AI in Manufacturing: Three Key Trends Shaping 2019

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly moving from a buzzword to a business enabler across manufacturing. In 2019, AI solutions began delivering measurable gains—from demand forecasting to autonomous robotics—establishing new standards for speed, accuracy, and operational efficiency. Below are three predictions that captured the trajectory of AI adoption in the sector.

Prediction #1: 50% of Manufacturing Companies Will Adopt AI by the End of 2021

AI is no longer a futuristic concept; it is a set of highly targeted tools—natural language processing, computer vision, analytics, and robotic process automation—each delivering precise value. A recent case study with a leading household goods brand in Northern Europe illustrated this shift: an AI‑driven demand‑planning system reduced forecast error by 35%, aligning projections closely with actual sales. These results demonstrate that the true power of AI lies in its ability to learn, adapt, and outperform conventional models.

Successful AI deployment starts with a clear business objective. Before launching a project, companies should ask: Which process will benefit most? What measurable outcome do we expect? By aligning technology with a specific goal, firms can unlock significant competitive advantage without the complexity often associated with AI.

Prediction #2: 25% of Manufacturing Planners Will Communicate with Systems via Voice by the End of 2020

Voice interfaces have matured to the point where they can reliably understand and act on human commands. A 2018 industry survey revealed that 84% of respondents were comfortable using voice‑activated assistants like Alexa and Siri at home. In manufacturing, this translates into faster, error‑free interactions. For instance, NEC’s voice‑controlled order‑picking system in Japan enables line workers to issue spoken commands, instantly generating purchase orders and reducing manual entry time.

Automotive leaders such as BMW have also leveraged voice technology. In March 2018, BMW integrated Alexa into its vehicles, enhancing the driving experience with intuitive, hands‑free controls. This success on the customer side foreshadows broader adoption on the shop floor, where voice can streamline material handling, status checks, and real‑time monitoring.

Prediction #3: Pick‑and‑Place Robots Will Handle 25% of Products by the End of 2020

Robotics has long been a staple of production lines, but AI‑enabled autonomous systems are redefining the scope of warehouse operations. Amazon’s “lights‑out” fulfillment centers showcase the efficiency gains: robots can work around the clock, consume less energy, and avoid the constraints of human shifts. As a result, inventory can be stored and retrieved with minimal waste and maximum spatial utilization.

Companies that adopt these systems experience tangible benefits: reduced labor costs, improved accuracy, and faster order fulfillment. Even full lights‑out warehouses remain a future goal, but the groundwork is already in place, with many firms integrating pick‑and‑place robots for heavy parts that previously required multiple workers.

In 2019, manufacturers began realizing that they don’t need to climb an AI mountain—small, focused implementations can deliver transformative results. By continuing to take incremental steps, firms can achieve lasting competitive advantages.

About the Author

Antony Bourne is the global industry director for manufacturing at IFS.