Manufacturing in the age of AI, part 2: The trends separating leaders from stragglers

AI is reshaping manufacturing. Are you at risk of missing out? 

Our latest survey uncovers a striking gap between manufacturers’ enthusiasm for AI and their willingness to implement it. 

The disconnect stems from several reasons: Some are wary of replacing human knowledge. Some don't have the budgets or infrastructure. Some are simply skeptical or resistant to change. 

But for those who embrace AI as soon as possible, the competitive advantage is undeniable.

Keep reading to see where the industry stands today and what to expect in the years ahead.

3 key insights from the 2025 AI in Manufacturing Survey

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1. Manufacturing leaders widely acknowledge AI’s role in the future

Manufacturers understand that AI is here to stay.

Every manufacturing leader we surveyed agrees that AI is important to the future of the industry to some degree, with a third considering it “critically necessary.”

Beyond just recognizing its importance, industry leaders are also familiar with specific AI tools. A significant majority (88%) have heard of or explored tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and other large language models (LLMs).

Meanwhile, almost three quarters (71.5%) are aware of AI copilots (tools designed to assist workers and enhance productivity). This is possibly because copilots are relatively newer and may lack the same amount of educational content as LLMs.

2. There’s confidence in AI’s potential—but not trust

While awareness is high, confidence in AI is mixed. 

Two-thirds (63.3%) of manufacturers believe AI will advance the industry, and 65.3% see AI copilots as a way to reduce human error.

But when it comes to trusting AI-generated insights, opinions are a little shakier. While optimism is high, there’s a significant gap between seeing AI’s potential and believing in it.

Only 40.8% of respondents said they find AI-generated insights valuable for decision-making. While manufacturers acknowledge AI’s potential, many still hesitate to rely on it for critical business functions.

3. Adoption is slow, and the industry is at a tipping point

Despite the optimism, only 8.2% of manufacturers are actively scaling AI across their businesses today.

Adoption is still in its early stages, but the industry is at a turning point. A third of manufacturers (34.7%) say they are likely to invest more in AI over the next year, but an equal number remain uncertain about making additional investments.

The industry’s cautious approach is understandable—manufacturing is a high-stakes environment where precision, reliability, and consistency are paramount. But for those who have embraced AI, the benefits are clear. Manufacturers using AI report increased operational efficiency, better decision-making, and even cost savings.

Changes ahead

The AI revolution in manufacturing is already underway, and the companies that move fast will be the ones shaping the future. In the next blog, we’ll dive into why the manufacturing industry is perfectly suited to thrive with AI and how to take the first step.