AI Adoption Surges in Life Sciences Manufacturing as Talent, Risk, and Quality Pressures Intensify

Rhea-AI Summary

Rockwell Automation (NYSE:ROK) has released its 10th annual "State of Smart Manufacturing Report: Life Sciences Edition," revealing significant trends in AI adoption across life sciences manufacturing. The study, surveying 143 leaders from 15 countries, shows that 95% of manufacturers are either using or evaluating smart technology.

Key findings highlight that companies are primarily using AI for quality improvement (53%), operations streamlining (50%), and cybersecurity enhancement (48%). The report also identifies workforce challenges, with 26% of leaders citing skilled worker recruitment as their biggest growth barrier in 2025. In response, manufacturers are increasingly turning to AI and automation to support their workforce needs.

Positive

• 95% of life sciences manufacturers are adopting or evaluating smart technology, indicating strong market penetration
• Company's expertise and solutions position it well to capitalize on industry digital transformation trends
• Multiple revenue opportunities identified through AI implementation in quality control, operations, and cybersecurity
• Strong focus on long-term value with 66% prioritizing growth and 62% expanding capacity

Negative

• Only 46% of manufacturers are effectively using their collected data
• Persistent challenges in skilled worker recruitment could impact growth
• Significant investment required for emerging technologies like generative AI and digital twins

News Market Reaction

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Global survey reveals how manufacturers are adopting advanced technologies to stay competitive and meet rising patient demands amid economic uncertainty

MILWAUKEE, June 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE: ROK), the world's largest company dedicated to industrial automation and digital transformation, today announced the results of the 10^th annual "State of Smart Manufacturing Report: Life Sciences Edition." The global study encompasses the responses of 143 leaders from life sciences manufacturers across 15 of the leading manufacturing countries.

Life sciences manufacturers are working to keep up with growing demand, rising costs, growing cybersecurity threats, and complex compliance requirements, all while navigating economic uncertainty and ongoing workforce challenges. Many are turning to advanced technologies to help them become more agile and adapt to constant change.

Smart manufacturing is a clear area of focus with 95% of life sciences manufacturers saying they are using or evaluating smart technology. Specifically, companies are using artificial intelligence (AI) to help improve product quality, protect systems and support employees where skilled labor is hard to find. Leaders are also thinking beyond quick wins and investing in technologies that will help them expand capacity and build more secure operations over time. 

"Life sciences manufacturers are entering a new phase of digital maturity, driven by increasing regulatory complexity and mounting pressure to improve time-to-market without sacrificing quality," said Matt Weaver, Vice President, Global Industry – Life Sciences, Rockwell Automation. "This year's report makes it clear that AI is becoming indispensable to modern life sciences manufacturing—not just to optimize efficiency, but to strengthen product quality, secure critical infrastructure, and upskill the workforce. There's a clear shift toward long-term thinking as leaders double down on digital investments that make operations more connected, adaptive, and resilient."

Key global findings include:

• Smart manufacturing is nearly universal. 95% of life sciences manufacturers are using or evaluating smart technology.
• Top use cases for AI are clear. Most companies use AI to improve quality (53%), streamline operations (50%) and strengthen cybersecurity (48%).
• Hiring remains a major challenge. 26% of leaders say finding skilled workers is the biggest barrier to growth in 2025.
• Tech is helping fill talent gaps. Nearly half of life sciences manufacturers are turning to AI (48%) and automation (46%) to support their workforce.
• Emerging tech is gaining traction. 36% plan to invest in generative or causal AI, and 35% are exploring digital twins and simulation tools.
• Investments are focused on long-term value. Leaders are prioritizing growth (66%), expanding capacity (62%) and protecting operations (50%).

Although most manufacturers collect large volumes of data, only 46% say they are using it effectively. As digital tools scale, the ability to turn insights into action will be key to unlocking smarter, faster decision-making.

"With our extensive industry expertise and wide-ranging suite of automation and information solutions, Rockwell is uniquely positioned to support life sciences organizations across the globe," said Weaver. "No matter where a company is on their path to digital transformation and smart manufacturing, we can meet them where they are to help them achieve sustainable growth."

The full findings of the report can be found here.

Methodology

The report is based on the responses of 143 managers and executives from Life Science manufacturers, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), system integrators, and engineering procurement companies (EPCs) in 15 countries. It is part of Rockwell Automation's 10th annual State of Smart Manufacturing report, which surveyed 1,560 decision makers across various industries and was conducted in association with Sapio Research and Rockwell Automation.

About Rockwell Automation

Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE: ROK), is a global leader in industrial automation and digital transformation. We connect the imaginations of people with the potential of technology to expand what is humanly possible, making the world more productive and more sustainable. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Rockwell Automation employs approximately 27,000 problem solvers dedicated to our customers in more than 100 countries as of fiscal year end 2024. To learn more about how we are bringing the Connected Enterprise® to life across industrial enterprises, visit www.rockwellautomation.com.

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SOURCE Rockwell Automation, Inc.

FAQ

What are the main findings of Rockwell Automation's (ROK) 2025 State of Smart Manufacturing Report?

The report reveals that 95% of life sciences manufacturers are using or evaluating smart technology, with AI being primarily used for quality improvement (53%), operations streamlining (50%), and cybersecurity enhancement (48%).

How are life sciences manufacturers addressing workforce challenges in 2025?

Companies are turning to technology solutions, with 48% implementing AI and 46% using automation to support their workforce and address skilled labor shortages.

What percentage of life sciences manufacturers are effectively using their data according to ROK's report?

Only 46% of manufacturers report effectively using their collected data, despite collecting large volumes of information.

What are the main investment priorities for life sciences manufacturers according to Rockwell's study?

Manufacturers are prioritizing growth (66%), expanding capacity (62%), and protecting operations (50%), focusing on long-term value creation.

What emerging technologies are life sciences manufacturers planning to invest in?

36% plan to invest in generative or causal AI, while 35% are exploring digital twins and simulation tools.