Trends in the global T&M landscape in 2026

Here are some forward-looking trends shaping the global T&M landscape in 2026.

AI as a test co-pilot
In test engineering, AI is emerging as a co-pilot that enhances rather than replaces the test engineer’s role. Its capabilities now include accelerating test routine development, guiding system-level engineering decisions, streamlining automation, code debugging and troubleshooting, and enabling adaptive, intelligent test flows that respond to changing conditions.  

Shorter product life cycles are reshaping priorities
With tighter market windows, companies are prioritizing test solutions that rapidly adapt to evolving designs, integrate seamlessly with modern tech stacks, offer modularity and plug- and-play scaling, and reduce development and validation timelines. Reconfigurable and future-ready test architectures are becoming indispensable as speed becomes a competitive advantage.   

Era of convergence: Rising test complexity
With hardware, software, data, AI, and connectivity converging, demand is rising for interconnected, analytics-enabled test platforms that validate multiple layers.

India’s manufacturing push boosts test demand
India’s shift toward end-to-end manufacturing and R&D -- powered by GCCs, private defense, aerospace, EVs, semiconductors, and greater electronics localization—is reshaping the test ecosystem. As India moves from design to validation to mass production, advanced T&M solutions will be critical for quality and competitiveness, making the country a major demand driver for next-gen testing.

Talent crunch forces engineering efficiency
Growing demand for specialized test engineers is accelerating adoption of AI-assisted, low-code/no-code tools. By 2026, engineers who can blend AI fluency with advanced test methodologies will be among the most valuable professionals in the sector.

GCC-led innovation strengthens India’s role
India’s Global Capability Centers are evolving from execution units to innovation hubs, contributing to global test architectures, software platforms, system strategies, and best practices. By 2026, India will be a central pillar of T&M innovation—not just a delivery hub but a key source of ideas and engineering leadership.  

Next-generation hardware demands next-gen testing
Breakthroughs in semiconductors, aerospace systems, EV powertrains, and sensors are increasing the need for high-performance instrumentation, scalable validation frameworks, and modular test setups. Emerson’s NI customer demand shows strong momentum for test ecosystems that evolve alongside accelerating hardware complexity.

Advanced test coverage, sustainability, and automation take center stage
With products becoming more connected and performance-intensive, T&M is shifting toward smarter and more sustainable architectures. Key 2026 trends include expanded RF/high-bandwidth coverage (5G/6G, radar, UWB), analytics-driven system-level strategies, IoT-enabled automation, energy-efficient testing, reduced hardware waste, and predictive maintenance with automated diagnostics.  

-- NI India, Test and Measurement, Emerson.