Manufacturing Technology
Manufacturing Technology Trends To Watch In 2025
By TechDogs Editorial Team
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Overview
He’s not our hero. He’s a silent guardian, a watchful protector. A dark knight.
If you were able to glean who we’re talking about from the line above, we congratulate you as a fellow Batman fan!
One of the coolest superheroes out there, Batman has always fascinated people. Whether for his outstanding moral and ethical principles, his charismatic demeanor or his commendable crime-fighting skills, he has held the hearts of many a child, teenager and adult.
Another incredible aspect of Batman is his utility belt and super-cool gadgets and vehicles. From the various Batmobiles (Christopher Nolan’s version saw the Tumbler, Batpod and the flying Bat) to the signature Batarang, Batman’s magnificent manufacturing capabilities were certainly top-notch and futuristic.
The incredibly rich and fantastically talented superhero was always at the forefront of technology, infusing his gadgets with the latest capabilities and innovations.
It’s no secret that he kept up with the latest trends in manufacturing, a characteristic every business should maintain too – whether they’re from the manufacturing industry or not. You see, one way or the other, businesses will be affected by the latest in the world of manufacturing.
So, do you think you’re ready to explore the wonderfully marvelous Top Manufacturing Technology Trends Of 2025?
If you were able to glean who we’re talking about from the line above, we congratulate you as a fellow Batman fan!
One of the coolest superheroes out there, Batman has always fascinated people. Whether for his outstanding moral and ethical principles, his charismatic demeanor or his commendable crime-fighting skills, he has held the hearts of many a child, teenager and adult.
Another incredible aspect of Batman is his utility belt and super-cool gadgets and vehicles. From the various Batmobiles (Christopher Nolan’s version saw the Tumbler, Batpod and the flying Bat) to the signature Batarang, Batman’s magnificent manufacturing capabilities were certainly top-notch and futuristic.
The incredibly rich and fantastically talented superhero was always at the forefront of technology, infusing his gadgets with the latest capabilities and innovations.
It’s no secret that he kept up with the latest trends in manufacturing, a characteristic every business should maintain too – whether they’re from the manufacturing industry or not. You see, one way or the other, businesses will be affected by the latest in the world of manufacturing.
So, do you think you’re ready to explore the wonderfully marvelous Top Manufacturing Technology Trends Of 2025?
Yes, you are!
You see how we built and connected that follow-up? In artistic writing, that’s called a cliffhanger and is used in movies, TV shows and books as a tactic to retain attention.
This trend has garnered a lot of popularity in recent years, especially with superhero movies, where directors would slip in a teasing snippet of an upcoming movie usually with a different superhero from the same franchise.
In fact, the entertainment industry is just one that’s been revolutionized by the advances in manufacturing technology, as it has influenced physical sets and props needed during filming. From cameras with advanced capabilities to 3D printed sets and virtual reality glasses to enhance the viewing experience – manufacturing technology has entertained us for a long while.
However, don’t worry, this isn’t a piece on manufacturing technology trends in the film industry. We’re doing a comprehensive cross-industry rundown of the top fads and happening in the world of manufacturing.
Building up from the top Manufacturing Technology Trends Of 2024, where we saw supply chains get a tech-driven boost, sustainability blend in to play an important role, smart factories revolutionize processes, predictive resolution comes in and Product-as-a-Service finds a better position, we’re about to explore the Top Manufacturing Technology Trends Of 2025 now!
Trend 1: AI And Automation Will Spearhead Speedy Innovation
Riddle me this: Which technology is not “real” but yet hard to keep out of any industry? Artificial intelligence (AI)!
Just as Batman uses advanced manufacturing technology to produce unique gadgets, businesses leverage AI and automation to revolutionize how products are designed, built and delivered. In 2025, these technologies will spearhead a wave of speedy innovation and creativity across production processes, logistics and more. Businesses are already deploying AI automation on the factory floor and in offices to create more efficient, connected environments.
In 2025, AI is set to enhance productivity by optimizing demand planning, inventory management, logistics, production scheduling and predictive maintenance.
