Artificial Intelligence in Industrial Companies
We analyzed the enterprise AI use cases of 10 industrial companies to understand trends, impact, and insights.
Industrial companies' adoption of AI
Overview
John Deere has progressively embedded advanced AI technologies such as computer vision, machine learning, and autonomous systems into its agricultural machinery and operations from 2018 through 2025. Key products include 'See & Spray' technology that uses AI to identify and treat weeds precisely, reducing herbicide use by up to two-thirds and improving crop health.
GE has steadily evolved its AI integration starting from foundational digital transformation efforts around 2016-2017 to advanced, agentic AI implementations by 2025, spanning industrial, healthcare, and energy sectors.
Since 2018, 3M has steadily integrated AI and machine learning across its operations, ranging from predictive healthcare and supply chain analytics to advanced materials science and digital assistant tools, reflecting increasing adoption and expansion through 2026.
Honeywell has progressively expanded its AI initiatives from Q4 2023 to Q4 2025, moving from AI-powered pilot assistance and guided work solutions to advanced industrial autonomy and generative AI, impacting all 95,000 employees.
Caterpillar has progressively integrated AI technologies since 2018, evolving from data management integrations and machine learning for operational efficiencies to advanced AI applications including generative AI and autonomous equipment controls by 2026.
Emerson-Electric has progressively integrated advanced AI technologies from Q3 2023 through 2025, notably launching Ovation 4.0 Automation Platform with embedded generative AI and advanced analytics, boosting operational efficiency in power and water industries and driving a 15.3% revenue increase to $17.49B in 2024.
Parker-Hannifin has steadily increased its AI adoption since Q1 2022, moving from strategic AI partnerships (notably with Camgian) to integrating AI in manufacturing, supply chain forecasting, and advanced diagnostics by early 2026.
Illinois Tool Works (ITW) has been gradually integrating AI technologies primarily focused on manufacturing efficiency improvements such as predictive maintenance and decision intelligence systems, with notable mentions from 2024 onwards.
Since Q3 2023, Eaton has steadily increased adoption and innovation in AI-related power infrastructure, notably securing exclusive partnerships (e.g., with Traxen), and launching modular and edge-focused data center solutions to support AI workloads.
Rockwell Automation has steadily integrated AI and advanced technologies from 2019 to early 2026, evolving from anomaly detection with FactoryTalk Analytics LogixAI to implementing edge-based generative AI with Nvidia Nemotron in 2025.
51 Use Cases in Industrial
| Company | Use Case |
|---|---|
| Eaton | Modular Data Centers By supplying critical power backup, racks, and cable management, Eaton supports Flexnode's modular data center solutions that help reduce AI data center deployment schedules by approximately 35%, accelerating time to market. traditional |
| Caterpillar | Customer Assistance The Cat AI Assistant provides customers with real-time voice-activated support for service information, fleet status, health monitoring, and purchasing, enhancing the customer experience. agentic |
| 3M | Customer Innovation 3M introduces AI-powered digital assistants like 'Ask 3M' to help customers quickly find design solutions across its vast product portfolio, accelerating innovation and time-to-market. generative |
| Deere & Co. | Factory Optimization John Deere applies AI, including 5G connectivity and digital twins, at manufacturing sites for real-time quality control, predictive maintenance, and digital assistance to enhance factory efficiency and reduce downtime. traditional |
| Rockwell Automation | Industrial Insights Rockwell's edge-based generative AI model (Nvidia Nemotron) delivers instant industrial insights and control across on-edge and offline environments, enhancing decision-making and operational efficiency. generative |
| Illinois Tool Works | AI Compliance Illinois Tool Works navigates the evolving Illinois AI employment regulations by auditing and ensuring transparency of AI tools used in hiring and HR processes to mitigate legal risk. traditional |
| Caterpillar | Power Generation Caterpillar’s large engines and power generator plants are scaled to meet growing AI data center electricity demand, indirectly supporting AI infrastructure growth and generating new revenue streams. traditional |
| 3M | Data Center Efficiency 3M develops innovative AI infrastructure components such as sensor-enabled cabling, optical fiber interconnects, and containment films to enhance data center energy efficiency and performance. traditional |
| Deere & Co. | Weed Control John Deere utilizes AI-driven computer vision and machine learning to precisely detect weeds in real-time and selectively apply herbicides or lasers to eliminate them, dramatically reducing chemical usage while improving crop health. traditional |
| Eaton | Power Demand Management Eaton developed an industry-first edge-based firmware upgrade for Power Xpert systems to detect AI-induced power bursts, enabling data center operators to mitigate grid disturbances and prevent equipment damage. traditional |