Conclusion The impact of AI agents is expected to be significant in industrial operations. Recognizing this potential, leading manufacturers are conducting state-of-the-art pilots. The investments and early outcomes of these pioneering efforts highlight the tremendous transformative potential of AI agents. They are not only enhancing efficiency but also fundamentally reshaping the competitive landscape of global industries. In the near future, they are likely to become an essential foundation of most factories worldwide, offering manufacturers a pathway to AI-driven, near-autonomous operations. While this white paper focuses on AI agents of two types – virtual AI and embodied AI – additional frontier technologies are expected to reshape operations. Additive manufacturing, quantum technology, biotechnology and enabling technologies such as 5G and edge computing are already on the horizon. To unlock the potential, manufacturers must form pragmatic insights into the comprehensive value impact of these innovations. Along with their promise, AI agents bring challenges related to security, compliance, social responsibilities and infrastructure requirements. A collaborative approach among stakeholders – including business, academia and policy-makers – to exchange best practices and share insights is crucial for responsible transformation. The aim of this document is to encourage industry leaders to take a holistic approach to assessing the value impact of AI agents and other frontier technologies in their operations, and to prioritize responsible adoption. Looking ahead, the World Economic Forum will continue to shed light on the latest frontier technologies and innovations in industrial operations, while also providing a unique platform for collaborations and experimentation among industry leaders, technology experts and academics. These collaborations will explore the maturity and value potential of frontier technologies at scale across many industries and end-to-end value chain functions, to unlock value for companies, society and the environment. Frontier Technologies in Industrial Operations 21

Frontier Technologies in Industrial Operations 2025