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Rockwell Automation and the Center for Automotive Research Unveil New White Paper

In a significant collaboration, Rockwell Automation, a frontrunner in industrial automation and digital transformation, has teamed up with the Center for Automotive Research (CAR) to release an insightful white paper titled “Smart Manufacturing in Automotive: Deployment and Impact.” This document has been meticulously crafted using extensive data from Rockwell Automation to highlight how artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and automation are revolutionizing manufacturing processes across the automotive, tire, and battery sectors.

The New Phase of Adoption

Current research indicates that the automotive industry is entering a pivotal new phase in adopting smart manufacturing technologies. Rather than questioning the necessity of investing in smart manufacturing, manufacturers are now focusing on the speed of implementation and the specific areas where these technologies can be most effective.

As auto manufacturers and suppliers increasingly embrace advanced automation, we see significant advancements not only in traditionally automated areas like body, painting, and welding but also in more challenging sectors such as electronic assembly, validation, production coordination, and logistics. The integration of AI and ML further enhances predictive maintenance, inspection accuracy, and overall system performance across existing operations.

According to Edgar Faler, a senior analyst at CAR, “The industry has built a solid automation foundation. What’s changing is how manufacturers are leveraging AI and data to manage increasing complexity, improve decision-making, and create a competitive edge. Those progressing fastest are beginning to see tangible benefits.”

Key Factors Driving Adoption

The white paper amalgamates CAR's analysis with exclusive data from Rockwell Automation's 11th Annual Smart Manufacturing Report, spotlighting the primary factors propelling the adoption of smart technology. These include increasingly complex production environments, ongoing warranty pressures, rising costs, and heightened global competition. Notably, automation is also aiding reshoring by supporting cost-competitive production in tight labor markets.

Manufacturers are already reporting measurable outcomes, including reductions of up to 50% in unplanned downtime for certain applications, approximately 5% improvements in overall equipment efficiency, and gains of 5% to 7% in yield through real-time production analysis.

Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

James Glasson, Vice President of Global Industry – Automotive, Tires, and Advanced Mobility at Rockwell Automation, remarked, “Manufacturers are being called to do more with less while navigating increasing complexities. The combination of automation and AI helps teams identify problems earlier, reduce downtime, and enhance overall plant performance. The difference lies in how companies efficiently develop these capabilities.”

The findings reveal a growing gap within the industry. Disparities in adoption rates result in differences in quality, availability, and productivity, ultimately impacting supplier performance and long-term competitiveness.

Accessing the Complete White Paper

The full white paper is available here. This document provides a comprehensive overview of how the fusion of automation and AI is shaping the future of the automotive manufacturing landscape.

About Rockwell Automation

Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE: ROK) stands as a global leader in industrial automation and digital transformation. The company is dedicated to connecting the imagination of its talent with the potential of technology to foster a more productive and sustainable world. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Rockwell Automation employs nearly 26,000 professionals across more than 100 countries (figures from fiscal year 2025). To learn more about how the company brings The Connected Enterprise® solution to life in industrial settings, visit www.rockwellautomation.com.

About the Center for Automotive Research

The Center for Automotive Research (CAR), a non-profit organization based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, conducts independent research and analysis on crucial issues facing the mobility and automotive sectors. CAR’s work encompasses manufacturing, technology, policies, and economic trends that shape the global automotive industry. For more insights, visit www.cargroup.org.