News and Insights
The Scaling Constraint: Trusted Operational Information
October 5, 2026As manufacturers scale analytics and AI, hidden OT technical debt often undermines trusted operational information. Manufacturers rarely discover information-scaling problems when a machine fails; they discover them when comparable plants produce different answers to the same performance question. For example, one site reports higher uptime than another. Both teams trust their numbers, yet the comparison…
Scale and Accuracy with the Buyer-Centric Smart Factory
September 15, 2026When engineering, sales and production keep separate versions of the same configurable product, complexity turns into cost, delay and risk. Today’s buyers want products built around their exact requirements, but they want to buy them with the ease of ordering something off a shelf. Manufacturers are trying to deliver on that expectation, and many are…
A Practical Approach to Physical AI in Manufacturing
September 1, 2026Measurable value from physical AI begins with existing assets, laying the foundation for autonomous operations in the future. At trade shows and conferences worldwide, humanoid robotics are taking the stage, heralding for some a new era in industrial automation. The growing availability of robotics and other physical AI-enabled machines might suggest manufacturers are poised to…
Upskilling the Manufacturing Workforce for AI
August 31, 2026To bridge labor gaps, manufacturers must upskill their workforce to transition from task execution to AI supervision and operational governance. Manufacturers are under growing pressure to do more with a constrained workforce. In June 2026, there were 481,000 manufacturing jobs open nationwide, according to the
Rheem, General Motors Named Top Winners in 2026 Manufacturing Leadership Awards Competition
June 25, 2026Rheem’s Alan Machuga was named 2026 Manufacturing Leader of the Year, while General Motors won Large Enterprise Manufacturer of the Year. Pure & Gentle earned Small/Medium Enterprise Manufacturer of the Year in the Manufacturing Leadership Awards.
Engendering Technology Trust in Physical and Agentic AI
May 13, 2026Manufacturers adopting physical and agentic AI must build trust in reliability, security, and safety. Success depends on safe operating boundaries and preserving human accountability in AI-driven processes.
Orchestrating Material Handling with AI & Automation
May 1, 2026AI, automation, virtualization and secure IT/OT orchestration can turn material handling constraints into scalable competitive advantage. A unified digital foundation helps manufacturers reduce risk, unlock data and optimize operations across the enterprise.
Building an OT Organization in an IT World
April 24, 2026Manufacturers need intentional IT/OT structures to clarify ownership, automate workflows, and close capability gaps. A future-ready organization should fit company size, talent access, and evolving digital needs.
Manufacturing Leadership Council Announces Finalists for the 2026 Manufacturing Leadership Awards
April 10, 2026Manufacturing Leadership Council named finalists for the 2026 Manufacturing Leadership Awards and Partners in Collaborative Innovation, recognizing digital transformation leaders across the manufacturing sector.
Survey: GenAI Adoption Surges In Manufacturing
April 1, 2026Manufacturers are rapidly adopting generative AI, with 71% already using it and nearly 90% planning to expand use in two years. Most have corporate AI policies, though maturity remains early amid data and skills challenges.
Dialogue: Leading Manufacturing Through AI Change
March 1, 2026Rockwell’s Blake Moret says manufacturing must urgently adopt AI and smart manufacturing, with supportive policy and a learning culture, to stay competitive amid tariffs and supply chain risks.
Survey: Smart Factories Enter the Execution Era
January 31, 2026Manufacturers say smart factories have moved into an execution era, with AI maturing, digital transformation becoming a competitive advantage, and more than 90% planning to maintain or increase investments in 2026.
The Best of Executive Dialogue
November 24, 20252025 Executive Dialogue highlights how manufacturing leaders are using AI, Industry 4.0 and digital culture to drive transformation, build talent, and prepare for the future.
The Best of Rethink 2025
November 23, 2025Rethink 2025 highlighted Manufacturing 4.0 best practices, from AI and digital resilience to autonomous operations, with sessions on Eaton, IPG, Hershey, and strategies for accelerating transformation.
Smart Factories, AI, Supply Chains and Data: MLC’s 2025 Surveys
November 23, 2025MLC’s 2025 surveys show manufacturers advancing digital maturity, AI, and data use, but facing hurdles from legacy systems, data gaps, workforce resistance, and supply chain disruption.
MLJ December 2025 – Research Survey Recap
November 23, 2025MLC’s 2025 surveys show manufacturers advancing digital maturity, AI, data and smart factories, while tariffs, legacy systems, skills gaps and weak data governance continue to slow progress.
The Best of Rethink 2025
November 23, 2025Rethink 2025 marked 20 years of Manufacturing 4.0 insights, featuring sessions on digital transformation, innovation, and next-generation leadership from industry experts and manufacturers.
The Best of 2025 Decision Compass Calls
November 23, 2025MLC’s Decision Compass calls explore key Manufacturing 4.0 topics, from generative AI and workforce engagement to predictive maintenance, cloud supply chains, and carbon reuse. Archived sessions are available to members in the content library.
