The use of artificial intelligence (AI) is gaining significant importance for business processes in the mechanical and plant engineering sector. This is shown by the results of a survey conducted by VDMA Software and Digitalization. AI is already highly relevant for a large majority of companies, particularly in software development (51 percent), marketing (36 percent), and customer service (26 percent). AI functionalities are also increasingly becoming standard in products – for example, in predictive maintenance, condition monitoring, operational optimization, and operator assistance systems. This means that within just a few years, the vast majority of companies in the mechanical and plant engineering sector are likely to integrate AI into their processes or products.

Significant business benefits: Less effort, more speed

The survey clearly shows measurable improvements through the use of AI in companies.

The top 4 effects:

• Reduction in personnel costs (35 percent)
• Increased employee motivation (31 percent)
• Reduction of process times (31 percent)
• Increase the level of automation of processes and decisions (30 percent)

Furthermore, the survey reveals that AI has made the leap from the laboratory to the factory floor. 43 percent of companies are already using AI and machine learning solutions, 21 percent plan to implement them by the end of 2025, and another 27 percent by 2028.

On the customer side, this is resulting in new products and services (23 percent), improved service (22 percent), and advances in automation, throughput times, and resource efficiency.

Development: Mechanical engineering is heavily reliant on in-house production – supported by IT service providers and research.

• 65 percent develop their own AI – based on existing software tools.
• 48 percent work with IT service providers.
• 42 percent cooperate with universities and research institutions
• 22 percent completely in-house developments

Outlook: From Individual Solutions to Business-Critical Systems

The survey shows that AI will evolve from an ad-hoc application to an integral part of the business model. Data-driven services are changing revenue models – from traditional machine sales to pay-per-use or performance contracts.

At the same time, however, hurdles exist. 45 percent cite a lack of personnel resources, 44 percent an unproven return on investment. 42 percent complain about insufficient data quality, and 37 percent about a shortage of qualified specialists. Overall, there is a clear need for action in the areas of skills development, data strategy, and change management.

Conclusion

The mechanical and plant engineering sector is facing a profound technological transformation. The VDMA AI survey shows that AI is no longer a prospect, but a reality – and is already creating measurable added value for many companies. The expected revenue increases and the significant impact on future business models underscore that AI has become the central driver of innovation in the industry.

VDMA