- The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) has released a report titled “Working Smarter: How Manufacturers Are Using Artificial Intelligence.”
- The report highlights AI’s crucial role in enhancing productivity across manufacturing.
- Key insights include examples from Hitachi, Johnson & Johnson, and Schneider Electric.
- AI applications cover efficiency, product development, safety, predictive maintenance, and supply chain management.
- Jay Timmons, NAM president and CEO, emphasizes AI’s broad integration in manufacturing beyond generative AI.
- Timmons notes AI’s role in improving clinical trials, workplace safety, supply chain resilience, and employee training.
- Kathy Wengel from Johnson & Johnson calls for thoughtful policymaking to support AI in manufacturing.
- Wengel stresses the need for policies that foster innovation and strengthen U.S. competitiveness in AI.
Main AI News:
The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) has released an extensive new report titled “Working Smarter: How Manufacturers Are Using Artificial Intelligence,” which explores the multifaceted ways in which artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the manufacturing industry. This comprehensive document details why AI is crucial and how top-tier companies are harnessing its capabilities to significantly boost productivity and operational efficiency. It provides a detailed examination of how prominent manufacturers such as Hitachi, Johnson & Johnson, and Schneider Electric are leveraging AI to enhance various aspects of their operations, including efficiency, product development, safety measures, predictive maintenance, and supply chain management.
Jay Timmons, the president and CEO of NAM, points out that while much of the current media and policy discussions center on generative AI, its applications in the manufacturing sector extend far beyond this subset of technology. “AI is increasingly embedded throughout the shop floor, research and development processes, and beyond,” Timmons remarks. He highlights that manufacturers are spearheading the use and advancement of innovative AI technologies, contributing to improvements in clinical trials, workplace safety, supply chain resilience, and employee training. According to Timmons, AI is not only unlocking new opportunities but also playing a pivotal role in fortifying the modern manufacturing workforce and enhancing the quality of life for Americans.
In addition, Kathy Wengel, executive vice president and chief technical operations and risk officer at Johnson & Johnson, underscores the critical need for well-considered policymaking to support the integration of AI in manufacturing. “Considering AI’s transformative impact on the future of modern manufacturing, policymakers need to craft thoughtful frameworks that reflect the deep experience of manufacturers in this field,” Wengel asserts. She emphasizes the importance of creating a policy environment that encourages innovation and growth in manufacturing AI, as this will bolster the U.S. position as a leader in this emerging domain. Wengel advocates for a policy approach that supports the ongoing development and implementation of AI technologies to enhance the competitiveness and leadership of the U.S. manufacturing sector.
Conclusion:
The NAM report underscores the transformative potential of AI in the manufacturing sector, highlighting its role in driving efficiency and innovation. For the market, this signifies a growing emphasis on integrating advanced technologies to maintain competitive advantage. As AI continues to evolve, companies that effectively leverage these tools will likely lead the industry, improving operational outcomes and influencing future policy development to support technological growth.
