Infosys Knowledge Institute has published the inaugural Manufacturing Tech Index: AI Pulse, surveying 650 senior manufacturing executives worldwide on AI adoption, investments, strategy, and value during late 2025. The report documents AI’s evolution from pilot projects to enterprise-wide imperatives amid rising operational complexity, workforce pressures, and innovation demands. Over 75 percent of manufacturers now integrate AI directly into enterprise strategies, marking a shift from experimentation to systematic deployment.
Investments Exceed $2 Million per Implementation
More than 50 percent of manufacturers commit over $2 million per AI rollout, reflecting the capital demands of physical integration, data engineering, and workforce training. Unlike conventional software, these projects bridge IT systems with operational technology, requiring foundational infrastructure upgrades. Cybersecurity leads AI adoption at 57 percent, particularly in operational technology systems, followed by predictive maintenance and supply chain optimisation.
Cybersecurity Tops Barriers Despite High Adoption
Cybersecurity emerges as both the frontrunner in AI use and the primary scaling obstacle, cited by 23 percent of executives. Risks intensify as IT and operational technology converge, amplifying vulnerabilities in connected environments. Data challenges rank second, stemming from persistent gaps in quality, access, lineage, and governance frameworks.
Execution Beyond Strategy Drives Maturity
The index stresses that strategic intent must pair with disciplined implementation, including unified data architectures, cross-functional governance, and workforce readiness. Organisations achieving scale prioritise operational integration, cybersecurity resilience, and replication of successful use cases enterprise-wide. Infosys positions the findings as a roadmap for manufacturers navigating AI’s next maturity phase.
