Small Wins and Big Transformations: What’s reshaping the industry

The industrial sector is at a crossroads. As the world demands greener manufacturing processes, businesses are integrating innovative technologies to remain competitive. Artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and sustainable innovations are no longer just buzzwords — they have become the backbone of modern industry.

In an interview with Jacek Smoluch, Mitsubishi Electric’s Robot Product Leader in the CEE region and a specialist in industrial automation, we discuss the trends, challenges, and opportunities the industry is facing in 2025. What barriers are hindering progress, and what trends will shape the future of industrial automation? We invite you to read as the expert shares his insights and experience.

In your view, what recent developments have had the greatest impact on the manufacturing sector, particularly in technology and sustainability?

Jacek Smoluch: The past year truly felt like a tipping point. Artificial intelligence moved from being a futuristic concept to a practical tool solving real, everyday challenges. Manufacturers began leveraging AI to optimise energy consumption, minimise waste, and streamline production processes. It was no longer about theories or pilot programs — it was about real-world implementation with measurable outcomes.

Equally significant was a clear shift in mindset. Sustainability evolved from a “nice-to-have” into a core business imperative. It’s no longer just about regulatory compliance; customers, employees, and stakeholders are actively expecting companies to operate more responsibly. In addition, new EU regulations — such as the Regulation (EU) 2024/3005 on ESG ratings — are driving sustainability from a voluntary initiative to a mandatory part of business strategy, especially across the manufacturing sector.

If 2024 was the year of awakening, 2025 is the year of integration — when technology, sustainability, and corporate responsibility become fully embedded in everyday manufacturing decisions.

Sustainability is clearly at the forefront. How are new technologies helping manufacturers achieve their environmental goals?

Jacek Smoluch: We are seeing significant progress, but there is still a way to go. AI is playing a pivotal role in energy management and resource optimisation. Think of it as a factory brain — it monitors equipment, analyses performance data in real time, and adjusts operations to reduce energy waste. For instance, advanced monitoring systems like our EcoAdviser are revolutionising how we track and optimise resource usage. These solutions can automatically identify energy losses across all utilities — from electricity to water and gas — and suggest immediate improvements.

With Digital Twin technology, we can test and refine processes in a virtual environment, minimising waste before any physical changes are made. Combined with energy-efficient innovations such as permanent magnet synchronous salient-pole motors like the EM-A series, which significantly reduce power consumption while maintaining high precision, these solutions are making sustainability both achievable and profitable.

That said, one of the key challenges is accessibility. While larger manufacturers are often at the forefront of this technological transformation, smaller ones must balance investment costs with day-to-day operations. By fostering more accessible, user-friendly tools that can scale across the sector, we can create opportunities for businesses of all sizes to embrace smarter manufacturing.

AI clearly has massive potential. What applications do you think dominated in 2025?

Jacek Smoluch: Predictive maintenance is definitely one to watch. With AI, we can now predict equipment failures before they occur — saving time, money, and resources. It’s like knowing your car needs an oil change before the warning light even comes on.

Another area is logistics. AI doesn’t just optimise warehouse space or delivery schedules — it transforms supply chains into well-oiled, efficient systems. Imagine eliminating unnecessary routes or perfectly timing shipments to reduce idle inventory. That’s AI at work. Of course, there’s also a growing emphasis on combining AI with human expertise.

Could you point to some practical examples of these solutions in action?

Jacek Smoluch: At Mitsubishi Electric, for example, we focus on solutions like MaiLab. This platform doesn’t replace human decision-making but complements it by turning complex production data into actionable insights. It helps teams make smarter decisions, faster, and ensures that operational know-how is preserved and passed on.

Mitsubishi Electric has been investing in digital technologies for years. We are experts in digital manufacturing, digital twins, AI in quality control, and energy monitoring. Mitsubishi Electric offers leading, comprehensive solutions for Industry 4.0, providing real added value to customers.

With all these advancements, why aren’t we seeing more widespread adoption of AI?

Jacek Smoluch: The benefits are obvious, but adoption isn’t without hurdles. Cost is one factor — AI is often perceived as expensive, especially for smaller firms. Complexity is another. There’s a common misconception that implementing AI requires overhauling entire systems or hiring specialists.

A potential solution is to start small. Focus on solving one problem — such as reducing waste or improving production efficiency — and build from there. Small wins lead to big transformations, step by step.

Robotics is another hot topic. Humanoid robots often steal the spotlight, but what’s their actual role in manufacturing?

Jacek Smoluch: Ah, humanoids — the poster children of robotics! We have the privilege of witnessing something entirely new come to life before our eyes. This new generation of robots, in just a few years, will be as common as coffee machines or robot vacuums.

Sure, their current performance and practical use in manufacturing are still limited, but we must remember we’re only at the start of their journey. I truly believe that in a few years they’ll be a normal part of the industry, and in a decade, they’ll be everywhere in daily life.

Returning to manufacturing — traditional industrial robots and cobots still have a huge edge in precision, repeatability, and speed — key qualities for industrial tasks. Whether it’s assembling parts, welding, or packaging, these robots excel where accuracy and consistency are critical.

However, I wouldn’t separate the two. In my opinion, humanoids and industrial robots will coexist — each serving a different purpose to keep production running efficiently. It’s like having a wrench to turn a bolt instead of using your hand — you simply need the right tool for the job.

With so much change on the horizon, where do you see the industry heading in the next few years?

Jacek Smoluch: Two major shifts are reshaping manufacturing. First, we’re seeing unprecedented integration of AI, robotics, and connected devices, transforming factories from isolated systems into seamlessly orchestrated operations. Second, sustainability is becoming inseparable from innovation, with AI driving both efficiency and environmental progress.

It’s no longer about choosing between profitability and responsibility — they’re becoming one and the same. I envision a future where technology supports and empowers, seamlessly integrating into existing processes rather than disrupting them. AI will become as essential as electricity in factories, with robotics and connected systems creating more intuitive operations.

This transformation is especially crucial now as industries face growing labor shortages and knowledge retention challenges. By capturing and transferring expertise from experienced workers to new generations, AI helps bridge the skills gap and ensures critical operational knowledge isn’t lost as workforce demographics shift.

But the real change isn’t just technological — it’s cultural. Companies that successfully blend innovation with sustainability won’t just survive; they’ll define the industry’s future.

The technology is ready, and the opportunities are immense. The future of industrial automation clearly depends on AI. Instead of being intimidated by the cost and complexity of cloud-based AI, factories should focus on bringing AI directly onto their factory floors — embedding it into the machines and devices already in use.

This approach is more affordable, easier to manage, and removes many current roadblocks. By making individual machines smarter, factories can benefit from improved efficiency, predictive maintenance, and more autonomous operations. This factory-focused approach to AI could be essential for companies that want to thrive in the evolving world of Industry 4.0.

Source: Mitsubishi Electric Europe B.V.

Factory Automation EMEA
Wolska Anna