AI drives digital transformation as life sciences face labour gaps
Life sciences manufacturers are increasing their adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and other advanced technologies to address workforce shortages, quality requirements, regulatory complexity and operational risks.
According to the 'State of Smart Manufacturing Report: Life Sciences Edition', commissioned by Rockwell Automation, nearly all firms surveyed are using or assessing smart manufacturing technologies, with AI frequently positioned at the centre of their transformation efforts.
Technology uptake
The global study, based on responses from 143 senior leaders drawn from manufacturers in 15 countries, shows 95% of life sciences manufacturers are engaging with or evaluating smart technology.
AI deployment is most commonly cited for improving product quality (53% of respondents), streamlining operations (50%), and strengthening cybersecurity (48%).
Alongside AI, automation is also helping manufacturers to adapt to the ongoing challenges in finding skilled workers. Nearly half are turning to AI (48%) and automation (46%) to supplement their workforce needs.
"Life sciences manufacturers are entering a new phase of digital maturity, driven by increasing regulatory complexity and mounting pressure to improve time-to-market without sacrificing quality," said Matt Weaver, Vice President, Global Industry – Life Sciences, Rockwell Automation.
"This year's report makes it clear that AI is becoming indispensable to modern life sciences manufacturing—not just to optimise efficiency, but to strengthen product quality, secure critical infrastructure, and upskill the workforce. There's a clear shift toward long-term thinking as leaders double down on digital investments that make operations more connected, adaptive, and resilient."
Labour challenges continue
The report identifies hiring as a key barrier to growth, with 26% of leaders stating that the shortage of skilled workers is the primary obstacle they face in the coming year.
To manage these gaps, companies are leveraging AI and automated systems to take on both skilled and repetitive tasks, ensuring continuity and efficiency in production.
Emerging technologies are also gaining attention. Among the surveyed leaders, 36% indicated plans to invest in generative or causal AI, while 35% are exploring digital twins and simulation tools as avenues for future investment and expansion.
Long-term priorities
The survey highlights that life sciences organisations are prioritising investments that promise long-term operational resilience rather than short-term advantages. Growth (66%), expanding capacity (62%), and protecting operations (50%) emerged as primary areas where firms are focusing their digital transformations.
Although the sector generally collects significant amounts of operational data, only 46% of respondents described their organisations as effective at utilising this data for decision-making.
The report notes that the growing adoption of digital tools needs to be matched with improved abilities to translate data into actionable insights to drive efficiency and responsiveness.
"With our extensive industry expertise and wide-ranging suite of automation and information solutions, Rockwell is uniquely positioned to support life sciences organisations across the globe," Weaver added.
"No matter where a company is on their path to digital transformation and smart manufacturing, we can meet them where they are to help them achieve sustainable growth."
Survey methodology
The findings outlined in the report are drawn from 143 managers and executives in Life Science manufacturing, including original equipment manufacturers, system integrators, and engineering procurement companies.
The life sciences study forms part of Rockwell Automation's broader research initiative that surveyed 1,560 decision-makers from various industries, conducted with Sapio Research and Rockwell Automation.
