Manufacturing plays a vital role in producing components for automobiles, electronics, medical devices, machinery, and other systems.

These components bring ideas to life, turning them into tangible products. Think about the device you are using to read this article, which may contain both internal and external manufacturing components. Manufacturing is growing at an exponential rate.

Technological change in manufacturing encompasses many other hard trends that provide valuable insights for adjusting and predicting their strategic impact on business. Here are 12 hard trend future certainties that are already reshaping the manufacturing landscape.

Here’s the latest analysis of each:

1. The integration of artificial intelligence is growing exponentially

Artificial intelligence is a type of machine intelligence that includes machine learning, deep learning, and cognitive computing. It is now more commonly offered as a service, which reduces the initial investment required and saves time and money when it comes to everyday tasks. It’s important to remember that these processes are designed to work with humans in groundbreaking ways, not against them or try to replace them.

2. Advances in artificial intelligence have driven the development of enhanced thinking and enhanced movement

Augmented thinking leverages AI-powered analytics to provide instant and practical human insight, while augmented motion empowers humans. This is an area where human collaboration with artificial intelligence and different forms of autonomous technology becomes important. Tasks that were once difficult or impossible to accomplish by humans alone can now be done with the help of AI applications.

(3) The promotion of semi-autonomous and fully autonomous technologies is accelerated

Artificial intelligence and networked motors, actuators, and sensors have been applied to a variety of autonomous technologies to automate a variety of functions. Semi-autonomous technologies, on the other hand, combine human input with predefined parameters to grant autonomous functions a degree of control. Similar to the progress of augmented thinking and augmented movement, the individuals involved in manufacturing will evolve into the troubleshooters and critical thinkers responsible for maintaining the operational efficiency of AI applications.

4, the rapid development of voice commerce, business robots and voice products with artificial intelligence and wireless broadband

The growing popularity of intelligent electronic assistants and chatbots extends to various professional industries. This familiar form of AI technology, exemplified by Siri and Alexa, is rapidly making its way into manufacturing through applied robotics. In manufacturing workspaces, one can observe the presence of Siri-like virtual assistants on various machines, using smart sensors to collect real-time data and predict mechanical problems. This integration increases productivity by enabling proactive measures.

5. The increase in digitization is further driving AI analytics

Big data is a term that encompasses techniques for capturing and exploiting exponentially growing amounts of data from different sources. Edge computing is a process that involves analyzing data near a data source, helping to process and implement data quickly and efficiently. In manufacturing, where large amounts of data are generated every day, AI applications leverage this data to provide enterprise-wide visibility and valuable insights. This enables users to quickly make important decisions based on accurate information.

6. Cloud computing provides total digital transformation

Enterprises are ready to adopt different forms of cloud computing applications, including public cloud, private cloud, hybrid cloud and personal cloud. This shift in software, hardware, and computing power acquisition and maintenance not only reduces costs, but also speeds up IT processes. The integration of innovative cloud computing platforms and services with AI applications enables rapid product creation, service development and market expansion across different industries.

7. Increase virtualization of software and hardware

Enterprises are increasingly adopting virtualization of software and hardware to enhance network security measures, leveraging hardware as a Service (HaaS) and Software as a Service (SaaS) models to build “IT as a service” environments. As virtualized processing power continues to grow, mobile devices are being transformed into powerful supercomputers, spurring innovation in manufacturing. Imagine the remarkable progress that will occur when AI-enabled applications are seamlessly integrated with these simplified services!

8. Add virtualization for Everything as a Service (XaaS)

The rapid adoption of cloud-based platforms accelerates the virtualization of processes and facilitates the efficient updating and deployment of new services. This trend has extended to various applications across various industries, such as video conferencing as a service, collaboration as a service, and HR as a service. Consider the possibilities when AI-as-a-service becomes available, reducing the entry cost for manufacturers to integrate autonomous technology into their operations!

9. Virtual and augmented reality dominate

Augmented reality (AR) presents a unique form of digital disruption, enabling users to superimpose real-time information on objects using digital cameras. Virtual reality (VR), on the other hand, provides complete immersion into a virtual environment. In manufacturing, AR glasses and VR headsets will increasingly become standard, enabling wearers to troubleshoot machines in the field or work remotely in locations that have traditionally relied on the field.

10, use additive manufacturing to improve the efficiency of various industries

Additive manufacturing processes, commonly referred to as 3D printing, have become an important part of numerous industries, especially given the existing and ongoing challenges in global supply chains. Originally used for prototyping, 3D printers now play a vital role in the production of a variety of products, such as automotive lighting components, medical devices, smartphone casings, jet engines, buildings, and especially prosthetic limbs. Essentially, this technology enables businesses to manufacture products quickly while reducing overhead and shortening lead times.

11, the Internet of Things and edge computing increase, forming the Internet of everything

Driven by chips, microsensors, and wired or wireless networks, machine-to-machine communication will drive the expansion of the Internet of Things (IoT). This integration of networked sensors will be able to share real-time data and perform diagnostics and repairs with minimal human intervention. As a result, the Internet of Everything (IoE) will gain further momentum. With this evolution, edge computing will also witness significant growth, integrating data generated by the Internet of Things and the Internet of Everything. This, in turn, will provide instant insight and enable field action at the point of use.

12. The growth of wireless broadband has enhanced global network and device connectivity

Fast and responsive 5G connectivity, along with the upcoming 6G network, enables manufacturers to build secure and fast public or private 5G networks into their operations. The expanding availability of global connectivity reinforces the trend towards a virtualized workplace and propels us towards a more connected and efficient global society.