New research on Rockwell Automation focuses on the factors that hinder the implementation of artificial intelligence ( AI ) and prevent it from producing measurable business impacts.
Milwaukee, October 28, 2026 / PRNewswire / -- Rockwell Automation, Inc. ( NYSE : ROK ) Today, a new analysis is released that explores how food and beverage manufacturers can go beyond isolated AI pilot projects to achieve measurable business results on a larger scale. Based on the conclusions of the Rockwell 2026 Smart Manufacturing Status Report, this analysis indicates that for companies to transform their AI investments into a positive impact across the entire company, they must address challenges in data, technology, and labor.
The adoption of AI across the entire food and beverage industry is accelerating. According to the 2026 Intelligent Manufacturing Status Report, nearly 90% of food and beverage manufacturers are already using AI and machine learning, or plan to do so in the near future. At the same time, manufacturers indicate that they are only making effective use of about 45% of the data they collect, which has become a major obstacle to scaling up AI projects and unleashing their full potential.
Vice President Greg Schmidt stated: "Many manufacturers no longer ask whether AI can create value. The focus now is on how to scale successful pilot projects within the company. This requires not only new technologies, but also interconnected data, integrated operations, and a clear connection between AI projects and business results."
The research results show that companies that have been most successful in implementing AI incorporate AI into a broader digital transformation strategy. They no longer focus solely on isolated use cases but invest in stronger connections between operational and management systems to improve data accessibility, ensuring that AI projects are aligned with key objectives such as enhancing quality, increasing productivity, reducing costs, and mitigating risks.
The analysis also emphasizes that as manufacturers expand the application of AI, the importance of integrating IT / OT is increasing. Industry participants expect that the proportion of manufacturing processes assisted by AI will rise from the current approximately 37% to over 60% by 2030, making it increasingly crucial to obtain interconnected data with context.
In addition to technology, research also indicates that the readiness of the workforce is a key factor for long-term success. The report shows that 93% of manufacturers expect smart manufacturing initiatives to change their workforce structure, and 40% of respondents stated that they have retrained their employees over the past year. Companies that coordinate personnel, processes, and technology are often better able to scale innovation and maintain sustainable results over a longer period of time.
The full content of FAQ "From AI Pilots to Corporate Impact: How Food and Beverage Manufacturers Can Scale AI for Measurable Business Results" can be viewed through the following link: [ LINK ]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it difficult for food and beverage manufacturers to expand the use of AI from pilot projects to large-scale deployment?
Although the adoption of AI has become quite widespread, many enterprises lack the interconnected data, standardized processes, and integrated systems required for large-scale deployment. Food and beverage producers indicate that they only make effective use of about 45% of the data they collect, which limits the ability of AI to produce results at the corporate level.
Why is data connectivity so crucial for the success of AI?
AI can only generate meaningful insights when it has access to high-quality data with context. Manufacturers that connect operational systems with business systems can enhance visibility, reduce information silos, and enable AI to support faster and more informed decision-making.
What commercial achievements do manufacturers hope to achieve with the help of AI?
Food and beverage manufacturers are paying more and more attention to measurable outcomes, including improving quality, increasing productivity, reducing costs, and minimizing operational risks. Enterprises that align their AI initiatives with these goals are generally more likely to achieve a return on investment and gain the motivation to support further expansion of their deployments.
What factors distinguish manufacturers that are able to scale the deployment of AI from those that cannot?
Leading companies regard AI as part of their overall transformation strategy, rather than a set of independent projects. They establish a solid data foundation, integrate information technology ( IT ) with production technology ( OT ) systems, create replicable processes, and invest in workforce preparation to support long-term adoption and corporate impact.
About Rockwell Automation
Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE : ROK) is a global leader in the fields of industrial automation and digital transformation. The company is committed to connecting everyone's imagination with their technical potential, expanding the boundaries of what is possible, and driving the world towards greater productivity and sustainability. Rockwell Automation is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and as of the 2025 fiscal year, it employs nearly 26,000 people, serving customers in over 100 countries and regions. For more information on how the company promotes the implementation of “The Connected Enterprise” in industrial enterprises, please visit www.rockwellautomation.com.
