
Control Engineering, the B2B media leader in connecting the global industrial engineering audience, announced the availability of its “State of Industrial Automation” research report, offering actionable insights for manufacturers, technology vendors and policymakers striving to thrive in an era of rapid technological change.
Based on survey results of the Control Engineering audience conducted in January 2025, this report outlines key drivers of automation investments — from foundational technologies such as sensors and control systems to the adoption of artificial intelligence, robotics, edge computing and more.
While 60% of organizations are steadily integrating automation, another 28% remain risk-averse, with minimal automation adoption. A small segment, 12%, leads in rapid technology deployment.
What does this mean for the future of automation? The report breaks it down in these key areas:
- Investment priorities and trends
- Automation adoption and ROI metrics
- Workforce transformations and skills development
- Barriers to automation success
- Drivers of automation investments
- Emerging technologies driving transformation
“The industrial automation sector stands at a pivotal juncture,” said Mark T. Hoske, Editor-in-Chief of Control Engineering. “To capitalize on opportunities, industry leaders must embrace strategies that drive adoption, tackle workforce challenges and align with sustainability goals.”
This benchmark report represents the first in a series of industrial automation reports from WTWH Media. Additional reports soon to be released will cover the “State of Manufacturing Operations” and the “State of Integrated Building Systems.”
Click here to download the report.
About Control Engineering
Control Engineering is the leading publication dedicated to providing comprehensive coverage of automation, control, and instrumentation technologies. Through in-depth articles, industry news, and expert analysis, Control Engineering serves as an essential resource for professionals seeking to stay informed about the latest developments and best practices in engineering and technology through online and print media. Control Engineering is published by WTWH Media LLC (www.wtwhmedia.com).