India's manufacturing sector is undergoing a significant transformation as Industrial AI moves from the boardroom to the assembly line. The IIOTM 2026 conference held in Mumbai, presented by Rockwell Automation and The Economic Times, attracted over 1,200 attendees and featured discussions on practical AI applications in manufacturing. Industry leaders emphasized the importance of integrating AI into daily operations to enhance productivity, decision-making, and operational efficiency. Dilip Sawhney, Managing Director of Rockwell Automation India, highlighted the need for AI systems to be deterministic and explainable, particularly in regulated environments such as pharmaceuticals. The conference also focused on the necessity of workforce upskilling and change management to ensure successful AI adoption. As companies prioritize building a tech-savvy workforce, they can leverage AI to achieve substantial productivity gains and operational resilience. The potential for India's manufacturing sector is significant, with a young workforce and supportive policies positioning it for growth in the global market. However, the real challenge lies in executing these AI strategies effectively on the plant floor.