manufacturing Archives - Learners Live

6 Defining Manufacturing Trends of 2026 by Bernard Marr

William Attardi on November 14, 2025

In 2026, focus is shifting from excitement over what AI can do in manufacturing to a more mature, considered understanding of what human-machine collaboration should look like in practice. Industries that gained first-mover advantage by adopting cognitive, connected processes are developing a deeper awareness of the challenges, complexities and cultural changes created by Industry 4.0. So here are what I believe will be the key trends driving the next phase of the industrial revolution as we head into 2026. 6 Defining Manufacturing Trends Of 2026

Cognitive Industry: The Rise of Industrial AI Agents in Manufacturing & Industry
Generative Design: From Pilot to Production
Industrial Extended Reality
Intelligent Supply Chains
Smart Materials in Manufacturing
Industry 5.0: Human-Centric, Sustainable Automation

Manufacturing Day: Inspiring the Next Generation of Makers by Kip Hanson

William Attardi on October 7, 2025

We’re talking about Manufacturing Day, described on the organizer’s website as a “national grassroots movement that demonstrates the reality and future of modern manufacturing careers.” And while manufacturing may no longer lead the nation in total employment as it did in Henry Ford’s time, it remains one of the most productive and strategically vital sectors of the U.S. economy—contributing nearly $3 trillion to GDP, employing more than 13 million Americans, and keeping the country secure, supplied and strong. That’s why hundreds of high schools, vocational-technical colleges, Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) centers, and—perhaps most importantly—machine shops, sheet metal fabricators, plastic injection molders and other members of this proud industry open their doors on the first Friday of October each year to students, parents and educators for MFG Day, a celebration of modern manufacturing and the people who make it possible. Manufacturing Day: Inspiring the Next Generation of Makers | Manufacturing Week | advancedmanufacturing.org

Energy Audits Need a Digital Upgrade

William Attardi on September 26, 2025

Traditional audits still have merit, but often they miss live inefficiencies. Artificial Intelligence tools reduce human error and generate immediate insights that could mean measurable savings. Automation is not new to manufacturing but the scope of the technology is leading to novel applications as industry leaders rethink energy management. Traditional audits still have merit, but often they miss the live inefficiencies that persist in production systems. Artificial Intelligence tools reduce human error and generate immediate insights that could result in measurable savings for those systems. Can AI Help Conduct an Energy Audit and Find Savings Opportunities? | Enterprise Data | American Machinist

Trump’s Team Explores Government-Backed Manufacturing Boost

William Attardi on September 19, 2025

President Trump’s team is weighing a plan to spur the construction of factories and other infrastructure in a bid to jump-start the American manufacturing sector, according to documents and people familiar with the discussions. Under the plan, the administration would use money from a $550 billion investment fund established as part of trade negotiations with Japan to invest in the development of semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, critical minerals, energy, ships and quantum computing. Some of the projects would be granted preferential treatment from the government, including expedited regulatory review. The administration is considering granting leases to companies that would give them access to federal land and water. Trump’s Team Explores Government-Backed Manufacturing Boost – WSJ

ABB to Invest Additional $110M in US Manufacturing

William Attardi on September 19, 2025

ABB announced today that it will invest a further $110 million in the United States in 2025 to expand the R&D and manufacturing of its advanced electrification solutions as customers focus on improving energy efficiency and uptime while reducing their energy costs and will create nearly 200 new jobs . ABB will invest $15 million to create a new production line for Emax 3 in its Senatobia, Mississippi site. A $30 million project will double the footprint of ABB’s Richmond, Virginia facility adding a new test center, warehouse and new assembly lines. In Arecibo, Puerto Rico, an investment of more than $30 million will increase the size of the facility to accommodate three new production lines. A $35 million investment will increase the capacity of ABB’s manufacturing facility in Pinetops, North Carolina. From 2022-2024, ABB invested around $500 million in its US business. ABB has a presence in all 50 states. Today, approximately 75-80% of the revenues ABB generates in the US are from products manufactured in the US. ABB to Invest $110M in US Manufacturing – tEDmag

Industry Leaders Rave About the Tax Cuts in Trump’s Megabill

William Attardi on July 8, 2025

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law on July 4, preserves the 21% corporate tax rate and creates new expensing opportunities for manufacturers looking to expand. It provides a host of changes to the U.S. tax code, including extensions to parts of the 2017 Tax and Jobs Act and new provisions that allow for enhanced expensing for manufacturers looking to expand operations or invest in research and development. While most manufacturing groups expressed support for the bill in the days leading up to its passage, opponents have raised concerns over its cuts to non-military government programs such as SNAP and Medicaid, as well as its curtailing of certain clean-energy tax credits.Industry leaders rave about the tax cuts in Trump’s megabill | Manufacturing Dive