Fluke Survey Reveals 79% of Manufacturers Will Leverage AI to Tackle High-Skilled Labour Shortage

Core Insights - A recent survey indicates that 79% of respondents prioritize high-skill labor shortages as a key area for AI investment, contrasting with only 37% who see AI as a solution for low-skill roles [1] - The survey, conducted by Censuswide, involved over 600 senior decision-makers and maintenance professionals across the U.S., UK, and Germany, revealing that 90% of organizations are affected by the skills shortage, with nearly one-third reporting significant impacts [2] - An overwhelming 98% of respondents view AI as a viable solution to the skills shortage, with 36% citing it as their main motivation for implementation [3] Industry Trends - AI is expected to transform manufacturers from workforce deficiencies to enhanced efficiency, with 21% of respondents believing AI and real-time data analytics will help bridge the skills gap and reduce workloads [4] - 40% of maintenance managers believe AI will positively impact efficiency, with 30% planning to increase investment in innovative technologies to address productivity gaps [5] Strategic Shifts - The research highlights a shift from routine automation to augmenting high-skill work, with AI enabling faster decision-making and enhancing human expertise [6] - 37% of manufacturers recognize that talent shortages are partly due to a lack of diversity, prompting a focus on strategies to improve diversity and applicant pools [6] Initiatives for Change - Key initiatives to address the skills shortage include improving employer branding (34%) to attract diverse talent and implementing training and workforce development plans (33%) to upskill existing workers [7] Broader Implications - The integration of AI in manufacturing is seen as a catalyst for enhancing the quality and sophistication of human work, fostering a more resilient and adaptable workforce [8]