Artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities in manufacturing systems are expanding rapidly. Companies are eager to integrate these new tools, but many questions remain about AI practices, data interoperability, and workflows. In March, ASTM convened a working group to draft the scope of the proposed Committee on Artificial Intelligence in Manufacturing Systems, which will develop international standards for the development, implementation, and governance of AI technologies within manufacturing environments. ASTM International publishes the technical standards, guidelines, and roadmaps that govern how products are tested and materials are specified across every major industry. Defining Purpose and Scope As a first step, the new committee approved a baseline structure that will include groups for terminology and taxonomy, critical requirement definitions, and data. These groups will start with foundational work, including defining AI in manufacturing, developing a common language across sectors, assessing relevant existing standards, establishing guardrails, and creating metadata standards. All groups will emphasize the importance of data integrity and cybersecurity. Understanding the Foundations of AI Jay Lee, the director of the Industrial Artificial Intelligence Center at the University of Maryland, provided an overview of the foundations of AI in manufacturing, focusing on addressing core challenges and building a model for the future. While everyone is familiar with large language models (LLMs), the focus should be on large knowledge models (LKMs), as that is where the technology is headed, Lee explains. LKMs will allow for the use of digital twins and platform integration and provide plug-and-play operability for shop floors. This innovation will encourage more lights-out manufacturing, which, Lee notes, means “no worries, not no people.” Planning the Future of AI Moving from the hype surrounding Industrial AI 2.0 to its integration in the real world will require a common data output standard and the sharing of foundational data and models across sectors and companies, according to Chetan Gupta, the general manager of the Advanced AI Center at Hitachi. Gupta presented several industry use cases demonstrating the power of AI when applying data to detect anomalies and defects in both robotic arms and critical welds. Looking toward the future of AI maturity and hyperautomation, the vice president of AI and automation at IBM Research, Nick Fuller, explained that manufacturing is currently at the agentic AI level of maturity, meaning systems can now complete more complex, multi-step tasks with limited supervision. Fuller explained the framework needed to create reliable hyperautomated systems (physical AI) for manufacturing. The committee’s initial goals will work towards establishing core terminology, defining critical requirements, and ensuring data interoperability. As AI tools continue to advance, so do the options for using these tools to improve manufacturing systems and overall operations. Groups like the ASTM Committee on Artificial Intelligence in Manufacturing Systems will help ensure that standards are in place to safely leverage the power of AI while protecting industrial data and ensuring cybersecurity. See Industrial AI in Action at IMTS 2026 IMTS 2026 features the Industrial AI Conference.As manufacturers look to move from standards development to real-world implementation, IMTS – The International Manufacturing Technology Show provides a timely opportunity to see industrial AI in practice. The show’s new Industrial AI Arena will feature more than 25 innovators demonstrating applied solutions across quality, optimization, and downtime, while the Industrial AI Conference (Wednesday, Sept. 16), developed in collaboration with Dr. Jay Lee and the University of Maryland, will offer a practitioner-focused roadmap covering predictive maintenance, deployment strategies, and data readiness. Together, these experiences connect emerging frameworks with proven applications on the shop floor. IMTS 2026 takes place Sept. 14-19, 2026, at McCormick Place in Chicago, and will span more than 1.2 million square feet and feature more than 1,800 exhibitors across 10 technology sectors. Register now to attend. Register now to attend IMTS 2026.
ASTM International is forming a new committee to develop standards for AI in manufacturing, addressing data, interoperability, and implementation as industrial AI moves from concept to real-world use.
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