AI and automation trends face trust and governance challenges

Industrial automation and artificial intelligence are facing a critical juncture as companies balance technological ambition with the need for trust and governance. Research conducted by IDC and sponsored by Kinaxis reveals that while AI adoption is nearly universal among supply chain leaders, over 50 percent cite a lack of trust in AI-driven decisions as a significant barrier to implementation.

Despite 41 percent of surveyed leaders expecting autonomous supply chains to become their core operating model within one to two years, only 12 percent have fully embedded AI planning governance into their operations. Many organizations report that improved data quality and integration are necessary precursors to increased investment.

Looking toward the second half of 2026, key trends in automation include the rise of edge computing for AI and cybersecurity, advanced machine vision, and the advancement of autonomous mobile robots. Collaborative robots are also moving into the mainstream to allow for rapid production line reconfiguration, while industry trends point toward integrated software platforms that control the entire production process from logistics to individual controllers.