Highlights where AI and automation are delivering measurable gains in uptime, quality and production performance across automotive manufacturing
MILWAUKEE, June 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE: ROK), the world's largest company dedicated to industrial automation and digital transformation, has partnered with the Center for Automotive Research (CAR) to release a new white paper today. The report, Smart Manufacturing in Automotive: Deployment and Impact, was authored by CAR using comprehensive data from Rockwell Automation to detail how artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML) and automation are reshaping manufacturing across the automotive, tire and battery industries.
The research shows that the industry is entering a new phase of adoption. For manufacturers, the question is no longer whether to invest in smart manufacturing, but how quickly and where to apply it.
Automakers and suppliers already operate with advanced automation in body, paint and welding. The shift now is into areas that have been harder to automate, including electronics assembly, validation, production coordination and logistics. At the same time, AI and ML are improving predictive maintenance, inspection accuracy and system performance across existing operations.
"The industry has built a strong automation foundation. What is changing now is how manufacturers are using AI and data to manage growing complexity, improve decision-making, and create competitive advantage," said Edgar Faler, principal mobility analyst and strategy lead at CAR. "Those that move faster are starting to see measurable advantages."
The white paper combines CAR analysis with proprietary data from Rockwell Automation's 11th annual State of Smart Manufacturing report. It highlights key drivers accelerating adoption, including more complex production environments, ongoing warranty pressures, rising costs and increasing global competition. Automation is also helping enable onshoring by supporting cost-competitive production in tight labor markets.
Manufacturers are already reporting measurable results, including up to 50% reductions in unplanned downtime in select applications, approximately 5% improvements in overall equipment effectiveness and 5% to 7% gains in throughput from real-time production analytics.
"Manufacturers are being asked to do more with less while managing greater complexity," said James Glasson, VP Global Industry – Automotive, Tire & Advanced Mobility at Rockwell Automation. "The combination of automation and AI is helping teams identify issues earlier, reduce downtime and improve performance across plants. The difference now is how effectively companies scale these capabilities."
The findings also point to a growing divide across the industry. Differences in adoption are creating gaps in quality, uptime and productivity, with implications for supplier performance and long-term competitiveness.
The full white paper is available here: https://www.rockwellautomation.com/en-us/industries/automotive-tire/smart-manufacturing-automotive-whitepaper2.html
About Rockwell Automation
Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE: ROK), is a global leader in industrial automation and digital transformation. We connect the imaginations of people with the potential of technology to expand what is humanly possible, making the world more productive and more sustainable. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Rockwell Automation employs approximately 26,000 problem solvers dedicated to our customers in more than 100 countries. To learn more about how we are bringing the Connected Enterprise® to life across industrial enterprises, visit www.rockwellautomation.com.
About the Center for Automotive Research
The Center for Automotive Research (CAR) is a nonprofit organization based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, that produces independent research, convenes industry stakeholders, and provides insights on critical issues facing the mobility and automotive sectors. CAR's work spans manufacturing, technology, policy, and economic trends shaping the global automotive industry. For more information, visit www.cargroup.org.
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Rockwell Automation and the Center for Automotive Research Release New White Paper on the Next Phase of Smart Manufacturing in Automotive
BANGKOK, June 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- InfoComm Asia, Asia-Pacific's premier professional audiovisual and integrated experience platform, today announced the release of its new Asia-Pacific Pro AV Market Playbook 2026, a comprehensive industry report examining the technological, economic, and market forces transforming the region's professional audiovisual landscape.
Developed by InfoComm Asia with insights from the 2025 Industry Outlook and Trends Analysis (IOTA) produced by AVIXA (Audiovisual and Integrated Experience Association), the whitepaper provides executives, technology decision-makers, system integrators, consultants, manufacturers, and end users with critical insights into the rapid evolution of Asia-Pacific's digital economy and the growing role of Pro AV technologies in driving business transformation.
As organizations across Asia accelerate investments in digital infrastructure, AI-powered solutions, immersive experiences, smart workplaces, and connected environments, the need for strategic guidance on the adoption of Pro AV technologies has never been greater. According to data highlighted, the Asia-Pacific Pro AV market represents a US$123.7 billion opportunity today and is projected to reach US$151.4 billion by 2030.
