Smart manufacturing trends in 2017 indicate that a radical transformation in the manufacturing sector is taking place. In a report by global market research firm BCC Research, the global market for smart manufacturing is expected to grow from $159 billion in 2015 to $392 billion by 2020 at a compounded annual growth rate of 19.8 percent.

Smart manufacturing is a technology-driven approach to manufacturing that brings together advancements in information and operation technologies to rapidly and effectively solve existing issues and address future challenges by using an open infrastructure while creating enhanced value. It radically alters the global landscape of manufacturing by improving many of its processes, including design, fabrication, and operations.

With no slowing down of these advanced technologies in sight, manufacturers need to watch out for vital smart manufacturing trends in 2017, and see which are cost-effective to deploy in their factories. Here are some of the smart manufacturing trends you need to know about.

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