Automation is no longer optional, but where should manufacturers invest to see real returns?

In this episode of Ctrl+Alt+Mfg, we’re joined by Mark Hoske, editor-in-chief of Control Engineering, to break down the findings of the 2026 State of Industrial Automation Report. We discuss where automation is delivering measurable ROI, why advanced process controls continue to lead, how manufacturers are balancing efficiency with risk and what year-over-year data reveals about changing adoption trends.

The conversation also explores workforce challenges, skills gaps and how automation is being used to create higher-skill roles rather than replace workers. If you’re specifying, implementing or justifying automation investments, this data-driven episode cuts through the hype to focus on what’s actually happening on today’s plant floors.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Automation and Manufacturing Trends

08:58 Insights from the 2026 State of Automation Report

18:19 Key Findings and Surprises in Automation Investments

21:42 Emerging Technologies in Automation

23:41 Insights from the 2025 State of Automation Report

24:52 Looking Ahead: The 2026 Automation Report

27:25 The Importance of Community in Automation Research

28:53 Future Trends and Research in Automation

31:03 Connecting the Dots: Automation and Community Engagement

• (00:00:00) - Introduction to Automation and Manufacturing Trends
• (00:08:58) - Insights from the 2026 State of Automation Report
• (00:18:19) - Key Findings and Surprises in Automation Investments
• (00:21:42) - Emerging Technologies in Automation
• (00:23:41) - Insights from the 2025 State of Automation Report
• (00:24:52) - Looking Ahead: The 2026 Automation Report
• (00:27:25) - The Importance of Community in Automation Research
• (00:28:53) - Future Trends and Research in Automation
• (00:31:03) - Connecting the Dots: Automation and Community Engagement