Key Takeaways
- The growth of Additive Manufacturing (AM) is closely tied to the development of Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) capabilities
- Investing in AI-ready factory infrastructure is crucial for AM's next phase of growth
- Cybersecurity and networking readiness are essential for effective AI adoption in manufacturing
- A structured plan is necessary to integrate AI into manufacturing workflows, considering bandwidth and hardware requirements
Introduction to IIoT and AM
The Additive Manufacturing (AM) industry is on the cusp of a significant growth phase, driven in part by the global transition towards Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) capabilities. According to Samuel Pasquier, VP of Product Management for Cisco's IoT Industrial Networking Portfolio, the effectiveness of investments in AI-ready factory infrastructure will be critical to AM's growth trajectory. A recent report by Cisco, the 2026 State of Industrial AI, highlights the importance of cybersecurity and networking readiness in determining the return on investment (ROI) for AI spend in manufacturing.
The Importance of Networking Readiness
Pasquier notes that manufacturers have historically treated networks like electricity, plugging them in and expecting them to work without much consideration for security. However, with modern use cases demanding high performance and bandwidth, this approach is no longer sufficient. The network must be designed specifically for the performance and security requirements of the process. This is particularly relevant for AM, where the integration of AI and IIoT capabilities requires a robust and secure network infrastructure.
Comparison of Networking Approaches
| Approach | Description | Benefits | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legacy Networking | Organic, unstructured approach to networking | Easy to implement, low upfront costs | Limited scalability, poor security |
| IIoT-Enabled Networking | Structured approach to networking, designed for performance and security | High scalability, improved security, increased ROI | Higher upfront costs, requires expertise |
Expert Insights
Pasquier emphasizes that AI is not plug-and-play, and that a structured plan is necessary to integrate AI into manufacturing workflows. This plan must take into account the additional bandwidth and hardware requirements necessary to support AI adoption. By investing in AI-ready factory infrastructure and prioritizing cybersecurity and networking readiness, manufacturers can unlock the full potential of AM and drive business growth.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the growth of Additive Manufacturing is inextricably linked to the development of Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) capabilities. As the industry continues to evolve, it is essential to prioritize investments in AI-ready factory infrastructure, cybersecurity, and networking readiness. By doing so, manufacturers can ensure a strong foundation for AI adoption and drive business growth, with expected ROI increases of up to 25% according to Cisco's 2026 State of Industrial AI report. With a structured approach to networking and a focus on performance and security, the AM industry can unlock new heights of scalability and drive innovation in the years to come.