When most people think of artificial intelligence, they imagine robots, self-driving cars or even virtual assistants like Siri and Alexa. But behind the scenes, AI is having a huge impact on another important sector: Manufacturing. And here in Ireland, that impact is growing fast.
What is AI in manufacturing?
In simple terms, AI in manufacturing means using smart technology to help factories run better. That might be by spotting problems with machines before they break down, predicting when parts will wear out, or even helping to plan production so that everything runs more smoothly.
Instead of relying just on people to make decisions or spot patterns, AI uses data to do it faster, more accurately and often more efficiently.
Why Ireland?
Ireland has a strong history in manufacturing, especially in pharmaceuticals, medical devices and electronics. Global companies like Pfizer, Intel and Boston Scientific all have major operations here. Now, with the rise of digital technology and AI, Ireland is perfectly placed to lead the next wave of innovation.
There’s a growing focus on “smart manufacturing” – using AI, data and connected systems (like the Internet of Things) to make production more intelligent and flexible. It helps companies cut waste, improve quality and reduce costs.
In fact, some regions are particularly reliant on manufacturing. In the North-West of Ireland, nearly 25% of private-sector jobs come from manufacturing – almost double the national average of 13%. That makes the drive toward digital transformation even more important in areas like this.
Companies making it happen
Several companies and research groups in Ireland are already leading the way in applying AI to manufacturing:
Their site in Limerick is one of the most advanced in the world. They’ve invested heavily in automation and AI to improve quality control and speed up production. They’ve even worked with Irish universities to train staff in digital skills.
Dell isn’t just a computer company – it’s also helping other manufacturers use AI to transform their operations. Their Irish operations are deeply involved in smart factory solutions, edge computing and AI-driven insights.
Intel’s Irish facility is one of the company’s most important globally. They’re using AI and machine learning to improve chip production, predict faults and optimise performance.
AI Award winning Pfizer is increasingly using AI to streamline its operations, from optimising supply chains to predicting maintenance needs in production lines. Their investment in smart manufacturing is helping ensure high-quality medicines are delivered efficiently and reliably.
SmartFactory is a homegrown Irish company helping manufacturers connect their systems and use real-time data to improve decisions. Their AI tools help spot production bottlenecks and keep things running efficiently.
AIM Centre – A Boost for Irish SMEs
One of the most exciting developments comes from the AIM (Advancing Innovation in Manufacturing) Centre. The AIM Centre – who is a sponsor for this year’s AI Awards – supports Irish businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in adopting AI.
Backed by €1 million in Smart Regions funding from Enterprise Ireland, the AIM Centre’s national AI Studio provides workshops, demos, accelerator programmes and even a mobile AI studio that travels across Ireland to ensure regional access.
This hands-on support means that manufacturers who may not have the resources of global giants can still explore AI tools for predictive maintenance, energy savings, and quality assurance – all tailored to their scale.
The benefits of AI for manufacturers
Here are just a few of the ways AI is making a difference:
- Predictive maintenance – AI can warn engineers when machines are about to fail, helping avoid costly downtime.
- Quality control – AI-powered cameras and sensors can spot tiny defects that the human eye might miss.
- Energy savings – AI can track how much energy a factory uses and suggest ways to cut down on waste.
- Faster decision-making – With the right data, companies can respond to changes in demand or supply much more quickly.
And the potential isn’t just local – it’s global. The worldwide market for AI in manufacturing is set to grow from $3.2 billion in 2023 to over $20.8 billion by 2028. That’s a massive leap and a sign that Irish companies embracing this now will be ahead of the curve.
Challenges ahead
Of course, it’s not all plain sailing. AI systems need a lot of data, and not every factory is ready for that. There’s also a skills gap with workers needing training to work with these new systems. But with support from government, universities and groups like the AIM Centre, Ireland is making strong progress.
Looking to the future
Ireland has a big opportunity to become a global leader in smart manufacturing. With a strong tech sector, skilled workforce and focus on innovation, we’re already seeing how AI can make our factories cleaner, faster, and more competitive.
And as more companies embrace this technology, we’ll likely see even more jobs, investment and exciting breakthroughs in the years to come.
Apply for the 2025 AI Awards
Applications are now open to take part in the 2025 AI Awards which takes place at the Marker Hotel on Tuesday, 18 November 2025.
If you or someone you know is working on exciting projects, products, services and leaders in AI, Data Science and Machine Learning that are making a real impact in the industry, we want to hear from you!
It’s free to enter and there are 14 categories, including a brand new award for AI in Manufacturing. Head over to www.aiawards.ie to submit an application or please feel free to contact liam@aiawards.ie with any queries about the submission process.
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