Generative AI continues to be of immense value in the manufacturing space, with common uses including data analysis and decision-making support. However, Agentic AI is expected to have an even greater transformational impact, enabling autonomous decision-making and prompting action without human input or monitoring. Gartner has highlighted such independent technology as a pivotal business trend, with 33% of enterprise software applications expected to be integrated with Agentic AI by 2028. Read on as we focus on the capabilities and benefits of Agentic AI here.
What is Agentic AI?
As mentioned, AI systems have traditionally relied on human prompting and oversight. This is the case with popular forms of generative AI such as ChatGPT and Perplexity. Although such technologies can support various tasks, there’s often the need for tweaking to get the best results. Agentic AI is different in that it operates autonomously, taking the initiative to achieve goals with minimal need for human input. Agentic AI is also able to learn and make adjustments based on collected data. This autonomous agent can make a real difference across various aspects of manufacturing.
Agentic AI in Manufacturing: Key Applications
Predictive Maintenance
Maintenance has traditionally been carried out on a reactive basis, with human workers expected to monitor machinery and correct issues as they occur. However, Agentic AI can autonomously monitor equipment performance data, identifying potential failures in real-time, and scheduling maintenance for the avoidance of breakdowns. So, human workers can focus on other activities, with the assurance that production lines will keep running smoothly.
Quality Control and Assurance
Integrated with vision systems and other environmental sensors, Agentic AI enables highly accurate real-time product inspection. It ensures the detection of anomalies and defects that might otherwise be missed during human inspection. In turn, this ensures higher quality standards, with waste being reduced, and customer satisfaction maximised.
Supply Chain Optimisation
Besides monitoring the manufacturing environment, Agentic AI systems are also able to collect huge amounts of supply chain data. Market trends, inventory levels, and supplier performance data can all be analysed autonomously, with manufacturers able to rely on the AI for sound decisions on everything from purchasing to logistics. This reduces delays, minimises inventory costs, and ensures that products are distributed to the right places at the right times. Agentic AI also learns about the impacts of decisions for continuous improvement.
Key benefits of Agentic AI include:
- Greater efficiency and productivity
- Higher quality and consistency
- Reduced costs through the better use of resources
- Enhanced workplace safety
- Operational scalability and flexibility
Challenges and Considerations
Given the great range of benefits, there’s understandable confidence in the widespread adoption of Agentic AI. Indeed, it’s forecast that autonomous technology will make 15% of day-to-day workplace decisions by 2028. However, various challenges will have to be met, as with the increasing adoption of generative AI.
With a lot of manufacturing data being highly sensitive, there’s a clear need for robust cybersecurity to prevent any breaches. Manufacturing companies must also be prepared to communicate the value of Agentic AI and ensure that workers have the skills needed for its effective use. It might be some time before smaller companies can afford the investment in infrastructure and training required for Agentic AI.
Manufacturing companies can minimise some of the risks and challenges of Agentic AI through a commitment to testing, monitoring and security. Testing should ensure the identification of potential errors and system biases, with adjustments made for better performance. The recommendations and actions of Agentic AI should be tracked, with updates based on changing environments and needs. Processes should be put in place for the handling of AI failures or breaches. And human workers should be involved in key decisions.
Looking Ahead
As long as safeguards and precautions are maintained, Agentic AI is bound to have a transformative impact - driving greater productivity and efficiency. The scope of use for this autonomous agent will continue to increase as it learns and adapts to new challenges. Besides optimising their operations, manufacturers making the investment in Agentic AI will improve their prospects of long-term success.
You can learn more about Agentic AI and other transformative systems during Automation UK 2025. There’ll be the opportunity to explore the latest innovations, expand your network, and discuss the latest technological trends. With so much to look forward to, there’s every reason to book your free ticket today.