With skilled labor in short supply, manufacturers are leaning on AI and automation. But the infrastructure underneath isn’t built for it. Supporting modern production demands a fundamental upgrade in power, cooling, and compute.
As the U.S. companies are trying to bring back manufacturing jobs in the country, the manufacturing sector is strained: Skilled workers are aging out of the workforce, U.S. companies are trying to bring back manufacturing jobs in the country, and the pipeline isn’t filling fast enough. A quarter of the manufacturing workforce was aged over 55 back in 2017, and that number has only gone up. Deloitte projects 3.8 million job openings in the sector by 2033 with less than half likely to be filled. As of this writing, one in five roles is already vacant. The pandemic made it worse, wiping out nearly 1.5 million jobs between 2020 and 2022. More than 600,000 positions still haven’t recovered. It’s a global trend, and it’s forcing the industry to adapt fast.
With fewer skilled workers available, manufacturers are turning to technology to keep operations running. Robotics, automation, digital twins, augmented reality, additive manufacturing (3D printing), and other technologies are becoming standard on the shop floor. Warehouses are using autonomous robots to track inventory and cut costs. Supply chains are getting smarter too, using RFID tags, connected devices, and analytics to improve logistics and streamline procurement.
Industry shifts for AI in manufacturing
AI is being built into nearly every system on the manufacturing floor to collect and analyze data in real time, detect trends, troubleshoot problems, and boost performance. According to Gartner®, AI software adoption forecast in the manufacturing sector will reach $23.57 billion in 2025, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from 2022 to 2027 of 20%.
These changes put new pressure on the technology backbone that supports manufacturing. It all starts with the data center or server room. Manufacturers now rely on high-performance servers to run their AI models, robotics, and automated systems. These expensive and highly sensitive equipment need high-quality and reliable power, which means upgrading to next-generation power infrastructure and switchgear, as well as uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems that protect and condition the load.
As processing power increases, so does the need for better cooling. Racks must support higher densities and deliver targeted cooling to prevent overheating and reduce energy waste. In many cases, air cooling isn’t enough for dense AI servers. Direct-to-chip (DtC) liquid cooling is used to pull heat away from the processors more efficiently.
Enabling smart manufacturing with modern IT/OT
Modern manufacturing operations span large campuses and connect closely with supply chain systems. These always-on environments depend on both IT and OT systems working together to maintain uptime and productivity.
To keep everything running, manufacturers need full visibility into their operations, across data centers, shop floors, and logistics — all in real time, 24/7. These functions require remote monitoring, predictive maintenance, and fast fault detection to catch and resolve problems before they escalate. These requirements also call for skilled service teams trained to support both IT and OT environments.
What it takes to scale AI in manufacturing
Upgrading the digital infrastructure to support AI, robotics, and automation requires partners that can do more than just deliver parts. Choose one that can help you:
- Keep up with the rapid pace of IT demands with expertise in handling AI workloads, GPU clusters, and dense racks, designed and equipped with next-generation cybersecurity.
- Design and deliver scalable power systems, including switchgear, modular UPS systems, and intelligent power distribution.
- Deliver the right combination of air and liquid cooling, including DtC cooling, rear door heat exchangers (RDHx), and next-generation liquid cooling systems to manage high thermal loads.
- Monitor and manage infrastructure across your entire footprint, from central IT to production lines and connected devices.
- Service and maintain equipment to prevent downtime.
The right partner brings all of these needs together into a unified infrastructure strategy, so operators are not just keeping up but building a stronger foundation for what’s next.
Build the backbone for AI-ready manufacturing
As manufacturers adopt AI and automation, aligning infrastructure becomes critical. Power, cooling, and service all play a role in scaling reliably and efficiently. Vertiv supports this shift with integrated solutions across power systems, thermal management, monitoring, and maintenance.
Get tailored guidance on scaling your manufacturing infrastructure for AI and automation. Contact a Vertiv representative to discuss the opportunities as you adapt your infrastructure.
Gartner, Forecast Analysis: AI Software Market by Vertical Industry, 2023-2027, Alys Woodward, James Ingham, Inna Agamirzian, Pulkit Pandey, Simon Cushing, Jo-Ann Clynch, Agustín Rubini, Kimberly Harris-Ferrante, Robert Hetu, Tony Sheehan, Ellen Eichhorn, Alexander Hoeppe, Uri Lerner, Shivani Palepu, Jonathan Rivera, 27 March 2024
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