New survey by reichelt elektronik sheds light on the use of AI in medium-sized industrial companies
Numerous providers at Hannover Messe are currently impressing visitors with the capabilities of their AI solutions. While artificial intelligence still had the reputation of being a fad in recent years, it has finally arrived in European industry in 2025 and is valued there as an innovation booster. But what about the use of AI outside of large corporations? Reichelt elektronik asked where and how medium-sized industrial companies are using AI already. The results of the current study show respondents as optimistic.
AI has become indispensable for SMEs too
The study – commissioned by reichelt elektronik and conducted by OnePoll – surveyed 500 decision-makers of medium-sized companies within the automotive, manufacturing and technology sectors. The results show that SMEs are investing in AI. Three quarters (77%) are already using AI or are planning to do so in the near future.
A third (32%) are already using AI day to day, while a little over an additional quarter (28%) is currently running pilot projects or are in the testing phase. 17 per cent are still in the planning phase but expect to implement it within the next 12 months. Therefore, medium-sized industrial companies are no exception when it comes to the widespread implementation of AI.
Increasing efficiency or innovation through smart support? Why not both?
AI is primarily used in SMEs to optimise business and production processes (52%) as well as during the development process, for example to simplify product design (42%). The ability to draw development trends from data and thus increase efficiency and minimise downtime also adds significant value (44%). However, AI-based predictive maintenance tools are only used by under a third (28%).
According to the respondents, the use of AI can already be considered a complete success. An overwhelming majority of 88 per cent confirmed that AI helps them increase quality. They also credit AI with helping to reduce costs (75%) and introducing more effective processes (also 78%). This means that companies currently benefit the most from AI applications that allow them to produce with higher quality, at faster speeds and with less interruptions – which has led to an increase in profits for around two thirds (69%) of companies surveyed.
However, the focus is also on increasing the ability to innovate. For example, 75 per cent stated that they were able to react more quickly to changes in the market thanks to AI. In addition, companies were able to develop new products faster with AI (71%) or even create more innovative products (67%).
Competitive advantage thanks to AI
AI is no longer seen as optional for SMEs either. For example, 77 per cent of respondents say that AI will help them compete in the global market, and almost as many (74%) rely on AI to gain or maintain an innovative edge.
AI is not only seen as an opportunity, but also as a driver to strengthen Europe as a business location. Three quarters (77%) would be in favour of European AI companies being able to develop competitive AI tools that European companies can use. In view of the current tension regarding trade policy and uncertainty about how the US and Europe will work together in the future, this high level of support for more European independence is understandable. For this reason, 67 per cent also call for the rapid implementation of AI in order to avoid being left behind by competitors from the USA or China.
Whats the hold-up?
This sense of urgency could also be a reason why AI is now part of everyday life in many companies. Almost all (89%) report that their employees have accepted and welcomed the introduction of AI.
Companies see security and data protection concerns as the biggest challenges when using cloud solutions (34%). The problem of not yet having an IT infrastructure (e.g. servers) that is powerful enough to support AI applications, is also frequently mentioned by respondents (also 36%). Almost an additional third (29%) also face the problem that their machines are not designed for AI-supported automation.
To accelerate the introduction of AI, some companies would therefore like to see easier access to funding (42%) and consultations in the field of AI (42%). Digital infrastructure was also frequently mentioned as being in need of improvements (40%). Almost as many would like to see fewer bureaucratic hurdles or more deregulation of AI applications (40%).
Diving into the future with AI
Nevertheless, the mood among European SMEs is rather positive when it comes to AI developments, and they expect a wealth of new, innovative products to be created by AI in the future (51%). They also hope for an even more seamless link between operational and production processes, such as between purchasing, warehousing and production (49%). 46% can also imagine even faster and more precise production using AI-supported robots.
“At the dawn of GenAI Europe as a business location initially seemed unattractive as all eyes went to China and the US. Yet we have many innovative companies, particularly in the SME sector, that are breaking new ground with fresh ideas and are also building on AI. 2025 has been proclaimed as the year in which AI is being implemented. Increasing competition from East Asia and a looming trade war with the US leave us with no other choice. Now is the time for bold steps towards more innovation.”
Images: Adobe Stock, infographic: reichelt elektronik
Our Topic Explorer on AI & Machine Learning contains further articles on this subject.
