Business · Companies · 11 hrs ago
Energy costs and adoption barriers threaten AI and robotics investment in Italian factories
At the World Manufacturing Forum in Milan, analysts discussed what is shaping technology investment in Italian manufacturing.
Their findings point to energy costs, geopolitical tensions and other pressures that could make it harder for companies to invest.
More than 60% of manufacturing executives expect to adopt AI agents within two years, but fewer than 20% have already done so.
Gartner estimates that more than 40% of AI-agent projects could be cancelled by the end of 2027 because of rising costs or limited added value.
The analysis also found that technology readiness does not guarantee companies will adopt it, with barriers involving data, workplace organization, people and trust.
Humanoid robots have entered early commercial sales, with an estimated 13,300 to 16,000 units in 2025, more than 80% of them in China.
The forum presented tools to help companies assess trends and technologies, while Confindustria Lombardia said affordable energy and access to raw materials are among the conditions needed for the region's manufacturing future.
More than 60% of manufacturing executives expect to adopt AI agents within two years, but fewer than 20% have done so already.
At the World Manufacturing Forum in Milan, analysts said technological maturity does not automatically lead to industrial adoption.
Rising costs and limited added value could lead to more than 40% of agentic AI projects being cancelled by the end of 2027, Gartner estimates.
Giuseppe Pasini of Confindustria Lombardia said sustainable energy costs are among the strategic conditions needed for manufacturing to meet future challenges.
The humanoid robot market is in its first phase of commercialisation, with most 2025 units expected to be used in China.
- Who
- Italian manufacturing businesses and executives considering AI agents and humanoid robots.
- What
- Energy costs and barriers to adoption may slow investment in AI and robotics.
- When
- The findings were presented on 22 October 2026; the report says more than 60% of executives expect to adopt AI agents within two years.
- Where
- The World Manufacturing Forum in Milan, Italy.
- Why
- The sources cite sustainable energy costs, rising project costs and barriers involving technology, data, organisation, people and governance.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The humanoid robot market was estimated at 13,300 to 16,000 units, with more than 80% in China.
The World Manufacturing Forum in Milan presented analysis and tools for assessing trends and technologies.
More than 60% of manufacturing executives expect to adopt AI agents, while fewer than 20% have already done so.
Gartner estimates that more than 40% of agentic AI projects could be cancelled because of rising costs or limited added value.
- Forum
- 14th World Manufacturing Forum, Milan
- AI agent adoption
- More than 60% of manufacturing executives expect adoption within two years; fewer than 20% have adopted already.
- Project cancellations
- Gartner estimates more than 40% of agentic AI projects could be cancelled by the end of 2027.
- Humanoid robots
- Estimated 13,300 to 16,000 units in 2025; more than 80% in China.
- Confindustria Lombardia
- President Giuseppe Pasini identified a sustainable-cost energy mix as a strategic condition.
What people are saying
Innovation, high production diversification, global outlook, the centrality of local areas, macro-regional collaboration: all these elements make Lombardy the ideal place to become the manufacturing platform of the future through its development model.
A model that, to face and overcome the challenges of the present and the future, needs a series of strategic enabling conditions: an energy mix at sustainable costs, autonomy in managing cohesion funds to enhance local areas and supply chains, access to critical raw materials, rules on a par with international competitors, AI and advanced technologies.