AI in manufacturing: adopt early to gain market share - The Manufacturer

With research suggesting artificial intelligence in manufacturing could become mainstream within 24 months, what can manufacturers gain from taking an early adopter approach? With AI and advanced analytics to identify patterns and trends in the wealth of data generated by the IoT, the barriers between operational technology and information technology are breaking down. Manufacturers can become data-driven in all aspects of business, enabling the companies to transform operations, restructure supply chains, improve efficiency, address skills shortages and create entirely new revenue streams and business models. Despite the many benefits, the Manufacturing Leadership Council's'Factories of the Future' survey revealed that less than one in 10 (8%) of manufacturers are currently using AI – though a further 50% expect to deploy it within two years. AI is still nascent in manufacturing today, yet these results suggest it could become mainstream in under 24 months.