The primary determinant of AI scale is infrastructure readiness, especially reliable connectivity, latency, edge compute, and wireless mobility, as AI systems embed in machines and sensors.

Beyond the report, downloadable regional and sector-specific insights and Cisco materials offer deeper context on progress and the path to scale.

Cisco’s State of Industrial AI Report, based on a global survey of OT decision-makers, finds that 61% of industrial organizations already use AI in live operations and 20% have scaled deployments.

Use cases highlighted include process automation, automated quality inspection, predictive maintenance, logistics, and energy forecasting, with AI powering machine vision, robotics, mobility, and safety-critical operations.

The report argues success at scale depends on treating infrastructure, cybersecurity, and IT/OT collaboration as foundational requirements, not optional enhancements.

Cybersecurity is a double-edged factor: 98% say it’s foundational for AI-ready infrastructure, 40% view cybersecurity as the biggest obstacle to scaling, and 85% expect AI to enhance cybersecurity posture.

Readiness gaps in networking, security, and IT/OT operating models constrain AI scale, especially as deployments move toward real-time, production-grade use in physical environments.

Determinants of scale also include a strong cybersecurity posture and active IT/OT collaboration, which shape how quickly and safely organizations scale AI across assets, machines, and sites.

Industry sentiment points to rising AI spending (around 83%) and meaningful outcomes within roughly two years as AI moves from experiment to production in sensing, reasoning, and acting.

IT/OT collaboration correlates with greater confidence in scaling AI, more stable networks, and a stronger cybersecurity emphasis, with 57% reporting some collaboration and 43% reporting limited or none.

Foundational IT/OT teamwork and cybersecurity are emphasized as prerequisites for scalable industrial AI, beyond just the AI models themselves.