AI is also ushering in the age of robots and collaborative robots (cobots). Cobots can mimic human actions, enabling them to collaborate with workers and other machines, while undertaking repetitive and dangerous tasks. This also allows them to develop memory, increase dexterity and collaborate better. As such, robots are becoming more agile and enhancing factory processes for manufacturers.
Ahead of this, automation in cloud computing enables auto-provisioning of servers, backing up of data and eliminating inefficiencies, which helps businesses streamline their production processes. The integration of cloud automation will not only lead to faster, more efficient production but also usher in a new era of hyper-connectivity and hyper-personalization.
A PwC case study found that Siemens was able to reduce downtime by up to 50% and increase productivity by 20% by leveraging predictive maintenance AI. Siemens also released a new generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) function into its predictive maintenance solution, Senseye Predictive Maintenance, to make predictive maintenance more conversational and intuitive.
Australian steel manufacturer and Senseye Predictive Maintenance user, BlueScope’s Digital Transformation Manager, Colin Robertson, said, “The innovative generative AI functionality from Siemens will help to accelerate our efforts to scale knowledge sharing across our global teams and will continue to support our ambitious digital transformation strategy.”
TechDogs Takeaway:
- Businesses must integrate AI-driven predictive maintenance tools to monitor equipment performance in real-time, anticipate failures and schedule repairs before issues cause downtime.
- Businesses must deploy robots for repetitive tasks while allowing AI to control workflow adjustments that can reduce human error, improve speed and increase output.
- Businesses must use AI to optimize inventory and supply chain management by predicting demand fluctuations and adjusting production schedules in real-time.
Trend 2: Big Data Analytics Will Fuel Production Growth
Data as big and powerful as Bane will be a boon for data-driven decisions.
Do you remember the scene in The Dark Knight where Batman builds a city-wide radar by converting every mobile phone in Gotham into a feeding device where each conversation and sound is analyzed and funneled to find the Joker? Surely immoral but it was an effective use of big data!
Similarly, businesses harness the power of big data analytics to transform their operations.
The emergence of Industry 4.0 solved the challenge of integrating diverse software solutions into one cohesive system, enabling businesses to pull together productivity data, machine sensors and power consumption metrics from across the factory floor. Furthermore, they can draw data from external partners and vendors. Essentially, businesses can gather data from multiple sources and use advanced analytics to generate a comprehensive, real-time view of their business. This fosters the ability to make data-driven decisions, drive growth, boost innovation, optimize resource allocation, streamline supply chain management and improve efficiency, defect detection and production output.
According to Mordor Intelligence, the big data analytics in manufacturing market size is estimated at $9.07 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach $19.25 billion by 2029, with a CAGR of 16.24%.
The use of big data in manufacturing isn’t exactly new and has been leveraged by industries such as oil and gas, food and beverage and automotive. In fact, big data has played a big part in the automotive industry, as its adoption has led to mass manufacturing of autonomous vehicles (AVs) and even powering its technologies.
Yaron Saghiv, the CMO of UVeye, a leading automatic vehicle inspection provider, says, “The development of AVs is fueled by AI and big data. These powerful tools enable AVs to view and navigate their surroundings unmanned, through sensor fusion and machine learning algorithms trained to make real-time decisions for navigating complex road environments safely.”
TechDogs Takeaway:
- Manufacturers must leverage big data and predictive maintenance to foresee equipment failures before they occur, reducing unexpected downtimes and repair costs.
- Manufacturing businesses must use sensors and IoT devices connected to big data platforms to enable real-time monitoring of production processes, help maintain consistent quality, detect defects early and reduce waste in production lines.
- Businesses must use big data analytics to gather insights into supply chain operations to predict demand fluctuations, optimize inventory levels and enhance supplier relationships.
Trend 3: Industrial Internet Of Things Will Enhance Monitoring Practices
Why did the IIoT sensor break up with the old machine? Because it couldn’t handle the lack of connection!
We may not be as good a jokester as the Joker but we hold a pretty good hand of cards when it comes to technology!
While big data is poised to enhance manufacturing processes for businesses, how it gets its data will be important. IIoT or Industrial Internet of Things offers dedicated IoT applications for industrial uses by interconnecting devices within an existing Internet infrastructure. This allows businesses to access real-time data, make strategic decisions, boost productivity and optimize performance.
