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 ten 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

Additive manufacturing is set to hit US$49bn in market size by 2034. 

It’s incredible that this manufacturing technology has been around since the 1980s and we’re still finding new, incredible ways to utilise it. 

From printing maritime anchors to parts for tractors to intricate jewellery to steel toy figurines, an abundance of new applications have been pioneered for additive manufacturing.

In 2026, we’re only going to see more.

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, as of now, a form of cutting-edge manufacturing technology. 

By 2026 we predict they’ll become an industry standard, with adoption spreading from the biggest and boldest manufacturers to smaller operations. 

Revolutionising testing, training, design and production, the applications of digital twins across industries are endless. Digital twins are already changing the entire manufacturing process from start to finish and will continue to do so moving forward.

6. More scalable material innovations

Sustainable materials is an area of fascinating innovation in manufacturing. But so far lost in all the experimentation and vision has been scalability.

By 2026, there will be greater refinement in this area. We’re going to see materials like mycelium being used in practical, scalable use cases in factories, not just showrooms.

And we’re going to see more awards like the Manufacturing Futures Innovation Awards, that seek to identify, nurture and support scalable material innovation.

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. But it’s not the bubble some assert it is. There is definitive value and solutions embedded in AI beyond the hype, particularly for the manufacturing sector. 

But like most disruptive technologies, it's currently undergoing that fumbling, cloudy process where we figure out its true value and best applications. 

Manufacturers, while drawn in by its promise, are not yet at the adoption point where this conversation can have its trueest impact.

Gartner predicts in its Top Strategic Technology Trends of 2024 that, by 2026, more than 80% of enterprises will have used generative AI APIs, models and/or deployed generative AI-enabled applications in production environments. 

So, by 2026, we predict that manufacturers will be at an implementation place that primes them for the AI value conversation.

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.

To read the full story in the magazine please HERE.

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