A new study by Honeywell reveals that 88% of Indian companies are prepared to offer higher salaries to attract skilled AI engineers, reflecting a significant increase in demand for artificial intelligence talent as industrial AI adoption accelerates.
The Honeywell Industrial AI Insights global research study finds that while only 17% of AI decision-makers worldwide have fully implemented their initial AI strategies, a substantial 94% are planning to expand their use of AI. This indicates a widespread discovery of new AI applications across sectors such as manufacturing and agriculture.
“The industrial AI sector is at a pivotal moment,” said Kevin Dehoff, Honeywell’s Chief Strategy Officer. “With advancements in Generative AI and increased data sources, Industrial AI is poised for exponential growth, creating extensive opportunities for revenue enhancement and workforce satisfaction.”
The study reveals that nearly 29% of Indian companies have already fully launched their AI strategies. Among the most promising benefits of AI identified by 79% of respondents are improved efficiency, productivity, and data availability for better decision-making. This growing enthusiasm for AI is driving a competitive job market, with 88% of Indian enterprises willing to pay more to attract top AI talent.
“AI is transforming industrial operations and unlocking new potential,” stated Billal Hammoud, President and CEO of Honeywell Building Automation. “As AI optimizes controls across various sectors, it enhances safety, operational efficiency, and sustainability outcomes.”
The report also highlights several workplace benefits from AI adoption, including increased job flexibility (49%), greater job satisfaction (45%), and improved workplace safety (39%). AI’s role in skills development is particularly critical as it helps address the shortage of experienced workers, particularly in light of retiring baby boomers.
Lucian Boldea, President and CEO of Honeywell Industrial Automation, emphasized, “AI training and AI as a ‘co-pilot’ are crucial for enhancing the skills of less experienced technicians, ultimately improving plant operations and safety.”
Despite the positive outlook, the study identifies challenges to full AI adoption, including a lack of comprehensive understanding of AI among C-suite executives (37%) and ongoing demands for additional resources (48%). However, as AI continues to prove its value in productivity and safety, its adoption is expected to rise.
The Honeywell Industrial AI Insights report, based on a survey of 1,600 AI leaders across 12 countries.