British company produces climate-friendly airship
Smallest stent in the world from a 4D printer

5 Automation Trends Transforming Manufacturing

Automation in manufacturing is no longer about just improving efficiency—it’s about building smarter, more adaptable systems that can respond to real-time challenges. To understand the trends driving this transformation, we spoke with five leading industry experts.

Written by: Ralph Hofbauer, Stefan Jermann

Illustration: Paolo Frolli

May 22nd, 2025
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Trend 1: Artificial Intelligence Enables End-to-end Automation

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In the past, automation used to focus on specific tasks, leading to a patchwork of isolated solutions. Artificial Intelligence (AI) now enables companies to automate entire workflows. AI-powered automation will be pushing the limits, allowing to bridge the existing gaps.

Pascal Bornet, an award-winning AI expert and best-selling author, highlights how automation has evolved to address scaling issues: 

"Previously, organizations could successfully implement automation pilots but struggled to scale them enterprise-wide. Today, we’re seeing the emergence of true end-to-end automation with AI at its core, creating self-reinforcing ecosystems of intelligence."

AI-driven automation is helping manufacturers forecast demand more accurately, leading to more stable and efficient operations. Bornet emphasizes the importance of real-time data flow between systems:

"I've worked with companies that now connect real-time production data with supply chain systems, quality control, and even customer feedback loops," he explains. "This connectivity allows automation to optimize across the entire value chain rather than just within functional areas."

Trend 2: Interconnected Systems Are Outpacing Real-time Challenges

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The industrial internet of things (IIoT) and cloud-based automation platforms open up the possibility of interconnecting the production line, increasing the agility of the manufacturing process. By breaking down silos and improving data flow, companies are able to respond more quickly to market shifts and supply chain challenges.

According to Meaghan Ziemba, a technical writer and podcaster on manufacturing, automation has shifted from being reactive to proactive:

"Five years ago, automation was about keeping up—now, it's about outpacing challenges before they hit," she explains. "Smarter automation is addressing labor shortages and reducing bottlenecks where skilled hands were once the only answer."

Ziemba highlights how interconnected systems are not only reducing downtime but are also improving quality management: 

"In food processing, for example, seamless data sharing from raw ingredient intake to final packaging means fewer recalls and less downtime," she says. "If your systems aren't talking to each other, consider yourself already behind."

Trend 3: AI-Driven Robotics Are Reshaping Internal Logistics

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Robots are no longer confined to assembly lines—they’re now playing a key role in warehouse management and internal logistics. While automated guided vehicles (AGVs) are depending on fixed tracks, autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) are able to move more freely and to avoid obstacles.

Nandan Mullakara, a strategic advisor, author, and podcaster on AI and automation, highlights the growing importance of autonomous systems like AMRs: 

"Agentic automation, robotics, and digital twins will transform industries, moving beyond the blue and white collar jobs of today." 

AI-driven Robotics make internal logistics more flexible, optimizing warehouse management and reducing manual material handling. Mullakara underlines that mastering these technologies demands a whole set of different skills: 

"These innovations will require a fusion of creative problem-solving, business acumen, and technical expertise."

Trend 4: Extended Reality (XR) is Changing Workforce Training

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As manufacturing becomes more automated, workforce training needs to evolve. Extended reality (XR)—including augmented and virtual reality—is providing new ways to train employees in real-time production environments. This allows manufacturers to reduce training time, improve knowledge retention, and equip workers with the skills needed to operate in complex automated environments.

Kieran Gilmurray, a globally recognized authority on AI and automation, highlights the potential of XR: 

"XR will reshape workforce training and enable remote troubleshooting environments," he explains. "These advances lead to a shift from traditional manufacturing roles to those requiring digital literacy, data analysis, and automation management expertise."

Trend 5: Workforce Upskilling Will Be Critical For The Next Automation Wave

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As automation becomes more advanced, manufacturers will need to invest in upskilling their workforce to remain competitive. AI-driven automation will require workers to shift from routine operations at the production line to more strategic roles.

Peggy Smedley, a tech journalist and sustainability influencer, emphasizes the importance of aligning automation with human capability: 

"Automation is becoming more intelligent with the help of AI—and this will undoubtedly have an impact on workforce development and skill requirements." 

Manufacturers that invest in training and AI literacy will not only avoid displacement—they’ll create a more innovative and adaptable workforce. Smedley emphasizes that this means continuous development: 

"We must ensure people are the driving force for technology and that digital transformation is viewed as a journey, not a destination." 

