A Xometry survey of 150 manufacturing executives found manufacturability and costing as leading AI use cases. Over half expect AI’s biggest impact there in 2027. Quality control and inspection follow at 47%. Production execution on the factory floor is next at 32%. Supplier selection and qualification rank at 25%. 57% of manufacturers report significant returns from AI investments. That is up from 44% a year ago. 34% say AI and automation operators are the hardest roles to fill. Aerospace and defence lead AI investment plans for 2027. 82% in that sector plan to spend over $500,000. Smaller manufacturers report more idle capacity than larger ones. 44% of firms under $50M revenue operate below 70% capacity. Finding enough work is the top obstacle for those below 70% capacity. The figures come from a Xometry survey.
What it unlocks
Identifying where AI delivers the most value in manufacturing processes.
- 150 manufacturing executives surveyed
- 57% report significant AI returns
- 44% reported returns a year ago
- 82% of aerospace/defence plan >$500k AI spend in 2027
Sources