As per Statista, the IIoT market is forecasted to grow to $454.9 billion by 2029, from around $238 billion in 2024, with a CAGR of 13.79%. Among these, a key application of IIoT will be remote monitoring, allowing businesses to assess equipment performance in real-time and analyze metrics against KPIs (key performance indicators) to improve overall equipment effectiveness.
Another important use is predictive maintenance, which allows businesses to identify and flag abnormalities before they lead to costly downtime by setting pre-determined standards for normal equipment behavior. This ensures smoother operations and reduces unexpected disruptions in production. IIoT also enhances traceability across the supply chain by using technologies such as barcodes and RFID trackers. This allows businesses to track the movement of supplies, improve supply chain efficiency and enable quality control at every stage of production.
By integrating systems such as ERP, quality management and maintenance software, businesses gain access to in-depth analytics that provide insights into inventory management, asset tracking and sustainable practices.
Shree Cement, an Indian cement manufacturer, adopted IIoT by integrating “RFID antenna, controller, traffic light, LED display, positioning sensor, camera and customized software with the ERP,” said Manoranjan Kumar, CIO at Shree Cement, adding, “The turnaround time for truck loading was reduced from eight hours to four hours. The automation of weighbridges freed up 400 employees who have been redeployed in other important work.”
TechDogs Takeaway:
- Businesses must implement smart supply chains for operational efficiency to enable real-time tracking of raw materials and shipments, streamline logistics, reduce bottlenecks and improve delivery times.
- Businesses must integrate IoT sensors to optimize equipment performance, prevent and detect machinery breakdowns, reduce downtime and boost productivity in real-time monitoring.
- Manufacturers must enhance workforce productivity with connected devices by equipping workers with IoT-enabled devices to improve safety, monitor health conditions and ensure compliance with safety protocols.
Trend 4: 3D Printing And Digital Twin Technologies Will Enhance Prototyping And Analyses
Just like how Batman is both a brilliant detective and a powerful fighter, 3D printing and digital twin technologies are two faces of the same coin. While 3D printing brings physical prototypes to life, digital twin technology creates their virtual counterparts, together transforming how manufacturers design, test and analyze products.
3D printing AKA additive manufacturing uses CAD software or 3D scanners to create prototypes layer by layer, reducing material waste, lowering costs and shortening development timelines. By storing design files digitally, businesses enable distributed production, cut transportation costs and simplify inventory management. Digital twin technology creates virtual replicas of physical assets, from products to entire supply chains.
These virtual models help run data-driven simulations, allowing businesses to test equipment performance under various conditions without the need for physical prototypes. Together, these technologies help manufacturers prototype and test faster, optimize production processes, avoid bottlenecks, predict product life cycles and innovate faster.
According to MarketsandMarkets, the global 3D printing market size is set to rise from $17.5 billion in 2024 to $37.4 billion by 2029, with a CAGR of 16.4%, while the digital twin market is expected to grow from $10.1 billion in 2023 to $110.1 billion by 2028, with a CAGR of 61.3%.
Siemens recently developed a digital twin application called Sound of Science that specializes in large event spaces. Prof. Dr. Stephan Frucht, Artistic Director of the Siemens Arts Program, said, “Digital twins are not only transforming the every day for many companies but are also creating new opportunities for the cultural and creative industries. In the future, we’ll be able to plan stage productions better and even simulate them acoustically in advance.”
BMW is a pioneer in additive or 3D printing, which has been used since 1991 in the automotive industry. “We are able to quickly, economically and flexibly produce our own production aids and handling robots, which we can individually adapt to specific requirements at any time, as well as being able to optimize their weight,” said, Jens Ertel, Head of BMW Additive Manufacturing, validating the adoption of 3D printing and digital twin technology for manufacturers.
TechDogs Takeaway:
- Businesses must integrate 3D printing or digital twins to simulate and optimize equipment performance, prevent machinery breakdowns, reduce downtime and boost productivity with real-time monitoring.
- Businesses must leverage 3D printing to enable rapid prototyping, to gain quicker testing, iteration and product development, shortening time-to-market.
- Businesses must optimize supply chain and inventory management by using 3D printing and digital twin technology to model supply chain scenarios, enable on-demand manufacturing minimize stock levels and reduce waste.
