Forthcoming trends in electronics, smart manufacturing, etc., for 2025

As we step into the year 2025, most sectors are on the edge of transformative growth which can take off because of technological advancement and strategic investment. From electronics to robotics, here is an exhaustive look at trends that will shape the future:

Electronics
The electronics sector in India is looking forward to an exciting phase. As semiconductor technology is opening at a fast pace, the government too has taken initiatives to establish a domestic production chain in India. 

Rollout of 4G and 5G and major orders by BSNL for ground equipment are increasingly demanding advanced electronic testing and embedded systems. New fab settings and collaborations with the world and local players shall make India a hub of innovation for semiconductors in 2025.

Life sciences
The life sciences industry has made some excellent progress with outstanding advancements in the design and manufacture of medical devices. Core systems, including ventilators, x-ray machines, and advanced imaging devices, are where innovation is at. 

Collaborations with leading healthcare companies and efforts toward the low-cost production of medical technologies enhance healthcare access. All these developments focus on improving outcomes while supporting state-of-the-art research and development.

Artificial intelligence
AI remains the cornerstone of innovation in industries. In test and measurement, AI makes it possible to test faster and to design faster, changing workflows and embedding intelligence in products. This evolution is very well reflected in the automotive sector through the integration of AI in testing and real-time analysis for the testing of autonomous vehicles. 

The increasing relevance of AI in design and manufacturing workflows underlines its role as a critical driver of efficiency and innovation in 2025.

Robotics
Robotics is the innovation driver for manufacturing, healthcare, and defense. From drones to the most advanced robotic surgical equipment, the sophistication of its use is increasing, and they are embracing AI and advanced sensors to increase precision, autonomy, and adaptability. Robotics might be the game-changer in industrial and consumer markets.

Smart manufacturing
Industry 5.0 is redrawing manufacturing landscapes by transitioning from Industry 4.0. Smart factories are taking to the use of AI, IoT, and predictive maintenance, achieving efficient operations that consume minimal time. 

Manufacturing solutions are more personal and sustainable for a world that continues its pursuit for efficiency and the need for environmental responsibility. Emerson Test & Measurement business fronts this change by providing the necessary tools in improving condition monitoring and increased transparency in operations.

Aerospace and defense
Aerospace and defense industries constitute a significant part of Indian economic and technological objectives. unmanned air mobility (UAM), reusable launch vehicles, as well as the LCA Defence program, which is fast emerging, reflect the new development in this sector. 

Public-private partnership has thus been instrumental in the establishment of innovation, while programs such as "Make in India" are going to place India at the very forefront of aerospace technology by the next two decades.

Energy
There is a sea change taking place in the energy industry, with solar and wind power in addition to other conventional energy sources. Increasing demands for AI in infrastructure help make an investment in data centers as well as energy-efficient systems increase. 

Testing and manufacturing contributions from Emerson Test & Measurement business  are one of the key enablers for such advancement, hence contributing toward a sustainable as well as resilient energy ecosystem.

Automotive
India's automotive industry is transforming at a rapid pace as electric vehicles are gaining more prominence, and autonomous technologies have taken the town by storm. From mechanical to software-based development, the sector has witnessed nearly 50-60% of vehicle cost go into software. 

Testing solutions backed by AI-driven algorithms along with real-time updates have helped overcome some of the challenges this transformation brought for the industry, keeping it agile and competitive in 2025.

Wearable technology
Wearable technologies are advancing very rapidly with the incorporation of AI and predictive analytics, making the equipment functionally upgradable. While India looks at evaluating the semiconductor chip that powers its wearable technology, the market overall looks towards smarter, yet, efficient solutions. This indicates that overall convergence of electronic devices and health care could be possible through wearable devices for better monitoring and diagnosis in health care.

Space commercialization
Today, this sector is witnessing a growth unparalleled to any, because of ventures such as the reusability of launch vehicles and home-bred GPS systems along with the concept of a national space station. Rather than adding more muscles to Indian space capabilities, this opens scopes for private sector investment, too, including innovation -- with the hope of thriving in a space economy.

Innovation and start-ups
India's startup ecosystem continues to be one of the fastest-growing in the world. Deep tech and innovation at the core, Indian startups are using high-tech testing systems and government-backed programs to perfect prototypes and get out-of-the-box products into the market. Initiatives such as "Planet NI" help to support the ecosystem through technology access and sectoral collaborations.

Landmarks galore in 2025 through all sectors, mainly technology-based and innovative. As several sectors start embracing AI, robotics, and smart manufacturing, their focus will continue to be on sustainability, efficiency, and accessibility, and the overall push for a much connected, advanced global ecosystem, where India occupies a major role on the world stage.

-- Baskar Ceri, MD, NI-India & Global Business Manager, Senior Director, ADG-BU, Emerson’s Test and Measurement Group, India.