This week brought exciting news about AI agents helping factories work smarter. Microsoft shared how companies are using smart AI helpers to solve problems on factory floors. These AI agents work alongside people like digital teammates.

In the United States, Apple announced big plans to spend $600 billion on American manufacturing. They are building new factories that will make special computer chips and servers. These servers will power Apple Intelligence, their new AI system. Apple is also opening a Manufacturing Academy in Detroit to teach small businesses how to use AI in their factories.

Microsoft highlighted several companies making big changes with AI. Sandvik is rethinking how they make products using Microsoft AI tools. Textron Aviation uses AI to make airplane maintenance faster and smarter. Husqvarna Group is already putting generative AI right on their factory floors.

One of the most interesting developments is agentic AI on plant floors. Sight Machine is working with Microsoft to give factory workers real-time AI helpers. These AI agents help operators solve problems quickly and make better decisions. This is different from regular AI because these agents can act on their own to help workers.

Smart factories are becoming more common as companies realize AI can help them work faster and make fewer mistakes. The World Economic Forum also discussed how AI is helping make manufacturing more environmentally friendly. AI can help companies use less energy and create less waste.

These changes show that manufacturing is moving toward a future where people and AI agents work together as teams. Companies that embrace this change early are calling themselves "Frontier Firms" because they are leading the way into the future of manufacturing.