AI advances in manufacturing
The 2027 U.S. Manufacturing Outlook (5.38 MB) from Xometry examines the growing role of AI in manufacturing. Among 150 manufacturing executives surveyed, 51% expect AI to have its greatest impact on manufacturability assessments and production costing, followed by quality control (47%) and production operations (32%). The findings highlight how AI is increasingly being applied to activities requiring technical expertise and operational decision-making.
The Industrial Index 2026 from IFS, based on research among 2,275 industrial executives and employees, indicates that AI is moving beyond experimentation towards practical applications on the factory floor. Manufacturers are using these technologies to improve equipment reliability, optimise production processes and support operational decisions. The findings emphasise the growing importance of combining digital capabilities with practical industrial knowledge.
AI reshapes jobs and organisations
The October 2026 Global Workforce Report (7.25 MB) from Workday finds that 40% of business leaders expect AI to increase employee productivity, compared with 28% who anticipate workforce reductions. Demand for basic AI skills declined by 25%, while demand for practical capabilities, including developing AI tools and automating workflows, increased by 51%. The findings suggest that AI is changing existing jobs and their skills requirements.
Research (4.30 MB) published by SAP indicates that organisations are concentrating on efficiency improvements while giving less attention to redesigning work. Although 88% of employees report that AI has changed their jobs, half of these changes occurred without meaningful organisational guidance. The research identifies opportunities to develop more flexible roles, decentralise decision-making and increase employee autonomy.
Technical skills become increasingly important
A study (8.15 MB) by Deloitte and the Manufacturing Institute examines how AI could accelerate technical training and address manufacturing skills shortages. The analysis identifies nearly two million technicians in adjacent industries with potentially transferable skills. AI-supported learning, personalised guidance and digital access to technical knowledge could help employees acquire specialised manufacturing expertise more efficiently and facilitate transitions between industries.
The 2026 HR Trends in Manufacturing report from Berenschot (in Dutch) highlights growing skills shortages in the Dutch industry. Three-quarters of respondents identify employee training as an important response to labour shortages. Automation, digitalisation and AI increase demand for technical expertise, adaptability and digital literacy. The findings emphasise the importance of continuous learning and skills-based workforce development. You can download the report after filling in your details (in Dutch).
Psychological resilience under pressure
The 2026 Work in America survey from the American Psychological Association examines employees' experiences of technological change and workplace uncertainty. Nearly half of employees (48%) worry that AI could make some of their duties obsolete. Workers with higher psychological capital, encompassing hope, confidence, resilience and optimism, were less likely to perceive AI as a threat and more likely to recognise new career opportunities. The findings underline the importance of psychological resources alongside technical skills development. You can download the report after filling in your details.
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