AI Adoption Tops 80% as 43% of Executives Prioritize Profit Growth
TE Connectivity’s Industrial Technology Index survey finds AI adoption at industrial tech companies exceeds 80%, with 43% of executives now prioritizing profit growth—a 17-point increase—over product innovation (26%, down nine points). Extensive AI integration rises to 35% globally (up from 22%), led by 41% of U.S. firms (a 26-point gain).
1. AI Adoption Rates
The 2026 Industrial Technology Index finds AI adoption among industrial technology companies has surpassed 80%. Extensive integration jumped from 22% last year to 35% this year, with U.S. firms leading at 41% (up 26 points) and China at 29% (up one point).
2. Shift to Profit Growth
For the first time in four years, executives prioritizing company profits surged to 43% (up 17 points), overtaking product innovation at 26% (down nine points). Engineers also shifted focus, with 31% selecting profit growth (up two points) versus 24% on product innovation (down seven points).
3. Regional Adoption Breakdown
U.S. companies moved from the lowest tied position last year to the highest level of extensive AI use at 41%. China’s extensive adoption rose marginally to 29%, reflecting an earlier adoption spike compared with other markets.
4. Implications for TE Connectivity
The emphasis on measurable returns highlights a growing need for alignment between engineering and executive teams to convert AI investment into operational impact. TE Connectivity’s connectors and sensors position it to support industrial firms demanding clear ROI from AI deployments.