Rudy Lai

Artificial Intelligence in Industrial Companies

We analyzed the enterprise AI use cases of 10 industrial companies to understand trends, impact, and insights.

Industrial companies' adoption of AI

Quarterly AI use cases in Industrial
Q1 2020Q2 2020Q3 2020Q4 2020Q1 2021Q2 2021Q3 2021Q4 2021Q1 2022Q2 2022Q3 2022Q4 2022Q1 2023Q2 2023Q3 2023Q4 2023Q1 2024Q2 2024Q3 2024Q4 2024Q1 2025Q2 2025Q3 20250248
AI use cases in Industrial by traditional/generative/agentic
TraditionalGenerativeAgentic67%16%18%

Overview

Deere & Co.

John Deere has steadily increased adoption and investment in AI technologies since 2018, evolving from early machine learning applications in 'see and spray' weed detection to advanced autonomous farming machinery and integrated smart ecosystems by 2025.

General Electric

General Electric (GE) has progressively integrated AI across its industrial sectors, from predictive maintenance to energy and healthcare, achieving significant operational efficiencies and sustainability goals, notably $1.6 billion in O&M savings and up to 14% emission reduction in gas turbines.

3M

3M has progressively integrated AI into manufacturing, healthcare, sales, and R&D processes since 2018, moving from traditional AI use in predictive healthcare and supply chain to advanced generative AI applications in clinical documentation and material science innovation by 2025.

Honeywell

Honeywell has progressively expanded its AI integration from aerospace single-pilot operation advancements in late 2023 to wide industrial autonomy initiatives by mid-2025, embedding AI into products like Guided Work Solutions and Forge Performance+.

Caterpillar

Caterpillar has progressively integrated AI technologies across manufacturing, logistics, and equipment operations from 2018 through 2025, moving from data analytics to implementing generative AI and autonomous systems, with significant focus on predictive maintenance and operational efficiency.

Emerson Electric

Emerson Electric has strategically integrated generative AI and advanced analytics into its industrial automation solutions, notably launching the Ovation 4.0 Automation Platform and its AI-enabled Virtual Advisor to provide real-time operational insights and automate routine tasks in power and water sectors, driving operational efficiency and cost reductions.

Parker Hannifin

Parker Hannifin has steadily integrated AI technologies since 2022, partnering with firms like Camgian and Delvitech to develop AI-powered IoT solutions, advanced diagnostics, and AI-driven manufacturing processes, indicating increasing adoption and innovation.

Illinois Tool Works

Illinois Tool Works (ITW) has increasingly integrated AI technologies notably in predictive maintenance by 2024, improving operational efficiencies with AI adoption predominantly internal and manufacturing-focused.

Eaton

Eaton has significantly increased its involvement in powering AI infrastructure from 2023 through 2025, partnering with major technology companies like NVIDIA and Traxen, and launching products including modular data centers and HVDC power solutions tailored for AI data centers.

Rockwell Automation

Rockwell Automation has steadily increased its investment and integration of AI technologies from 2019 through 2025, evolving from anomaly detection (FactoryTalk Analytics LogixAI in 2019) to advanced generative AI collaborations with Microsoft and NVIDIA by 2024 and 2025.

51 Use Cases in Industrial

CompanyUse Case
Honeywell
Building Optimization
The AI platform integrates control systems including HVAC, lighting, and security to optimize energy consumption and anticipate maintenance needs in buildings.
traditional
Caterpillar
Predictive Maintenance
Caterpillar uses AI algorithms to predict equipment failures and optimize parts fabrication, which improves reliability and reduces maintenance costs.
traditional
Eaton
Infrastructure Optimization
Eaton offers a comprehensive grid-to-chip power management approach for AI data centers including modular data centers and high-voltage direct current power systems, optimizing energy efficiency and footprint in white and gray spaces.
traditional
Emerson Electric
Operational Insight
Emerson leverages AI-enabled analytics and generative AI virtual advisors within automation platforms (e.g., Ovation 4.0) to provide plant operators with real-time, actionable insights to improve decision-making, troubleshooting, and maintenance forecasting in power and water industries.
agentic
3M
Factory Optimization
3M has implemented intelligent factory systems using AI to optimize production efficiency, improve safety by monitoring operational conditions, and reduce runtime errors.
agentic
Rockwell Automation
Skills Gap
AI is employed to support workforce challenges by augmenting human labor, providing intelligent automation to address skill shortages and labor gaps in manufacturing environments.
traditional
Rockwell Automation
Quality Inspection
The company applies AI-driven machine vision technology to enhance quality inspection processes, improving product yield and reducing waste by identifying defects more accurately and earlier in the manufacturing process.
traditional
General Electric
Emission Reduction
Through AI-driven autonomous tuning and emission management software, GE Vernova optimizes gas turbine performance to lower greenhouse gas emissions, supporting sustainability targets.
agentic
Emerson Electric
Industrial Integration
Emerson’s Project Beyond platform enables seamless integration of AI and automation technologies across enterprise industrial operations, optimizing performance, enhancing asset management, and enabling data-driven decision-making.
agentic
Caterpillar
Workforce Upskilling
Caterpillar invests $100M to train its workforce on technology-driven skills including AI, automation, data analytics, and digital twins, preparing employees for future digital transformations.
traditional
1-10 of 51 use cases
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