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!
Partnerships and Ecosystem Moves
Siemens partnered with EthonAI to infuse AI into industrial operations for measurable efficiency gains.
Lenovo and Intel teamed up to deliver AI solutions tailored to factory needs.
Machina Labs collaborated with Toyota on robotic AI for body panel production.
Public sector and industry cooperated on mobile robotics, highlighted by an Autonomous Mobile Robots session with Virginia Beach Economic Development.
Product Launches and Technology Updates
An AI coach in RobotStudio was introduced to simplify and accelerate robot programming.
Siemens showcased Process Simulate Copilot, bringing AI assistance into manufacturing simulation.
Cloud-based MES approaches gained traction for multi-site visibility and control.
Digital twin methods for parts manufacturing were elevated as a practical lever for CNC efficiency and competitiveness.
SAP’s Discrete Manufacturing solutions emphasized innovation readiness, sustainability, and growth.
Customer Deployments and Case Studies
BSH employed AI-driven Process Simulate Copilot to speed simulation workflows and amplify expert productivity.
Toyota advanced robotic AI production with Machina Labs, aiming at faster, adaptive body panel manufacturing.
Investments and M&A
Significant capital flowed into UK manufacturing to boost efficiency, innovation, and global competitiveness.
A proposed acquisition of ABB’s Robotics Division by SoftBank was flagged as a potential step-change for industrial automation.
Events and Community Signals
Siemens hosted a Manufacturing Lounge at Dreamforce 2025, focusing on digital transformation use cases.
National Manufacturing Day spotlighted the sector’s role in competitiveness and jobs.
Rethink! Smart Manufacturing insights underscored limited AI scale, underused data, and the need for robust IoT architectures.
A keynote at the Budapest Economic Forum mapped manufacturing’s strategic transformation path.
Podcasts and sessions continued to share field learnings on knowledge capture and digital transformation.
Trends in Smart Manufacturing
AI moved deeper into planning, inventory, and operations management, with strong emphasis on cross-functional sponsorship from IT, C-suite, and operations.
5G featured as an enabler for smart factories, real-time robotics, and predictive maintenance.
MES remained a cornerstone for quality, traceability, and standardized execution at scale.
Industry 4.0 practices demonstrated practical wins in predictive maintenance and downtime reduction.
Humanoid and industrial robotics captured attention, with evidence of superior speed and precision in sheet metal fabrication.
NVIDIA’s AI, robotics, and automation efforts were highlighted as catalysts for regional manufacturing innovation.
Transition narratives shifted from static automation to adaptive intelligence and self-optimizing systems.
Workforce and Operating model
Leaders stressed that AI value depends on readiness, change leadership, and culture, not just tools.
Frontline empowerment with tailored systems showed productivity, engagement, and cost benefits.
Talent development in Connected Industry 4.0 advanced through academic programs and skills alignment.
Practical guidance emphasized setting clear goals, ROI logic, and cross-functional alignment before scaling automation.
Want to see the posts voices behind this summary?
This week’s roundup (CW 39/ 40) brings you the Best of LinkedIn on Smart Manufacturing:
→ 62 handpicked posts that cut through the noise
→ 37 fresh voices worth following
→ 1 deep dive you don’t want to miss