Industrial Automation Trends to Watch in 2026

AI-Driven and Intelligent Automation

Artificial intelligence will be central to industrial automation in 2026. Systems will move beyond monitoring and analysis to active decision-making, managing production scheduling, quality control and asset optimisation with minimal human intervention. Generative AI will also support faster automation design by assisting with control logic creation, system

configuration and optimisation.

Edge Computing and Local Intelligence

Edge computing will continue to expand as manufacturers demand faster, more reliable real-time control. Processing data locally on machines and production lines reduces latency, improves resilience and supports applications such as machine vision, safety systems and predictive maintenance without reliance on cloud connectivity.

Human-Centric and Collaborative Automation

Automation in 2026 will increasingly focus on supporting people rather than replacing them. Collaborative robots, wearable technologies and augmented reality tools will help operators perform tasks more safely and efficiently. This reflects the wider shift towards Industry 5.0, where human–machine collaboration is a core design principle.

Cybersecurity-by-Design

As industrial systems become more connected, cybersecurity will be embedded into automation architectures from the outset. Secure communication, network segmentation and authenticated devices will become standard, helping protect operational technology systems from cyber threats while maintaining safety and availability.

Intelligent Robotics and Flexible Production

Robotics will become more adaptable and intelligent, enabling flexible production environments. Autonomous mobile robots will coordinate dynamically in logistics and manufacturing, while advanced vision-guided robots will handle complex tasks with minimal reprogramming. This flexibility supports high-mix, low-volume production and faster changeovers.

Low-Code and No-Code Automation Platforms

Low-code and no-code platforms will enable faster development of automation workflows and interfaces. Engineers and operations teams will be able to configure systems, dashboards and integrations with limited programming, reducing development time and lowering barriers to automation adoption.

Digital Twins and Real-Time Plant Visibility

Digital twins will evolve from simulation tools into live operational models. Real-time digital representations of machines and production lines will allow manufacturers to optimise performance, predict failures and test changes virtually before implementation, reducing risk and downtime.

Sustainable and Resilient Automation

Sustainability will remain a key driver for automation investment. Energy-efficient equipment, intelligent power management and data-driven optimisation will help organisations reduce energy consumption, meet environmental targets and improve long-term operational resilience.

Conclusion

Industrial automation in 2026 will be defined by intelligent systems, flexible production and closer human–machine collaboration. Organisations that adopt these trends will be better positioned to achieve secure, efficient and sustainable operations in an increasingly competitive industrial environment.