Rockwell Automation, a global leader in industrial automation and digital transformation, has unveiled the findings of its 10th annual “State of Smart Manufacturing Report: Life Sciences Edition.” The study, which includes insights from 143 executives across 15 major manufacturing nations including India, outlines how life sciences companies are increasingly turning to smart technologies to navigate complex operational challenges.

Faced with rising demand, escalating costs, regulatory compliance, cybersecurity risks, and a persistent skilled labor shortage, life sciences manufacturers are accelerating digital adoption to build resilient, scalable, and secure operations. According to the report, 95% of surveyed companies are either using or actively evaluating smart manufacturing technologies.

Artificial intelligence (AI) stands out as a key enabler, with most companies leveraging it to improve product quality (53%), streamline operations (50%), and bolster cybersecurity (48%). In the face of ongoing workforce constraints, nearly half of the respondents are using AI (48%) and automation (46%) to bridge talent gaps and maintain productivity.

Looking ahead, companies are investing in long-term transformation rather than quick fixes. About 36% plan to invest in generative or causal AI, while 35% are exploring digital twin technologies and simulation tools. However, the report also highlights a key challenge—while most manufacturers collect vast amounts of data, only 46% are using it effectively to drive decisions.

Dilip Sawhney, Managing Director of Rockwell Automation India, remarked, “The findings of this year’s report reaffirm that technologies like AI, digital twins, and smart manufacturing are no longer optional—they are essential to addressing talent shortages, regulatory compliance, supply chain constraints, and scaling with resilience and agility.”

Overall, the report emphasizes that for life sciences manufacturers, smart manufacturing is no longer a future consideration—it is a present-day necessity, driving efficiency, innovation, and sustainable growth across the industry.