Trend 5: Cybersecurity Tools Will Help Manufacturers Protect Their Operations
One of Batman’s most formidable enemies, Poison Ivy, boasts unique superhuman powers that include a deadly touch and immunity to poisons, fungi, bacteria and viruses. That’s a superpower businesses would love to possess – immunity to viruses, especially digital ones.
The introduction and adoption of new technologies have revolutionized the manufacturing industry by bringing higher productivity, increased efficiency and greater visibility into operations. No doubt they’ve been a blessing but it’s one that’s come with a curse too. The rise of interconnected devices and data networks in manufacturing has made them susceptible to cyber-attacks.
These attacks can result in sensitive and private data leaks, while also causing costly downtime. Furthermore, bad actors can exploit weaknesses in software, firmware and hardware, causing damage across entire operations.
According to many experts, the manufacturing industry is a prime target for cybercriminals because it cannot afford prolonged disruptions to production. As businesses continue to integrate new systems and technologies, the industry's vulnerability to attacks will only increase.
This is why businesses must adopt stronger cybersecurity measures to protect their interconnected systems. This will be critical for maintaining operational integrity and avoiding the devastating consequences of cyberattacks. In the coming year, cybersecurity tools will become essential to ensuring that manufacturers can keep their operations running smoothly in the face of evolving threats.
According to IBM’s Security X-Force Threat Intelligence Index 2023, 30% of all cybersecurity-related extortions targeted the manufacturing industry, while its 2024 report noted the sector was the most targeted for a third consecutive year.
Ferhat Dikbiyik, Chief Research and Intelligence Officer at Black Kite, a third-party risk management software and solutions company said, “Due to its critical nature, the manufacturing industry is a prime target for bad actors to exploit. Their expanding digital footprints are a point of weakness that must be addressed. Organizations in this sector need to immediately take note of their high risk and fortify their cyber defenses.”
TechDogs Takeaway:
- Businesses must strengthen cybersecurity by adopting a zero-trust architecture while enforcing strict identity verification, continuous monitoring and least-privilege access controls.
- Businesses must invest in industrial control system (ICS) security to protect critical operations and improve resilience against cyberattacks, with regular risk assessments and vulnerability testing to find weaknesses.
- Businesses must integrate AI and machine learning for proactive threat detection and to analyze data in real-time, detect anomalies and automate responses to cyber threats.
To Sum It Up
As manufacturing evolves, much like Batman's reliance on cutting-edge tech to battle villains, businesses must leverage AI, big data analytics, IIoT, 3D printing, digital twin technology and robust cybersecurity to stay ahead. These innovations promise to enhance productivity, streamline operations and safeguard critical infrastructure.
However, just as Batman must constantly adapt his tools to face new threats, companies need to remain agile in adopting these trends to stay competitive and secure. The question is: will your organization be ready to embrace these manufacturing changes and become a hero within the industry?
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are The Key Manufacturing Technology Trends To Watch In 2025?
The top manufacturing technology trends to watch in 2025 include AI and automation, which will drive innovation, big data analytics to boost production, IIoT for enhanced monitoring, 3D printing and digital twin technologies for faster prototyping and advanced cybersecurity tools to protect operations.
How Do These Manufacturing Trends Impact The Industry?
These trends are reshaping the industry by enhancing efficiency and reducing costs. AI and automation optimize workflows and reduce errors, big data analytics enable data-driven decision-making, IIoT ensures real-time equipment monitoring, 3D printing accelerates prototyping and cybersecurity tools safeguard against cyber threats, ensuring smooth operations.
What Is The Significance Of Predictive Maintenance In Manufacturing?
Predictive maintenance, powered by AI and IIoT, helps manufacturers foresee equipment failures before they happen. This reduces costly downtime, improves productivity and ensures continuous, smooth operations by identifying issues early and scheduling repairs proactively.
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Manufacturing Manufacturing Technology Trends Artificial Intelligence AI Generative Artificial Intelligence GenAI Automation Big Data Analytics Internet Of Things IoT Industrial IoT IIoT 3D Printing Additive Printing Digital Twin Cyber Security Cybercriminal Hacker Bad Actor Threat Protection
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