How to survive AI and thrive

In just a few short years, we’ve witnessed remarkable leaps in AI development, enough to leave the world in awe… almost. Reactions have been mixed, and for good reason. Are we truly ready for AI, or are we rushing headlong into something we barely understand?

At this point, it’s no longer a matter of if, or even when. AI is here. It’s already reshaping how we live and how we work.

The only real question left is how we choose to respond: do we resist, carving out an alternate path or do we adapt, using this unprecedented shift in technology to open new doors and opportunities? 

Why this AI shift matters

The reality is this: a shortage of skilled workers is making it harder to meet demand. Factory managers are right to be concerned: we’re approaching a generational handover, as older experts leave the field and a new workforce steps in.

Add to that the accelerating rise of AI and automation, and the uncertainty becomes clear. The International Monetary Fund estimates that 40% of global jobs will be affected by AI, with advanced economies feeling it most. In fact, by 2025, AI will displace 75 million jobs globally but create 133 million new ones according to a report by the World Economic Forum. This means that there will be a net gain of 58 million jobs globally, though with significant disruption in certain industries.

Displacement doesn’t mean elimination. It's very likely that our traditional view of career progression will change, pushing us to upskill faster. That’s not necessarily a bad thing; the most forward-thinking manufacturers see AI for what it is: a tool. A tool that can be a great advantage in the right hands.

The rise of smart factories

Modern factories are becoming more efficient, more precise, and safer — not just because of hardware, but because of what powers it: AI. Algorithms now analyze and optimize processes in real time, cutting waste, adjusting throughput, and protecting both machines and operators.

To put this into perspective — 72% of organizations globally now use AI in at least one business function (McKinsey, State of AI 2023). Some aggregators (e.g. AllAboutAI) cite figures such as 35% of manufacturers using AI for predictive maintenance and 41% applying it to supply chain analytics. However, these numbers are compiled from secondary sources, and the original datasets are not publicly available.

Rather than pulling all the strings, AI is increasingly becoming the intelligence layer behind automation. It enhances what’s already in place: sensorized equipment can detect patterns and feed them into AI models to prevent errors; digital twins become more dynamic and predictive when AI is used to simulate scenarios or optimize performance; and collaborative robots (cobots) work alongside humans, taking on dangerous or repetitive tasks while AI helps coordinate safety and efficiency.

Market analysts such as Precedence Research estimate that the AI in manufacturing market was valued at $5.94 billion in 2024 and could reach $68.36 billion by 2032. These forecasts are based on aggregated industry data rather than public primary datasets, but they signal the scale of investment and expected growth.

So where does that leave you?

The future will demand more than just competence. It will demand curiosity, adaptability, and yes — better habits.

According to McKinsey, only 20% of leaders believe employees will use gen AI for more than 30% of their daily tasks within a year, yet nearly half of employees (47%) expect they will.

In other words, employees may be the ones driving this technological shift faster than leaders anticipate.

That means upskilling, better data use, and building a workplace where innovation is less about flashy tech and more about consistently good and informed decisions. Those are some of the measures we will need to keep pace with AI’s growing role in our work.

Want to know what the next steps look like in practice?

Download the full e-book How to Survive AI and Thrive for practical insights, case studies, and the habits that will keep your factory (and your team) future-ready.

Sources

•   International Monetary Fund (IMF) – AI Will Transform the Global Economy. Let’s Make Sure It Benefits Humanity (2024). Blog article citing IMF research estimating that 40% of global jobs will be affected by AI, with advanced economies feeling it most. Link
•  World Economic Forum (WEF) – Machines Will Do More Tasks Than Humans by 2025, but Robot Revolution Will Still Create 58 Million Net New Jobs in Next Five Years (2018). Forecast that AI and automation will displace 75 million jobs globally by 2025 while creating 133 million new jobs, resulting in a net gain of 58 million jobs. Link
•  McKinsey & Company – Superagency in the Workplace: Empowering People to Unlock AI’s Full Potential at Work (2024). Survey findings showing that only 20% of leaders believe employees will use generative AI for more than 30% of their daily tasks within a year, while 47% of employees expect they will. Link
•  McKinsey & Company – The State of AI in 2023: Generative AI’s Breakout Year. Primary survey data showing that 72% of organizations globally use AI in at least one business function. Link
•  AllAboutAI – AI in Manufacturing Statistics (2024). Aggregated figures such as 35% of manufacturers using AI for predictive maintenance and 41% for supply chain analytics. Original datasets are not publicly available. Link
•  Precedence Research – Artificial Intelligence in Manufacturing Market Size, Share, Trends Report 2024–2032. Market size estimate of USD 5.94 billion in 2024, projected to USD 68.36 billion by 2032. Forecasts based on proprietary industry data and models. Link