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Generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Midjourney have grabbed headlines, but artificial intelligence–driven innovations like digital twins, computer vision and robotics are also transforming American manufacturing. 

Late last week, the NAM briefed congressional staff from the House Task Force on AI to help educate policymakers on the role manufacturers are playing as both developers and deployers of AI technologies. The briefing follows the publication of the NAM’s first-of-its-kind white paper on the ways manufacturers are using AI.

The briefing featured a panel discussion among AI experts from major manufacturers, as well as the AI leads from the NAM and the Manufacturing Leadership Council.  

Faster breakthroughs: AI is accelerating research and development at manufacturing companies, the panelists reported, allowing them to create or improve products in record time.  

• For example, pharmaceutical companies are using AI to develop and test new lifesaving drugs, while automakers are using it to improve vehicle components. 

Increased safety: AI is helping to prevent accidental collisions on the shop floor and enhancing equipment that makes tasks safer, such as robotic exoskeletons that collect and learn from data on the wearers’ movements and environment.  

• In addition, companies are using AI to better understand and monitor product performance, helping reduce maintenance costs and avoid dangerous malfunctions. 

Augmenting human labor: Manufacturers often use AI technology to complement and augment the work of humans, according to the panelists.  

• Human operators still make decisions and oversee operations, but AI has helped improve the reliability of manufacturers’ processes as well as the quality, delivery and safety of their products.  

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