Artificial Intelligence is driving increased use of 5G in the manufacturing sector, according to a recent report from the National Association of Manufacturers and CTIA. The 2025 Future of Manufacturing Project Survey, “Shaping the AI-Powered Factory of the Future,” said that more than half of manufacturers already use AI in their operations, and 61 percent expect to increase their investment in AI by 2027.
“5G helps manufacturers deploy AI tools so they can evaluate large datasets and identify efficient solutions quickly — whether through supply chain management, predictive maintenance for machinery, quality control or improving the employee experience,” the report said.
More than 60 percent of respondents that use AI reported a positive impact on operational performance, cost savings and worker productivity/efficiency, which is driving the U.S. economy forward, according to the report. AI is in use on the factory floors of many high profile manufacturers, such as Newport News Shipbuilding, General Motors, Rockwell Automation, Ericsson, Samsung, and more. Among those innovations are augmented reality headsets used for immersive training.
“AI is used to connect autonomous mobile robots to deliver heavy appliance parts safely around Whirlpool’s factory floor, freeing up employees for more complex tasks,” the report said. AI also assists a real-time, high-definition monitoring system that leverages machine learning capabilities to improve quality control for Hitachi, identifying defects at a sub-millimeter level.
Highly secure 5G networks are needed to protect the intellectual property of companies like Cummins, a maker of diesel and alternate fuel engines, according to the report. Wireless networks also help connect robotics to bring materials around the facility, detect product defects, enhance employee training through AR/VR applications, and monitor equipment via sensor systems.
“5G is vital to the Manufacturing 4.0 movement that’s propelling America to be the global hub for smart, modern manufacturing,” said NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons. “Manufacturers are harnessing 5G to make workplaces safer, boost efficiency and strengthen resilience across our operations. By enabling real-time actions and supporting new technologies like AI, 5G is giving manufacturers more tools to sharpen our competitive edge, support more people and secure America’s leadership in the global economy.”
Back in 2020, Bosch launched its first 5G campus in Stuttgart-Feuerbach, Germany, according to ITP.Net, making precision applications and safety possible through the transfer of data “extremely reliably” and “ultra-fast.” A year later, Manufacturing Digital reported that Volkswagen’s Wolfsburg facility was operating 5,000 robots, controlled by a 5G network.
The future of America’s manufacturing sector depends on a 5G strategy that includes a pipeline of more licensed spectrum to support manufacturers’ expanding use of 5G, according to CTIA.
“The wireless industry is proud to partner with manufacturers to drive American innovation, productivity, and global leadership,” said CTIA President and CEO Ajit Pai. “To support the wireless data needs of manufacturers and other leading U.S. industries, it is imperative that policymakers continue to take action to ensure additional mid-band spectrum is available for 5G.”
