Rockwell Automation, the world’s largest company dedicated to industrial automation and digital transformation, unveiled the UK findings of its 10th annual State of Smart Manufacturing Report last week (June 4, 2025).
The study, based on feedback from over 1,500 manufacturing leaders globally, highlights the UK’s striking progress in digital transformation.
With 53 per cent of UK manufacturers already implementing machine learning or AI on the factory floor, and an impressive 98 per cent either using or planning to implement generative AI, Rockwell found that the country is leading Europe in applied AI.
"AI is no longer just an emerging trend for UK manufacturers, it has become the driving force behind their transformation," commented Phil Hadfield, managing director at Rockwell Automation. "By combining a human-centric workforce strategy with deliberate digital investment, UK firms are not only embracing innovation but also achieving tangible performance improvements that position them as leaders in the global manufacturing landscape.”
AI and generative AI are being deployed in quality control, cybersecurity, training content, and compliance reporting. Already, 15 per cent of UK firms say GenAI delivered the highest ROI of any technology in the past year.
Rather than replacing workers, UK manufacturers are using AI to enhance roles and address labour shortages. 38 per cent of UK companies plan to upskill existing talent, up from 30 per cent last year and well ahead of the European average of 30 per cent.
Cybersecurity has also emerged as a foundational priority. With 97 per cent of UK firms already investing or planning to invest in cyber platforms, and 21 per cent citing it as their top ROI driver, businesses are building secure infrastructure before expanding digital services. 32 per cent now see cybersecurity as a top external risk, up from 28 per cent last year, the latest study found.
Meanwhile, digital twin adoption has jumped from 21 to 37 per cent in just 12 months, with the UK reporting the highest planned adoption rate in Europe. Sustainability strategies also continue to mature, with 89 per cent of manufacturers now operating under formal ESG policies, and 56 per cent citing efficiency, not compliance, as the main driver.
The 2025 State of Smart Manufacturing Report can be downloaded and read in full here.
Related Content
