Industrial automation is no longer just about efficiency, it is about survival in an increasingly digital, competitive, and sustainable world. Companies worldwide are striving to enhance productivity, reduce costs, and integrate more sustainable practices.
But what will truly shape the future of this transformation?
At Exor International, we recently conducted a LinkedIn survey among our network of over 10,000 professionals, to explore what professionals believe will have the biggest impact on the future of industrial automation.
Sustainability and environmental impact: 3%
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: 64%
IIoT and connectivity: 22%
Cybersecurity for industrial systems: 11%
It’s no surprise that Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning garnered the highest vote (64%), dominating perceptions of what will drive the future of industrial automation. This reflects the transformative potential of AI technologies to optimize processes, reduce costs, and increase productivity.
The timing of this result is significant. The rapid adoption of AI solutions is occurring against the backdrop of major global shifts:
However, one insightful comment from the survey reminds us of a critical point:
"The results are not representative since AI is based on connectivity. No data, no AI."
This observation underlines that AI is not a standalone driver. It is deeply reliant on IIoT and connectivity to access the real-time data needed for effective operation.
While 22% of respondents identified IIoT and connectivity as key drivers, these technologies are fundamental to the effectiveness of AI and automation. IIoT solutions create the network that allows data to flow between machines, systems, and platforms. The quality and speed of this data exchange are what empower AI to optimize operations in real time.
In the current business environment, this infrastructure is crucial for:
As reported by McKinsey, the IIoT market is set to grow by 18% annually, a testament to the growing reliance on these technologies to support the digital economy.
Though only 3% of survey respondents selected sustainability as the key driver, this does not diminish its importance. While the immediate focus in industrial automation is often on efficiency and AI-driven optimization, sustainability is emerging as a non-negotiable pillar for long-term resilience.
A key initiative accelerating this shift, particularly in Italy, is the Transition 5.0 Plan, the next phase of the country’s industrial policy, following the well-known Transition 4.0. This plan aims to accelerate digital transformation while integrating energy efficiency and decarbonization goals, offering financial incentives to companies that invest in sustainable and energy-efficient automation solutions.
This aligns with broader European and global trends where:
Recent studies, such as one by IoT Analytics, indicate that nearly 70% of industrial companies are incorporating sustainability into their digital transformation efforts.
For companies operating for example in Italy, leveraging Transition 5.0 incentives (started in 2024 and continued in 2025) means not only staying ahead in digital innovation but also ensuring that automation investments contribute to energy savings and carbon footprint reduction. Sustainability, once seen as a long-term goal, is now a near-term business advantage—one that can drive profitability while aligning with national and European policies.
With 11% of respondents identifying cybersecurity as a key driver, the importance of securing industrial systems cannot be overlooked. As automation and connectivity increase, so too does the vulnerability of systems to cyber threats.
The rise in connected systems has led to a greater need for robust cybersecurity strategies, especially as industries face increasing cyber risks. In fact, Grand View Research projects that the industrial cybersecurity market will grow at a 10.3% CAGR from 2024 to 2030, reflecting a heightened focus on securing critical infrastructure.
Protecting data integrity and ensuring the continuity of operations are fundamental for maintaining trust in automation systems and avoiding costly disruptions.
The survey results clearly demonstrate that the future of industrial automation will be shaped by a combination of AI, IIoT, sustainability, and cybersecurity. These elements are deeply interconnected and reinforce each other, creating a solid foundation for companies that want to thrive in an increasingly complex industrial landscape.
At Exor International, we are confident that the key to success in the coming years lies in integrating these technologies in a seamless, secure, and sustainable manner. We are committed to providing our clients with the tools they need to optimize operations, reduce risks, and drive innovation - ensuring they are well-positioned for the future of industrial automation.