In the fields of industrial automation, informatization and digital transformation, Rockwell Automation, as one of the world’s leading companies, plays a pivotal role.
On June 16, 2026, Rockwell Automation and the Center for Automotive Research (CAR) released a new white paper “Smart Manufacturing in the Automotive Industry: Deployment and Impact.”
This white paper is written by CAR and is based on comprehensive data provided by Rockwell Automation.
It details how artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML) and automation technologies are reshaping the way the automotive, tire and battery industries are manufactured.
Research shows that the automotive industry is entering a new stage of smart manufacturing applications.
For manufacturers, the focus now is no longer whether to invest in smart manufacturing, but how quickly and in which areas smart manufacturing should be applied.
Automakers and suppliers have widely applied automation technology in processes such as body manufacturing, painting and welding.
For example, in the car body manufacturing process, automated production lines can accurately complete the assembly of various components, greatly improving production efficiency and product quality.
In the painting process, automated equipment can spray paint evenly, avoiding defects that may occur in manual operations.
During welding work, automated welding robots can ensure the stability and accuracy of welding.
Today, automation technology is further expanding into areas that were difficult to achieve in the past, including electronic assembly, verification, production coordination and logistics management.
In terms of electronic assembly, automated equipment can more accurately complete the installation of tiny electronic components, improving the reliability of electronic products.
In the verification process, the automated system can quickly and accurately detect whether the product meets the standards.
In terms of production coordination, through automated information systems, resources can be allocated in real time and the production process can be optimized.
In terms of logistics management, automated warehousing and transportation systems can improve the efficiency of goods flow.
At the same time, AI and ML are also continuing to improve predictive maintenance capabilities, detection accuracy, and system performance in existing operations.
Using AI and ML technologies, companies can monitor equipment in real time and predict possible equipment failures in advance, thereby performing preventive maintenance and reducing downtime.
In terms of inspection, AI can more accurately identify product defects and improve product quality.
In terms of system performance, ML can continuously optimize the operating parameters of the system and improve production efficiency.
In general, this white paper released by Rockwell Automation points out the direction for the development of intelligent manufacturing in the automotive industry, helps companies better respond to changes and challenges in the industry, and promotes the development of the automotive industry to a higher level.
