New data reveals how workforce augmentation, unstructured data, and rising factory debt are reshaping how factories buy automation accelerating the shift toward AI, data readiness, and CAPEX that drives ROI outcomes.
Cambridge, Ontario — March 24, 2026 — Eclipse Automation, in partnership with Vantage Research, today released The State of Factory Automation in North America in 2026 report. Over 600 manufacturing executives across the automotive, medical device, and consumer-industrial sectors spoke about their companies’ needs, challenges and growth. The resulting report demonstrates a clear connection between mature, integrated factory automation implementation and business success.
“We’ve talked with hundreds of executives in the sectors we serve, and what we’ve learned is that factory automation needs a new kind of co-pilot,” said Marc Fuentes, VP Commercial Growth, Eclipse Automation. “With the accelerated pace of technology, AI and Generative AI factory leaders need advisor’s human-agent co-pilots like Eclipse who can guide their champions and teams on how to buy factory automation solutions to achieve their full potential.”
The research identifies five consistent factors that distinguish the most successful automation programs: System integration, access to structured data, balanced governance between IT and engineering, clear accountability, and a combination of quick wins with long-term planning. The research and executive commentary show that when organizations align with these elements, they are far more likely to achieve both automation and business goals.
As Jeff Winter, VP of Commercial Strategy at Belden, stated in the report: “The uncomfortable truth is that you don’t switch on an AI factory later, you either lay the groundwork through how you automate today or you lock yourself out of it.”
Get firsthand insights on what 600 factory executives shared in this new report.
About Eclipse Automation
Eclipse Automation designs and builds precision automation systems that drive modern manufacturing. Specializing in high-performance, engineered machines, Eclipse helps manufacturers improve speed, reliability, and efficiency across critical production environments. Serving industries from life sciences and EVs to food and energy, Eclipse delivers systems where accuracy matters, and downtime isn’t an option. The company enables clients to scale smarter, perform better, and lead from the front.
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