Key Insights from the Asia-Pacific Pro AV Market Playbook 2026
The Asia-Pacific Pro AV Market Playbook 2026 explores the transformational forces reshaping how organizations across the region communicate, collaborate, engage customers, and deliver digital experiences.
The report examines emerging opportunities created by the convergence of artificial intelligence, AV-over-IP infrastructures, immersive technologies, smart buildings, and integrated digital ecosystems. It also highlights how government initiatives, digital transformation programs, and infrastructure investments are accelerating technology adoption across key Asia-Pacific markets.
Readers will gain insights into:
- The major technology shifts expected to influence Pro AV investments through 2030
- The sectors and applications driving the region's strongest growth opportunities
- How AI is changing the deployment, management, and value of AV solutions
- The evolving role of immersive experiences in enterprise, education, retail, and public environments
- Emerging business opportunities created by smart cities, intelligent workplaces, and connected infrastructure projects
- Strategic considerations for vendors, integrators, consultants, and technology buyers navigating the next phase of market growth
- A country-by-country analysis of Southeast Asia's key markets—including Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, and emerging growth economies—highlighting their digital transformation priorities, technology investment trends, and the unique opportunities they present for Pro AV solution providers.
To complement its market analysis, the Asia-Pacific Pro AV Market Playbook 2026 features 18 company case studies and technology profiles from leading industry innovators including Aurabay, AVCiT, CMX Audio, Colorlight, Fabulux, Guojia Optoelectronics, MT-VIKI, NETGEAR AV, Newline Interactive, Q-NEX, Rocware, Suntech, Taylorleds, Tenveo, Uniview (UNV), VITEC, WyreStorm, and Yealink. These featured organizations provide real-world perspectives on how the industry is responding to evolving customer demands through innovations in collaboration technologies, unified communications, networking infrastructure, LED and display solutions, education technology, conferencing systems, content distribution, and integrated AV ecosystems. Together, the 18 case studies offer readers valuable insights into practical deployments, emerging technology trends, and business opportunities shaping the future of the Asia-Pacific Pro AV market, while showcasing how leading solution providers are enabling digital transformation across the region.
InfoComm Asia 2026 offers the opportunity to meet all 18 featured companies highlighted in this Playbook, alongside hundreds of other leading technology innovators from across the Pro AV ecosystem. Beyond the exhibition floor, visitors can participate in the three-day InfoComm Asia Summit, Smart Tech Stage presentations, technology tours, industry meetups, and a wide range of networking events. In partnership with AVIXA, attendees can also take part in AVIXA Xchange LIVE, including AV/IT, CTS, Broadcast, Higher Education, Rising Professionals, and Women's Council meetups, as well as the co-hosted Welcome Networking Event—creating unparalleled opportunities to learn, connect, and explore the technologies and partnerships shaping the future of Asia-Pacific's digital transformation landscape.
Download InfoComm Asia's Complimentary Asia-Pacific Pro AV Market Playbook 2026
Visit to learn more about InfoComm Asia 2026 and to register, visit our website.
About InfoCommAsia
InfoCommAsia Pte Ltd. extends its influence through three marquee shows: InfoComm Asia; InfoComm China, Beijing; and InfoComm India. Each show features an exhibition that showcases the world's most cutting-edge and in-demand professional audiovisual and integrated experience technology solutions and a summit that presents learning opportunities. The shows bring together professional audiovisual industry players and top-level decision-makers from across different markets to tap into the vast potential presented by pro AV solutions.
For more information, visit:
infocomm-asia.com | infocomm-china.com | infocomm-india.com
Global Media Enquiries:
Angie Eng
Director, Marketing, InfoCommAsia Pte Ltd
T: +65 8163 2109
E: media@infocommasia.com; angieeng@infocommasia.com
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InfoComm Asia Launches the 2026 Asia-Pacific Pro AV Market Playbook, Revealing the Technologies, Markets and Opportunities Reshaping the Region's Digital Future
InfoComm Asia Launches the 2026 Asia-Pacific Pro AV Market Playbook, Revealing the Technologies, Markets and Opportunities Reshaping the Region's Digital Future
