AI Adoption Soars in Life Sciences Manufacturing Amid Rising Challenges
As challenges mount across the life sciences sector, manufacturers are rapidly embracing advanced technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), to stay competitive. According to Rockwell Automation, Inc. – the global leader in industrial automation and digital transformation – smart technology adoption is becoming critical as the industry grapples with labor shortages, cybersecurity risks, and complex regulatory demands.
Life sciences manufacturers are working to keep up with growing demand, rising costs, growing cybersecurity threats, and complex compliance requirements, all while navigating ongoing workforce challenges. Many are turning to advanced technologies to help them become more agile and adapt to constant change.
Smart manufacturing is a clear area of focus with 95% of life sciences manufacturers saying they are using or evaluating smart technology. Specifically, companies are using artificial intelligence (AI) to help improve product quality, protect systems and support employees where skilled labor is hard to find. Leaders are also thinking beyond quick wins and investing in technologies that will help them expand capacity and build more secure operations over time.
Highlighting the key insights from the report, Dilip Sawhney, managing director, Rockwell Automation India, said: “The life sciences sector in India is experiencing significant transformation due to evolving global tariff scenarios, supply chain challenges, and the dual imperatives of patient-centric innovation and operational resilience. The findings of this year’s report reaffirm that technologies like AI, digital twins, and smart manufacturing are no longer optional—they are essential to addressing talent shortages, regulatory compliance, supply chain constraints, and scaling with resilience and agility.”
Key global findings include:
• Smart manufacturing is nearly universal. 95% of life sciences manufacturers are using or evaluating smart technology.
• Top use cases for AI are clear. Most companies use AI to improve quality (53%), streamline operations (50%) and strengthen cybersecurity (48%).
• Hiring remains a major challenge. 26% of leaders say finding skilled workers is the biggest barrier to growth in 2025.
• Tech helps fill talent gaps. Nearly half of life sciences manufacturers are turning to AI (48%) and automation (46%) to support their workforce.
• Emerging tech is gaining traction. 36% plan to invest in generative or causal AI, and 35% are exploring digital twins and simulation tools.
• Investments are focused on long-term value. Leaders are prioritizing growth (66%), expanding capacity (62%) and protecting operations (50%).
Although most manufacturers collect large volumes of data, only 46% say they are using it effectively. As digital tools scale, the ability to turn insights into action will be key to unlocking smarter, faster decision-making.
