Manufacturers around the world are preparing for a major increase in the use of artificial intelligence and automation over the next several years, according to a new industry outlook from PwC.
The report found that the share of manufacturers expecting to have highly automated processes will more than double by 2030, rising from 18% today to 50%. Areas seeing the biggest expected increase include production operations, product development, analytics, and supply-chain management. Rather than treating AI and automation as standalone technology projects, many manufacturers are beginning to integrate them more directly into day-to-day operations and long-term planning.
PwC’s survey also suggests that companies already leading in automation are likely to widen the gap even further. Among the most advanced manufacturers surveyed, the share with highly automated processes is expected to rise from 29% to 65% by the end of the decade. Researchers noted that manufacturers are increasingly looking at AI and automation not only as a means to improve efficiency, but also as tools to help manage labor shortages, production complexity, and supply-chain disruptions.
Many manufacturers appear to be shifting their focus from isolated technology upgrades to more connected production systems overall. In practice, that can mean using automation and AI to improve coordination between planning, scheduling, inventory, and day-to-day operations rather than treating each function separately.
Sources:
PwC – Global Industrial Manufacturing Sector Outlook 2026
