Digital Transformation Deemed Essential by 90% of Manufacturers

A recent global study by Rockwell Automation reveals a significant shift in the manufacturing industry. According to the 2026 State of Smart Manufacturing Report, 90% of manufacturers now consider digital transformation essential to remain competitive. This marks a departure from past debates on whether to adopt digital technologies, focusing instead on how to execute them effectively.

The study, involving over 1,500 manufacturers across 17 countries, indicates that businesses are moving from experimental phases to broader deployment of digital capabilities. Today, 59% of organizations actively use smart manufacturing technologies, while only 18% are in pilot mode.

Artificial intelligence is increasingly becoming central, with 34% of operations currently AI-augmented. By 2030, more than half of manufacturing operations are projected to incorporate AI, underscoring its growing importance.

Other notable findings include the rise in cyber incidents and the emphasis on outcomes like quality improvement, cost reduction, and operational risk management. One-third of operational budgets are being invested in industrial technology, highlighting a focus on sustained execution.