Rockwell Automation (NYSE: ROK), one of the world’s leading companies in industrial automation, informatization and digital transformation, today released the eighth edition of its annual State of Smart Manufacturing Report: Automotive Edition. The global survey received responses from 197 executives representing automakers and automotive suppliers in 13 countries and regions.

The annual report details the evolution of the automotive industry, focusing on the quest for quality, the impact of process automation, the application of smart manufacturing, and the key role that related technologies play in mitigating risk, addressing workforce challenges, minimizing costs, and increasing production capacity.

Key findings from the global survey include:

85% of automakers expect to maintain or even expand their current workforce as a result of technology. In addition, 64 percent of organizations use software to automate processes, with 54 percent of leaders responding to labor shortages by increasing automation.
“Cost reduction” and “quality improvement” are the number one drivers for accelerating digital transformation.
31% of automakers are planning or have invested in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning technologies, and investment in these areas will continue to increase as ease-of-use applications and their use cases grow.

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Forty-two percent of automakers plan to reorganize the existing division of labor, and 27 percent believe the adoption of technology will prompt them to hire more employees. It can be seen that technology can both solve current problems and be a catalyst for development.
When it comes to smart manufacturing, 35% of companies surveyed said that deploying and integrating new technologies related to smart manufacturing has helped reduce many problems. In addition, 29% of respondents believe that smart manufacturing has helped them escape the impact of the pandemic.
97% of automotive manufacturers and suppliers have launched sustainability and ESG (environmental, social and governance) initiatives, with 49% looking to gain a differentiated competitive advantage.
“Over the past few years, the automotive industry has faced many new challenges and obstacles. From shifts in consumer demand and supply chain issues to microchip shortages and manufacturing workforce challenges, the industry has had to remain flexible. For example, as the automotive industry moves to electric vehicles, whether at existing production sites or greenfield plants, manufacturers will have to expand their workforce during the transition.” “It is clear from the survey results that addressing these challenges by adopting new technologies while balancing quality and profitable growth is a top priority for automotive industry leaders,” said Paul Epperson, vice president, Global Industry – Automotive, Tire and Advanced Mobility, Rockwell Automation.

People in the automotive industry realize that to address risks and achieve profitable growth, they must rely on technology and automation. Fifty-nine percent of automakers use technology to mitigate internal risks, and 50 percent use technology to mitigate external risks. Similarly, when asked how they intend to achieve more positive business outcomes, their first response is to increase automation.

“Rockwell Automation is positioned to be a trusted advisor in the global automotive industry. Underpinning this unique positioning is our dynamic portfolio of industry solutions and a large partner ecosystem.” “No matter what stage of digital transformation and smart manufacturing an organization is at, Rockwell Automation can meet its needs and help drive innovation,” Epperson said.