Rockwell Automation, together with the Center for Automotive Research (CAR), has released a research report analyzing the current status of smart manufacturing adoption in the automotive industry. It covered the impact of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and automation technologies on uptime, quality, and productivity in automobile, tire, and battery manufacturing sites.

On the 17th, Rockwell Automation released the report 'Smart Manufacturing in Automotive: Deployment and Impact' in collaboration with CAR.

The report was prepared by CAR and was compiled by combining data from Rockwell Automation and its own '11th Annual Smart Manufacturing Status Report'.

According to the report, the global automotive manufacturing industry has entered a stage where it is deciding on the speed and scope of application, moving beyond simply deciding whether to invest in smart manufacturing.

It is reported that numerous automakers and parts suppliers have already implemented automation in the fields of bodywork, painting, and welding, and are now expanding its scope of application to electronic assembly and verification, production coordination, and logistics.

At the same time, we are working to improve the accuracy and performance of predictive maintenance and inspection by utilizing AI and ML.

The report cited increasingly complex production environments, continuous warranty pressures and rising costs, and intensifying global competition as factors driving the adoption of technology. Automation technology was analyzed as a driving force supporting manufacturers' domestic production (onshoring) by providing cost competitiveness in markets facing severe labor shortages.

"A solid foundation for automation has already been established across the industry," explained Edgar Faler, Senior Mobility Analyst at CAR. "The key to the current change lies in how manufacturing companies are using AI and data to manage process complexity and improve the quality of decision-making to secure a competitive advantage."

The results of the introduction were also presented. According to the report, unexpected downtime in some processes decreased by up to 50%, and the Overall Equipment Efficiency (OEE) improved by approximately 5%. Analysis of real-time production data showed that production volume increased by 5–7%.

James Glasson, Vice President of Global Industries for Automotive, Tires and Advanced Mobility at Rockwell Automation, stated, "The combination of automation and AI helps field teams increase productivity by detecting problems early and reducing downtime," adding, "Future competitiveness depends on how effectively these digital capabilities are scaled."

The report analyzed that differences in the adoption of smart manufacturing are leading to gaps in quality, uptime, and productivity, impacting supplier performance and long-term competitiveness. The full report is available on the Rockwell Automation website.