Written by: Ralph Hofbauer, Stefan Jermann

Illustration: Paolo Frolli

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Scientists suggest using moon dust to combat global warming

Mitigating the effects of global warming with moon dust

In a recent study, US scientists suggest using moon dust to combat global warming, since lunar dust shields a lot of sunlight with little mass. Other experts are critical of this method.
March 6th, 2023
Scientists Jörg Standfuss and Maximilian Wranik

Switching drugs on and off with light

Swiss researchers have filmed for the first time how a drug was activated in the body with light. This film could give the development of such drugs a decisive boost.
March 13th, 2023
Ice core analysis in the Antarctica

New analysis method aims to solve climate puzzle

Researchers have developed a method for analysing 1.5 million-year-old ice. The analysis – which goes back almost twice as far as previously analysed ice cores – should help solve a climate puzzle.
March 20th, 2023
Image of a house being printed

The house from the 3D printer

Open design ideas instead of rectangular geometries: Houses from the 3D printer not only look different from conventional buildings. Suppliers from the industry also promise that the technology is faster and more resource-efficient. But, Is that really true?
March 31st, 2023
The robotic system is shown in an experimental hive

A high-tech honeycomb for bees

A new high-tech honeycomb makes it possible to study bee colonies. The hive robot developed by EPFL researchers should provide new insights into the survival of pollinators.
April 17th, 2023
A building site with large amounts of rubble

Recipe for greener concrete

Concrete has a huge carbon footprint. Researchers at MIT in the USA have now developed a method to make its production more climate-friendly. The secret ingredient: baking powder.
May 8th, 2023
Smart bandage on the skin

Smart plasters monitor wounds

Smart bandages with embedded electronics and medicines are designed to help chronic wounds heal better.
May 15th, 2023
The antibacterial coating can be applied on doctors' coats

New coating against bacteria

An international research team led by the University of Fribourg has developed a new antibacterial coating. On coated surfaces, the bacterial population is reduced by up to 10,000 times within five minutes.
May 22nd, 2023
A symbolic image of a laboratory session in the inselspital berne

Mini-tumours from the laboratory should improve cancer therapy

A swiss research team has grown artificial mini bladder tumours in the laboratory, on which drugs can be tested. According to the researchers, this could play an important role in the development of personalised therapies.
June 5th, 2023
Pictured are the hydrogel discs swollen in water

Salty gel could extract water from desert air

MIT engineers have developed a super-absorbent material that can soak up a record amount of moisture from the air - even in desert-like conditions.
July 3rd, 2023
Wilfried Liegard with green steel

Green Steel Revolution

Steel production is responsible for eight percent of CO2 emissions worldwide. Alternative manufacturing processes exist, but the investments are high and the road is long. Two experts provide insights.
July 13th, 2023
A scientist holding the patch developed by Empa

Swiss patch warns of leaks in the stomach after operations

A patch developed by Swiss researchers provides early warning of leaks at sutures in the gastrointestinal tract. The novel patch should significantly reduce the risk of life-threatening complications after abdominal surgery.
July 24th, 2023
A child running through a maize maze (symbol image)

New tracking system makes food aid more transparent

Until now, food aid operations have been a black box. A new MIT technology is shedding light on the issue, with unique IDs for each individual product.
August 2nd, 2023
a city covered in fog

Drinking water from fog: researchers capture clean water from polluted air

A specially coated metal mesh can extract water from fog and remove environmental pollutants at the same time. With the technology developed in Zurich, drinking water can be extracted from the air even in regions with heavy air pollution.
September 11th, 2023
Carlos Sanchez

A smart path into a sustainable future

Sustainability is no longer a distant dream but a present and pressing reality. Climate change and environmental degradation are forcing companies to take action. They must innovate and implement smart sustainability solutions, says Carlos Sanchez, a renowned sustainability visionary who shared with us the latest sustainability trends that can help build robust, resilient, and sustainable businesses.
September 28th, 2023
Mechanics performing maintenance work on an aircraft

Researchers make non-recyclable plastic recyclable

Swiss researchers have developed a new type of recyclable plastic that could be used in aircraft, cars or wind turbines in the future.
October 2nd, 2023
Recycled asphalt was used on the Lucmanier Pass

More recycled asphalt on Swiss roads

Tests with recycled asphalt on Swiss roads show promising results. In Uster ZH and on the Lukmanier Pass GR, the proportion of recycled asphalt could be increased without any loss of performance, according to Empa.
October 16th, 2023
a photovoltaic system on a house facade

Sun soon to be the most important source of energy

The sun is likely to become the world's most important source of energy before 2050, according to British scientists. This is the result of an analysis of technological and economic data by the University of Exeter and University College London.
November 27th, 2023
A hospital room with two beds divided by a curtain

Germicidal textiles for hospitals

A new process developed by Swiss researchers makes textiles germicidal. In future, this could be used to coat curtains in hospitals.
December 25th, 2023
G.V. Shivashankar arbeitet am PSI und der ETH Zürich

Fountain of youth for cells

Reprogrammed cells allow wounds in older people to heal faster. This could, for example, help burn victims.
January 1st, 2024
A scientist taking a water sample with a bottle

Gentle identification of fish species through their DNA

Identifying fish species in a river using DNA traces: This method was tested in Switzerland. It proved to be simpler and more reliable than the electrofishing method used to date.
January 15th, 2024
pressed plastic bottles

Microplastics fly particularly far and high

Microplastic fibres fly higher and further than previously assumed - even as far as the Arctic.
January 22nd, 2024
A futuristic aircraft with a blended wing body

Aircraft of the future make less noise

In an Empa research project, study participants rated the noise of new types of aircraft as less annoying than the noise of today's aircraft.
April 9th, 2024
the airship flying over a coast

British company produces climate-friendly airship

According to its developers, the British airship Airlander 10 could take off for commercial flights with passengers from 2028.
April 22nd, 2024