This content is provided for informational purposes only and may require additional research and substantiation by the end user. In addition, the information is provided “as is” without any warranty or condition of any kind, either express or implied. Use of this information is at the end user’s own risk. Lumen does not warrant that the information will meet the end user’s requirements or that the implementation or usage of this information will result in the desired outcome of the end user.
©2025 Lumen Technologies. All Rights Reserved.
Building the Future:
AI in Modern Manufacturing
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is enhancing quality, safety and efficiency, while enabling the agility and innovation manufacturers need to lead the market. However, to securely power data-intensive AI applications, manufacturers must invest in the right technology and network infrastructure.
Explore the key trends in AI-driven manufacturing
Discover how businesses can stay ahead of the curve by building a solid technological foundation in this rapidly evolving landscape.
Boost quality control and efficiency with human-robot collaboration
24% of manufacturers already use AI in their quality operations.1
AI integration can streamline quality control processes to improve production efficiency for manufacturers. In automotive manufacturing, for example, machine-learning-powered collaborate robots automate routine tasks so employees can focus on higher-value work.
Boost quality control and efficiency with human-robot collaboration
24% of manufacturers already use AI in their quality operations.1
AI integration can streamline quality control processes to improve production efficiency for manufacturers. In automotive manufacturing, for example, machine-learning-powered collaborate robots automate routine tasks so employees can focus on higher-value work.
Innovate and create with additive manufacturing
U.S. manufacturers perform 53% of the country’s private-sector R&D, driving more innovation than any other sector.2
From R&D to product design, innovation in manufacturing is key. AI can boost innovation by optimizing materials, discovering new materials, creating intricate 3D-printed designs, and enhancing design and decision-making.
Innovate and create with additive manufacturing
U.S. manufacturers perform 53% of the country’s private-sector R&D, driving more innovation than any other sector.2
From R&D to product design, innovation in manufacturing is key. AI can boost innovation by optimizing materials, discovering new materials, creating intricate 3D-printed designs, and enhancing design and decision-making.
Optimize supply chains and maintenance
AI can help reduce machine downtime by up to 50% and quality-related costs by as much as 20%.3
AI can help address supply-chain bottlenecks, predict disruptions, and improve planning for manufacturers. It can also facilitate predictive maintenance— digital twins (virtual models of physical systems), for example, allow manufacturers to monitor and optimize equipment performance.
Optimize supply chains and maintenance
AI can help reduce machine downtime by up to 50% and quality-related costs by as much as 20%.3
AI can help address supply-chain bottlenecks, predict disruptions, and improve planning for manufacturers. It can also facilitate predictive maintenance— digital twins (virtual models of physical systems), for example, allow manufacturers to monitor and optimize equipment performance.
Improve safety and compliance
On average, compliance with federal regulations costs manufacturers more than double the average per-employee cost for all other industries. AI can help control costs by avoiding fines.4
AI systems monitor safety conditions and help ensure compliance with regulations by detecting hazardous conditions, predicting potential safety incidents, and providing recommendations to mitigate risks. From environmental monitoring to predictive analytics, AI enables swift responses to hazards and changing regulations.
Improve safety and compliance
On average, compliance with federal regulations costs manufacturers more than double the average per-employee cost for all other industries. AI can help control costs by avoiding fines.4
AI systems monitor safety conditions and help ensure compliance with regulations by detecting hazardous conditions, predicting potential safety incidents, and providing recommendations to mitigate risks. From environmental monitoring to predictive analytics, AI enables swift responses to hazards and changing regulations.
Empower your manufacturing AI use cases with the right infrastructure
The demand for AI-ready data center capacity will rise by 33% per year between 2023 and 2030.5
AI streamlines internal processes such as account creation and data reconciliation, reducing costs, minimizing errors and freeing resources to focus on strategic activities.
Empower your manufacturing AI use cases with the right infrastructure
The demand for AI-ready data center capacity will rise by 33% per year between 2023 and 2030.5
AI streamlines internal processes such as account creation and data reconciliation, reducing costs, minimizing errors and freeing resources to focus on strategic activities.
What could your manufacturing organization accomplish by harnessing the power of AI? Leverage a trusted partner like Lumen to find out. The Lumen network supports the dynamic demands of AI by providing high-capacity connections, deep IP peering, and award-winning cybersecurity to power AI apps without constraints from traditional network limitations.
1Manufacturing Leadership Council, The Future of Industrial AI in Manufacturing, June 2023
2National Association of Manufacturers, Facts About Manufacturing, 2025.
3Forbes, How AI Is Reshaping Five Manufacturing Industries, Jan 2024.
4National Association of Manufacturers, The Cost of Federal Regulation to the U.S. Economy, Manufacturing and Small Business, October 2023.
5McKinsey, AI power: Expanding data center capacity to meet growing demand, Oct 2024.
Opens in a new window.