This weekly update brings exciting news about how artificial intelligence is changing manufacturing around the world. Companies are using AI to help workers do their jobs better and faster, without replacing them.

One big breakthrough is AI-powered quality control. Instead of having people check each product by hand, smart cameras with AI brains can now inspect hundreds of parts every minute. These systems can spot tiny problems that human eyes might miss. Companies are also using AI video intelligence to watch factory operations. This helps them find problems quickly and keep workers safer.

In the packaging industry, which makes boxes and labels, AI is doing amazing things. Smart computer systems are now processing purchase orders in just 10 seconds, instead of taking 15 to 45 minutes by hand. This means fewer mistakes and faster work. About 96% of companies that used AI in their factories reported they got much more done with the same number of workers.

Another important change is AI in workforce training. Factories are realizing they need to teach workers new skills to work alongside AI tools. According to industry leaders, there are about 450,000 open jobs in manufacturing right now, and companies want to fill them. Schools are starting to teach students about AI so they'll be ready for these exciting careers.

Smart robots are also getting better with AI help. New helper apps let workers quickly teach robots exactly where they need to grab things. This bridges the gap between old robot systems and new AI technology.

The biggest lesson from this week's news is clear: AI isn't taking jobs away from workers. Instead, it's taking over boring, repetitive tasks so people can focus on more interesting and important work. This helps companies hire more people, pay better wages, and grow their businesses. For 2026, expect even more amazing changes like predictive maintenance that tells you when machines need fixing before they break, and closed-loop quality control that means fewer defects and better products.