Abstract The rise of generative AI (GenAI) has prompted significant attention and discourse across academia and industry, as stakeholders grapple with its capabilities, potential applications, and associated risks. Driven by the aim to address the key question of whether and how GenAI can reshape the manufacturing industry, this paper explores the role, applications and prospects of GenAI for manufacturing. A traditional paradigm of AI implementation in manufacturing is initially outlined, followed by a review of GenAI applications in manufacturing through a proposed five-level framework characterizing the depth of GenAI integration. Building on this review and an analysis of the development trajectory of foundation models, it is argued that GenAI not only enhances each stage of the traditional paradigm but also has the potential to establish a new paradigm in smart manufacturing. In the envisioned paradigm, GenAI functions as a self-contained service provider, capable of directly addressing complex manufacturing needs with innovative solutions, while maintaining a balance between task efficiency, human well-being, environmental sustainability, and societal impacts. Aligned with the core principles of Industry 4.0 and Industry 5.0, this paradigm represents a highly desirable evolution for the manufacturing sector. Following this, a GenAI-driven product design-to-manufacturing framework is introduced to ground the paradigm in practical applications. This research provides a robust framework for understanding GenAI’s transformative trajectory in manufacturing and sets forth a research agenda for future exploration. Rather than offering definitive conclusions, this work aims to stimulate ongoing discussions and encourage further exploration in this evolving field.
Zheng et al. (Thu,) studied this question.