2026 State of Smart Manufacturing Report Shows How Manufacturers Deploy AI, Strengthen Operations, and Focus on Measurable Outcomes
MILWAUKEE, May 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ – Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE: ROK), a global leader in industrial automation and digital transformation, released the findings of the 11eAnnual edition of the “Smart Manufacturing Status Report.” This global study of more than 1,500 manufacturers in 17 countries reveals a change in direction in the sector: manufacturers are no longer questioning the need to adopt digital technologies, but rather on how to execute them, deploy them and obtain measurable results.
This report marks a turning point for the industry as many manufacturers move from the experimentation phase to a broader deployment of digital capabilities. Fewer companies are operating in pilot mode and more and more report actively using smart manufacturing technologies in their daily operations.
The study reveals that 90% of manufacturers now view digital transformation as essential to remaining competitive, reflecting its evolution into a fundamental business requirement.
“Across the industry, manufacturers are facing complexity and pressure unprecedented in the last decade,” déclare Blake Moret, président-directeur général de Rockwell Automation. “What stands out from this year’s study is not only the challenges faced, but also the way in which leaders are addressing them, by making digital transformation a fundamental operational priority. Companies that achieve results are those that combine technology, people and processes to transform information into better decisions, stronger performance and increased resilience.”
Key findings from the “State of Smart Manufacturing 2026” report:
Manufacturers are moving from the pilot phase to concrete applications:
6 in 10 manufacturers (59%) say they are actively using smart manufacturing technologies to optimize their operations, while only 18% remain in the pilot phase, highlighting the sharp decline in the phase that predominated in previous years.
AI becomes the engine of competitive advantage:
A third of operations (34%) are now augmented by AI, particularly for functions such as quality, cybersecurity and process optimization. Manufacturers predict that more than half of operations will be supported by AI by 2030, reinforcing AI’s role as a core operational capability.
Operational intelligence is now a competitive differentiator:
As businesses continue to collect increasing volumes of data, only 43% is used effectively, highlighting that execution, not data availability, is a drag on performance.
Cybersecurity is an operational reality:
Nearly half of manufacturers (46%) experienced at least one cyber incident in the past year, reflecting increasing exposure as operations become more connected and autonomous. Secure, integrated IT/OT architectures are now essential for deploying AI and advanced automation at scale.
The report also reveals that manufacturers are directing their investments in processing towards measurable results: improved quality, reduced costs, reduced operational risks and increased synthetic rate of return. A third of operating budgets remain dedicated to industrial technologies, indicating sustained investments focused on execution rather than short-term experimentation.
The State of Smart Manufacturing Report 2026 draws on more than a decade of global research to highlight the capabilities that shape modern industrial operations, including intelligence, resilience, adaptability and workforce transformation.
Le rapport 2026 complet  “Situation de la fabrication intelligente” is available here.
Méthodologie
This report, produced by Sapio Research in association with Rockwell Automation, analyzes responses from 1,560 people in 17 major manufacturing countries, holding roles ranging from management to leadership. The survey was conducted among a sample spanning various industries, including FMCG, food and beverage, automotive, semiconductors, energy, life sciences, and more. With a balanced distribution of company sizes and revenues ranging from $100 million to over $30 billion, it offers a wide range of prospects for manufacturing companies.
À propos de Rockwell Automation
Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE: ROK), is a global leader in industrial automation and digital transformation. We connect the imagination of our talents with the potential of technology to expand the field of possibility, for a more productive and sustainable world. Rockwell Automation, headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, employs nearly 26,000 people serving customers in more than 100 countries (fiscal 2025). To learn how we bring the Connected Enterprise solution to life in industrial enterprises, visit www.rockwellautomation.com.
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