Rockwell Automation, the world’s largest company dedicated to industrial automation and digital transformation, announced the results of the 10th annual “State of Smart Manufacturing Report.” The global study, fielded in March 2025, surveyed more than 1,500 manufacturers across 17 of the leading manufacturing countries, including India. 

This year’s report reflects on how manufacturers worldwide, balancing innovation with practical implementation, are leveraging data, artificial intelligence (AI), and sustainable practices to navigate a rapidly evolving industrial landscape. As manufacturers continue to face uncertainty driven by economic shifts, the report highlights how companies are turning to smart manufacturing technologies to manage risks, improve performance, and support their workforce.

Indian manufacturers see AI playing a critical role in business transformation, 99% have invested in, or plan to invest in, AI/ML over the next five years. Long-term business impact is the main driver for 81% of Indian respondents to invest in technology. Encouragingly, India organizations see greater benefit in sustainability, with 94% reporting some formal sustainability program in place. Indian companies are particularly focused on energy management and integrating eco-friendly processes across the product lifecycle.

Dilip Sawhney, Managing Director, Rockwell Automation India, said: “This year’s report underscores growing influence of advanced technologies on Indian manufacturing. Indian organizations are adapting to fast evolving global manufacturing, economic shifts, and supply chain dynamics. AI and machine learning technologies, once seen as emerging trends, have now evolved into strategic priorities, with nearly every Indian manufacturer seeing value in investing in these technologies.” 

India outperforms the global average in data utilization, effectively using 53% of the data collected (compared to the global average of 44%), indicating its potential to harness analytics for innovation and efficiency. In terms of workforce development, employers in India are prioritizing analytical thinking and communication/teamwork—skills that align with the demands of a modern, tech-enabled manufacturing environment.

“While technology infrastructure and data readiness remain key barriers, it’s encouraging to see Indian manufacturers leading in sustainability policies and outpacing global peers in effective data use. At Rockwell Automation, we are committed to accelerating this transformation by equipping Indian manufacturers with smart, sustainable, safe, and scalable solutions that address these gaps and enhance competitiveness,” added Sawhney.