Methodology: Every two weeks we collect most relevant posts on LinkedIn for selected topics and create an overall summary only based on these posts. If you´re interested in the single posts behind, you can find them here: https://linktr.ee/thomasallgeyer. Have a great read!
If you prefer listening, check out our podcast summarizing the most relevant insights from Smart Manufacturing CW 03/ 04:
Industrial AI
Industrial AI is positioned as a core lever for resilience, precision and local demand adaptation across semiconductor, automotive and discrete manufacturing
The focus shifts from individual tools to underlying data quality, governance and operating models that enable repeatable AI impact
Agentic AI and natural language interfaces such as Joule emerge as practical entry points for frontline problem solving supported by efficient infrastructure and usable data models
Ecosystem alliances, including Siemens with NVIDIA and work on an AI operating system, signal a coordinated push toward shared industrial AI platforms
Digital Twins
Digital twins are used to detect issues early, optimize production and de risk changes before they reach the physical shop floor
Manufacturers apply virtual twins to run rapid experiments and secure productivity gains compared with traditional trial and error approaches
Solutions such as SINUMERIK ONE and Digital Twin Composer extend the twin from engineering environments to CNC execution and broader manufacturing teams
Despite adoption hurdles, digital twins are portrayed as essential for competitiveness and for training the next generation of engineers
Robotics and Automation
Robotics content spans flexible cells for large format 3D printing, mobile robots in intralogistics and automated material flows in factories
Germany and Italy are highlighted as robotics hotspots, underlining regional demand for automation expertise and industrial innovation
Humanoid robots are discussed as emerging tools to raise productivity and safety in demanding industrial environments
Grippers and post processing are framed as critical elements that determine how robots and additive manufacturing deliver reliable, scalable applications
Smart Factories
Smart factory narratives showcase concrete plants in locations such as Nanjing and Connecticut as proof points for digitally enabled manufacturing excellence
TRUMPF highlights connected customer centres and smart factories that combine local production, automation and advanced service support for sheet metal manufacturers
A Schneider Electric site in Wuhan stands out as a Global Lighthouse for talent development and high performing operations in Smart Manufacturing
Case studies including SEAT, beverage manufacturers, JK Fenner and FRoSTA show stepwise modernisation from workflows to finance using automation and cloud based solutions
Data and Edge
Posts emphasise connecting MES, PLM and shop floor systems to create operational data models that support analytics and decision making
Edge computing is presented as the backbone for real time analytics, AI and resilient industrial control close to machines
Platforms such as ThinManager and Proficy Smart Factory 2025 are positioned as core enablers for secure visualisation, IT and OT convergence and faster value delivery
Cloud providers, particularly AWS, appear as partners for automotive and manufacturing data platforms, often aligned with modular reference architectures like SHOP4CF
Sustainability and Energy
Sustainability is tightly linked to efficiency, with smart manufacturing framed as essential for competitiveness and responsible use of energy and resources
Building and factory modernisation are connected to rising energy demand, decarbonisation pressure and the need for digital control across operations
Manufacturers are encouraged to combine clean technologies with workforce training to achieve practical, measurable progress on emissions and resource intensity
Executive perspectives position sustainability, economic viability and digitalisation as inseparable themes for industrial leaders
Talent and Governance
Leadership voices stress curiosity, learning culture and organisational readiness as prerequisites for successful digital transformation in manufacturing
Governance layers and system level change are described as essential to embed AI safely and effectively at enterprise scale
Defence and heavy industry examples underline the need for scalable digital operations, new skills pipelines and robust operating disciplines
Discussions around the World Economic Forum and lighthouse factories focus on closing the manufacturing job gap and redefining industrial careers through technology
Regions and Policy
Regional perspectives highlight Europe’s car manufacturing strengths in complex systems and collaborative technology integration
Germany is portrayed as the leading European market for industrial robotics, driving sustained demand for specialized automation expertise
Policy shifts in India emphasize deregulation and friction reduction as levers to boost manufacturing exports instead of heavy subsidy schemes
Italy and the United Kingdom feature as markets where innovation in robotics, automation and defense manufacturing is shaping future Smart Manufacturing investment
Outlook
Smart Manufacturing narratives move beyond isolated pilots toward integrated systems built on Industrial AI, digital twins, robotics and converged data platforms
Success stories consistently combine technology, talent and governance, indicating that advantage will come from holistic operating models rather than single tools
Regional and policy signals suggest that markets aligning innovation, regulation and workforce development will capture the next wave of industrial investment
Want to see the posts voices behind this summary?
This week’s roundup (CW 03/ 04) brings you the Best of LinkedIn on Smart Manufacturing:
→ 63 handpicked posts that cut through the noise
→ 34 fresh voices worth following
→ 1 deep dive you don’t want to miss