AI in mechanical engineering has significant economic effects

AI is already highly relevant for the majority of companies, particularly in software development (51%), marketing (36%) and customer service (26%). 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 the vast majority of companies in the mechanical and plant engineering sector are likely to embed AI in processes or products within a few years.

The survey shows clearly measurable improvements through the use of AI in the company. The top 4 effects are:

• 1. reduction in personnel expenses (35 percent)
• 2. increase employee motivation (31 percent)
• 3. reduction in process times (31 percent)
• 4. increasing the degree of automation of processes and decisions (30 percent)

The survey also shows that AI has made the leap from the laboratory to the factory floor: 43% of companies are already using AI and machine learning solutions, 21% plan to start using them by the end of 2025 and a further 27% by 2028.

On the customer side, new products and services (23%), improved service (22%) and advances in automation, throughput times and resource efficiency are emerging.

Mechanical engineering relies heavily on in-house development, supported by IT service providers and research: 65% develop AI themselves, based on existing software tools, 48% work together with IT service providers, 42% cooperate with universities and research institutions and 22% rely on completely in-house developments.

Outlook: From individual solutions to business-critical systems

The survey shows that AI will evolve from a selective 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, there are also hurdles. 45% cite a lack of human resources, 44% a return on investment that has not yet been proven. 42% complain about insufficient data quality, 37% about the lack of qualified specialist staff. Overall, there is a clear need for action in the areas of skills development, data strategy and change management.

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 today. The expected increases in turnover and the major influence on future business models underline this: AI has become the key driver of innovation in the industry.