The surge in adoption of AI in manufacturing life sciences as pressures of talent, risk and quality

summary

Milwaukee – June 24, 2025 – Rockwell Automation, Inc, the world’s largest company specializing in industrial automation and digital transformation. has announced the results of the 10th annual “State of Smart Manufacturing Report: Life Sciences Edition.” Global research includes responses from 143 leaders from life science manufacturers in 15 leading manufacturing countries.

Life sciences makers are working to keep up with increasing demand, rising costs, rising cybersecurity threats and complex compliance requirements, navigating economic uncertainty and ongoing workforce challenges. Many people look to advanced technology to help them become more agile and adapt to constant change.

Smart manufacturing is a clear area of ​​focus, where 95% of life science manufacturers say they use or evaluate smart technology. Specifically, businesses use artificial intelligence (AI) to improve product quality, protect systems, and support employees who find it difficult to find a skilled workforce. Leaders also look beyond quick wins, expand their capabilities and invest in technology that will help them build safer operations over time.

“Life science makers are entering a new phase of digital maturation driven by increasing regulatory complexity and increased pressure to improve time to market without sacrificing quality,” said Matt Weaver, Vice President of Global Industrial Science Science at Rockwell Automation. “This year’s report reveals that AI is becoming more crucial to the manufacturing of modern life sciences. There is a clear shift towards long-term thinking, as it not only optimizes efficiency, but also to enhance product quality, secure critical infrastructure and increase workforce, leading leaders to double digital investments that double the reorganization.

The key global findings are as follows:

Smart manufacturing is almost universal. 95% of life science makers use or rate smart technology. The top use cases for AI are clear. Most companies use AI to streamline quality (53%), streamline operations (50%), and enhance cybersecurity (48%). Employment remains a major challenge. 26% of leaders say finding skilled workers in 2025 is the biggest barrier to growth. Almost half of life science makers look to AI (48%) and automation (46%) to support the workforce. Emerging technologies are gaining traction. 36% plan to invest in generation or causal AI, while 35% are investigating digital twins and simulation tools. Investments focus on long-term value. Leaders are prioritizing growth (66%), expanding capacity (62%), and protecting operations (50%).

Most manufacturers collect a large amount of data, but only 46% say they use it effectively. As digital tools expand, the ability to turn insights into actions is key to unlocking smarter and faster decisions.

“With our extensive industry expertise and a wide suite of automation and information solutions, Rockwell is uniquely positioned to support life sciences organizations around the world,” Weaver said. “Where businesses are on the path to digital transformation and smart manufacturing, they can meet them to help them achieve sustainable growth.”

The full report findings can be found here.

Methodology

The report is based on responses from 143 managers and executives from 15 countries, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), systems integrators and engineering procurement companies (EPCS). This is part of Rockwell Automation’s 10th Smart Manufacturing Report, which examined 1,560 decision makers from various industries and was conducted in conjunction with Sapio Research and Rockwell Automation.

About Rockwell Automation

Rockwell Automation, Inc. is a global leader in industrial automation and digital transformation. We combine the imagination of people with technological possibilities to expand human potential, making the world more productive and sustainable. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Rockwell Automation employs approximately 27,000 problem solvers dedicated to clients in over 100 countries in 2024.

Download the full report