Core Viewpoint - The report by McKinsey highlights the accelerating transformation of the global smart manufacturing and industrial automation industry, driven by advancements in Industry 4.0 and generative AI technologies, with China, Japan, and Western Europe expected to lead the automation revolution by 2030 [12][15]. Industry Overview - The global industrial automation market is projected to reach approximately $108.3 billion by 2025, with China's market exceeding 250 billion RMB, accounting for over one-third of the global market [2][16]. - The report emphasizes the importance of policies such as the "14th Five-Year Plan for Intelligent Manufacturing" in promoting digital transformation and intelligent upgrades in China's manufacturing sector [13]. Key Trends and Directions - The report identifies three major technological trends: platformization, agility, and intelligence, along with ten key technological development directions that will drive advancements in industrial automation and smart manufacturing [2][8]. - The trends include the establishment of software-defined intelligent manufacturing platforms, model-driven design approaches, and the integration of artificial intelligence and low-code/no-code development tools [4][6][7]. Market Segmentation - The industrial automation market is segmented into continuous flow manufacturing and discrete manufacturing, with significant growth potential in both areas. Continuous flow manufacturing is expected to see spending reach approximately $76 billion by 2025, while discrete manufacturing is experiencing faster growth rates [16][17]. - The report highlights the increasing importance of industrial IoT software and cloud services, which are projected to grow at a rate of 18% [33]. Challenges and Opportunities - The global manufacturing industry faces unprecedented risks, including trade tensions and economic slowdowns, which necessitate a reevaluation of production and supply chain strategies [14]. - The report suggests that leveraging industrial automation can enhance production efficiency and address these challenges, positioning companies to better navigate the evolving landscape [15]. Technological Innovations - Key technologies such as artificial intelligence, virtual PLCs, digital twins, and low-code/no-code development are significantly enhancing the performance of industrial automation and robotics [2][36]. - The integration of multi-source heterogeneous data is crucial for achieving product quality and operational efficiency, enabling a more data-driven approach to manufacturing [47][48]. Future Outlook - The report anticipates that the global and Chinese industrial automation markets will experience accelerated growth over the next five years, driven by labor market changes and technological breakthroughs [33][34]. - By 2030, it is expected that 8 billion jobs globally could be replaced by machines due to advancements in automation and AI technologies [35].

Core Viewpoint - The global smart manufacturing and industrial automation industry is expected to undergo significant transformation by 2030, driven by factors such as labor market changes, technological breakthroughs, and increasing market demand, particularly in China, Japan, South Korea, and Western Europe [2][3][5]. Summary by Sections Industry Growth Potential - The global industrial automation market is projected to reach approximately $108.3 billion by 2025, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 3.7% over the past three years. China's industrial automation market exceeds 250 billion RMB, accounting for over one-third of the global market [5]. - The automation market is segmented into three main areas: continuous flow manufacturing automation equipment, discrete manufacturing automation equipment, and industrial IoT software and cloud services, with the latter expected to grow at a rate of 18% [9][10]. Technological Trends - The industry is witnessing three major technological trends: platformization, agility, and intelligence. These trends aim to address existing pain points in traditional industrial automation systems, such as data sharing and system integration challenges [15][19][22]. - The shift towards a platform-based architecture is becoming mainstream, allowing for better data sharing and reduced integration costs [19]. Digital Transformation and AI Integration - A survey of 188 global industrial automation users and suppliers revealed that 69% consider digital solutions crucial for their automation efforts, with 94% indicating their importance for future initiatives [11]. - Companies are increasingly adopting AI solutions, transitioning from "tool-level AI" to "system-level AI," and leveraging external industrial internet platforms for rapid application development [30]. Recommendations for Manufacturing Enterprises - Companies should prioritize strategic planning and investment in automation and intelligence, focusing on high-cost and high-risk scenarios to achieve quick returns on investment [28]. - Embracing AI and integrating into an open ecosystem is essential for continuous optimization and efficiency improvements [30]. - Building a cross-functional team with both industrial experience and digital skills is critical for successful transformation [31]. Future Outlook - By 2030, the smart manufacturing industry is expected to enter a new era characterized by human-machine collaboration, data-driven decision-making, and continuous evolution, enabling companies to navigate uncertainties in demand fluctuations, technological changes, and global competition [26][24].