93% of Manufacturers Expect Smart Technology to Reshape Jobs

Why It Matters

The findings signal a sweeping workforce transformation that will reshape hiring, training and productivity across the sector, making talent strategy a critical competitive lever.

Key Takeaways

• 93% of manufacturers say smart tech will reshape jobs
• 40% reskilled workers in past year
• 50% plan to repurpose existing staff
• 42% will hire for new role types
• Communication, collaboration skills rising in importance

Pulse Analysis

The latest State of Smart Manufacturing report underscores how pervasive digital adoption has become in factories worldwide. Rockwell Automation surveyed more than 1,500 leaders spanning 17 countries, revealing that smart technologies—ranging from IoT sensors to AI‑driven analytics—are no longer experimental add‑ons but core operating priorities. Companies are scaling deployments to achieve concrete performance gains, and the data shows a clear consensus: the next wave of manufacturing success hinges on integrating intelligent systems at scale.

Workforce implications are equally profound. In the past twelve months, 40% of manufacturers launched reskilling programs, while half intend to repurpose current employees as automation expands. Moreover, 42% expect to recruit for entirely new role categories, reflecting a demand for hybrid skill sets that blend technical know‑how with strong communication and collaboration abilities. AI is being positioned as an augmentative tool, helping workers interpret data and make decisions rather than displacing them outright.

For the broader industry, these trends translate into heightened pressure on talent pipelines and corporate training budgets. Executives must align digital roadmaps with strategic workforce planning, partnering with educational institutions and upskilling providers to fill emerging gaps. Companies that proactively reskill and redesign roles will likely capture productivity gains and maintain a competitive edge, while laggards risk talent shortages as the smart factory becomes the new norm. The report signals that the future of manufacturing is as much about people as it is about machines.