UK emerges as Europe’s AI frontrunner
06 June 2025
Rockwell Automation has launched a new report which demonstrates how UK manufacturers are leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance workforce capabilities and drive operational resilience.
Rockwell Automation today unveiled the UK findings of its 10th annual State of Smart Manufacturing Report.
The research reveals that the United Kingdom is setting the pace in Europe, with manufacturers rapidly adopting artificial intelligence (AI), investing in workforce upskilling, and prioritising cybersecurity as a strategic foundation for growth.
The study, based on feedback from more than 1,500 manufacturing leaders globally, highlights the UK’s striking progress in digital transformation.
With 53 percent of UK manufacturers already implementing machine learning or AI on the factory floor, and an impressive 98 percent either using or planning to implement generative AI, the country is leading Europe in applied artificial intelligence.
"AI is no longer just an emerging trend for UK manufacturers, it has become the driving force behind their transformation," said Phil Hadfield, Managing Director at Rockwell Automation.
"By combining a human-centric workforce strategy with deliberate digital investment, UK firms are not only embracing innovation but also achieving tangible performance improvements that position them as leaders in the global manufacturing landscape.”
AI and generative AI are being deployed in quality control, cybersecurity, training content, and compliance reporting. Already, 15 percent of UK firms say GenAI delivered the highest ROI of any technology in the past year.
Rather than replacing workers, UK manufacturers are using AI to enhance roles and address labour shortages. 38 percent of UK companies plan to upskill existing talent, up from 30 percent last year and well ahead of the European average of 30 percent.
Cybersecurity has emerged as a foundational priority. With 97 percent of UK firms already investing or planning to invest in cyber platforms, and 21 percent citing it as their top ROI driver, businesses are building secure infrastructure before expanding digital services. 32 percent now see cybersecurity as a top external risk, up from 28 percent last year.
Meanwhile, digital twin adoption has jumped from 21 to 37 percent in just 12 months, with the UK reporting the highest planned adoption rate in Europe.
Sustainability strategies also continue to mature, with 89 percent of manufacturers now operating under formal ESG policies, and 56 percent citing efficiency, not compliance, as the main driver.
Visit the Rockwell Automation website for the full findings of the State of Smart Manufacturing Report.
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