment, the highest level in Europe.
• 34% of companies in the UK believe that management in leading companies use of data to develop better AI and ML applications. Other key answers were cybersecurity (32%), energy management, sustainability tracking, and predictive maintenance, all at 31%.
• Cybersecurity is third on the list of external challenges companies in the UK face, with 28% of companies citing it as a problem.

The AI revolution is here