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].