Indian manufacturers are investing significantly more in smart manufacturing technologies than their global counterparts, underscoring the country’s accelerating digital transformation journey. According to the latest State of Smart Manufacturing Report by Rockwell Automation, Indian companies are increasingly prioritizing advanced technologies to enhance competitiveness, improve operational efficiency, and future-proof their manufacturing operations. The report indicates that the focus has evolved from merely adopting digital tools to scaling their implementation across enterprises.
Indian Firms Lead in High-Value Technology Investments
The study reveals that Indian manufacturers are allocating substantially higher budgets toward industrial technology investments compared to their global peers. Dilip Sawhney, Managing Director of Rockwell Automation India, said that companies in India within the high-spending category are investing significantly more in smart manufacturing initiatives. “In the high-spending bracket, Indian companies are spending 1.6 times more than the global average,” he noted. The survey measured the percentage of organizational budgets allocated to industrial technology investments and found a stronger commitment among Indian manufacturers to digital modernization and automation.
Global Survey Highlights Manufacturing Trends
The report is based on responses from 1,560 decision-makers across 17 leading manufacturing nations. More than half of the respondents (52%) represented companies generating annual revenues exceeding $1 billion, providing a comprehensive view of global manufacturing investment trends. The findings suggest that Indian manufacturers are moving aggressively to adopt emerging technologies and position themselves as leaders in the next phase of industrial innovation.
AI and Machine Learning Gain Strong Momentum
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are emerging as key drivers of manufacturing transformation in India. According to the report, 88% of Indian manufacturers have already deployed AI and ML technologies within their operations. Currently, 41% of manufacturing processes are AI-augmented, highlighting the growing integration of intelligent systems into production environments. Moreover, this figure is expected to rise steadily, reaching 47% by 2027 and 61% by 2030 as manufacturers expand the use of data-driven decision-making, predictive analytics, and automation technologies.
Technology Helps Address Workforce Challenges
Beyond operational improvements, manufacturers are increasingly leveraging digital technologies to tackle workforce-related challenges. The study found that more than half of Indian companies are using technology to create more engaging and productive job roles. Additionally, 48% of respondents reported using AI and machine learning solutions to bridge labour shortages and skill gaps. As industries face increasing demand for digitally skilled talent, organizations are placing greater emphasis on AI capabilities. In fact, 81% of surveyed manufacturers stated that AI expertise is either a very important or extremely important skill when hiring new employees.
Scaling Smart Manufacturing for Future Growth
The report highlights a clear shift in India’s manufacturing sector toward large-scale adoption of smart manufacturing technologies. With rising investments in automation, AI, machine learning, and digital transformation initiatives, Indian manufacturers are positioning themselves to improve productivity, strengthen resilience, and compete more effectively in the global industrial landscape. As reported by devdiscourse.com, as technology adoption accelerates, the country’s manufacturing sector is expected to play a leading role in shaping the future of Industry 4.0 and intelligent production systems.
