Top 10: Predictions for 2026

The world today is defined by pace – and an extremely fast one at that. From trends and technologies to drive-thru treats, the present comes at us fast and the future even faster.

For this reason, the thought of planning ahead to 2026 can feel dizzying. But for manufacturers, which must remain vigilant to geopolitical and industry changes, looking to the future is an absolute necessity.

At Manufacturing Digital, we don’t have a crystal ball, but we do have a wealth of global stories and observations under our belt. With this in mind, we’ve compiled our top 10 manufacturing predictions for 2026 to help you stay ahead.

10. Robotics will shape manufacturing nations

The US, Germany, Japan and China. What do all these countries have in common? 

One, they’re manufacturing superpowers; two, they’ve all invested millions in industrial robots. 

As further integration with AI occurs, expect to see industrial robots shaking up the supply chain in 2026 and determining future efficiency, productivity and results for the biggest global players. 

They’re safer and growing smarter every year.

9. New applications for additive manufacturing

According to market research, additive manufacturing is set to hit a global market size of US$83.56bn by 2030. 

Despite being around since the 1980s, the manufacturing technology is making new waves in Formula 1. 

Its new regulations permit teams to utilise additive manufacturing for critical components like suspension uprights made from titanium and aluminium. This advancement allows for lighter, stronger and more complex designs, enhancing performance on the track. 

We'll see further innovation in 2026. 

8. Reindustrialisation will grow in the US, UK and Europe

Reindustrialisation is rising, particularly in the US and UK - and isn’t going to stop by 2026. 

With profound economic benefits and the potential to help address the skills gap, this strategy will enhance supply chain flexibility and resilience. 

To make it successful, vital investment is needed in the US and UK manufacturing sectors after long periods spent taking production abroad.

7. Digital twins will undergo wider industry adoption

Digital twins are poised to become an industry standard by 2026, transforming manufacturing processes across all operations. 

These innovative technologies revolutionise testing, training, design and production by enabling comprehensive simulations of entire environments rather than just individual objects. 

Dassault Systèmes' "Virtual Twin Experiences" on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform offer unique advantages, such as visualising complete systems, facilitating sustainable innovation and running unlimited simulations. 

This holistic approach supports continuous improvement, optimising product design, supply chains and production processes across various industries. 

6. More scalable material innovations

Sustainable materials are an exciting area of innovation in manufacturing, with scalability being a key challenge. 

By 2026, we expect advancements in practical, scalable applications of materials like mycelium in factories, moving beyond showcase products. Awards like the Manufacturing Futures Innovation Awards will further promote scalable material innovations.

MycoWorks exemplifies this progress, partnering with luxury brands like Hermes for leather alternatives and expanding into the automotive sector with General Motors to develop Fine Mycelium materials, indicating strong interest in sustainable solutions across industries. 

5. Governmental roles for manufacturing will increase

By 2026, there will be a greater number of official governmental roles across the UK, US and Europe to advocate for manufacturing. 

In the UK we’ve seen the successful and popular campaign for an official Minister of Manufacturing, while in the US we’ve seen the rise of manufacturing leaders for US states like Paul S. Lavoie in Connecticut. 

This increase will be driven by reindustrialisation and manufacturing campaigns like the one led by Paul, ‘I’ve Got It Made’.

4. India & Mexico’s manufacturing power will grow

India and Mexico – two countries that have been subject to a wealth of manufacturing investment. 

GE, Phillips, Siemens, PepsiCo, ABB and Micron have all invested in production facilities and R&D centres on Indian soil, with Samsung’s ‘make it in India’ a phrase of pride. Meanwhile Mexico’s manufacturing sector receives millions from Yokohama Tire Corp and Walmart.

The year 2026 will be a defining moment, cementing both nations’ ability to overcome challenges with infrastructure and embrace the economic catalyst of manufacturing.

3. Get ready for the true factory of the future

Manufacturers are embracing the fourth industrial revolution – in factories that aren’t too far off the first. 

By 2026, efforts to reimagine the traditional factory for the digital age are going to heighten.

Siemens is already embracing this with its Omnifactory®, explored in the previous issue of Manufacturing Digital. 

This revolutionary five-year project at the University of Nottingham fundamentally reimagines manufacturing environments and infrastructure through technology.

2. The AI value conversation

The AI craze across industries is well documented and there is genuine value in it for manufacturers.

However, we're still navigating the foggy waters of discovery to pinpoint its best applications. While manufacturers are intrigued by the promise of AI, they haven't yet reached the stage of adoption. 

According to Gartner, by 2026, more than 80% of enterprises will utilise generative AI APIs and applications in production environments. This indicates that manufacturers will soon be primed for meaningful AI discussions. 

Microsoft Azure's AI platform is at the forefront of this revolution, offering tailored solutions like predictive maintenance, process optimisation and quality control through advanced machine learning.

With features such as IoT integration, AI-driven supply chain optimisation and generative design, Azure empowers manufacturers to enhance efficiency, reduce downtime and drive innovation, ensuring they stay competitive in an ever-evolving landscape. 

1. Feasibility of Net Zero 2030 will grow clearer

Many global manufacturers have laid down bold pledges for carbon neutrality by 2030. By 2026, the feasibility of this will become clearer, and the sector will see who is on their way to delivering and who has further to go.

Animesh Arora, Principal at Deloitte, has argued manufacturers need to speed up in order to achieve 2050 net-zero plans, which doesn’t bode well for 2030 ambitions.

The consultancy revealed that, in order to reach this goal by 2050, change must happen at a pace four times the speed of other major historical transformations, such as the Industrial Revolution.

On the plus side, technological innovation is happening at a pace far, far faster than those historic transformations as well. And it is technology that will make 2030 net zero a reality.

Make sure you check out the latest edition of Manufacturing Digital and also sign up to our global conference series - Manufacturing & Mobility LIVE 2025. 

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