Input Stories

A new report from PwC and the Manufacturing Institute, the NAM’s 501(c)3 workforce development and education affiliate, finds that the attitudes and readiness of frontline manufacturing leadership can have a significant impact deploying artificial intelligence on the shop floor. 

What’s going on: The third and final report in a series on frontline manufacturing leaders, “Frontline Leadership in Manufacturing’s AI Adoption” was based on a survey of more than 100 industry leaders across operations, human resources and executive roles about AI adoption. 

Highlights: Among the survey’s key findings:  

• Approximately 45% of respondents say the exclusion of frontline leaders in design and rollout was a significant contributor to unsuccessful AI initiatives. 
• Most (54%) report low or very low confidence in frontline leaders’ preparedness to lead AI-driven change.
• About 58% say AI use among executive leadership at their company is limited.
• Some 72% cite employee resistance as their company’s biggest barrier to technological change. 

What it means for manufacturers: “As AI becomes more important to manufacturing, leaders need to offer additional training so that workers are equipped to utilize AI on the shop floor,” said MI Chief Program Officer Gardner Carrick. 

• “The survey shows manufacturing leaders the opportunities they have to get this right. Real training, upskilling and hands-on experience will demonstrate to employees the benefits that will come with proper AI integration.” 

NAM in the news:  Manufacturing Dive covered the report’s release.