As AI becomes more affordable and capable, its use in packaging has expanded rapidly since 2024.
According to PMMI’s Building an AI Advantage In Packaging Equipment report, AI is being applied across packaging operations—from physical processes such as machine vision, AGV and AMRs, and predictive maintenance to administrative functions and data collection.
Interviews with AI vendors, packaging machinery manufacturers, and CPGs have revealed five key areas where AI has advanced the most knowledge transfer, machine visions, predictive maintenance, regulation and compliance, and data transparency.
Of those interviewed, 77% mentioned knowledge transfer and predictive maintenance as technologies expected to have the strongest positive impact on the future of the packaging industry.
Knowledge transfer refers to the capture and dissemination of knowledge within an organization, particularly between new employees and existing or departing employees. As CPGs continue to experience workforce challenges with the loss of tribal knowledge, these tools can help retain expertise, accelerate training, and broaden access to critical information.
Predictive maintenance uses AI algorithms to anticipate equipment failures before they occur by analyzing data from sensors, logs, and historical performance records. The ability to detect early warning signs can reduce costly breakdowns, improve efficiency and enhance safety.
“Right now, it’s impossible for an engineer to always determine why a machine has a hiccup. But AI could take pictures and understand the machine’s issues and put inputs
back into the machine,” an Executive Director in Food and Beverage Automation said.
SOURCE: 2026 Building An AI Advantage In Packaging Equipment
For more insights from PMMI’s Business Intelligence team, find reports, including Building An AI Advantage In Packaging Equipment, Trends and Challenges in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, and Automation in Food and Beverage Equipment Sanitation at https://www.pmmi.org/business-intelligence.
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