As we approach 2026, the integration of intelligence into everyday products and interactions is set to transform industries. This evolution will be driven by the widespread adoption of digital identity technologies like NFC, alongside AI tools that enhance efficiency and innovation throughout product lifecycles. With 92% of brands planning to use NFC shortly, there’s a clear demand for bridging physical and digital experiences, offering social, commercial, and environmental benefits.
Regulatory developments, such as the EU Digital Product Passport, and sustainability pressures will propel the adoption of edge and item-level AI. Companies will reap benefits in customer experience, sustainability, compliance, and supply chain efficiency by embedding intelligence from the edge to individual devices.
Edge AI is rapidly expanding, fueled by the transition to on-device training and adaptive learning. Specialized chips will find applications in consumer electronics, smart cities, and industrial IoT. New packaging methods will enhance performance and cost efficiency in edge devices.
Item-level intelligence is set to revolutionize digital transformation by enabling real-time data collection at the individual item level. This shift will facilitate personalized experiences and predictive analytics across various sectors, marking a new era where every item becomes a data node.
NFC technology is rapidly being adopted to enhance connected consumer experiences, from wearables to smart packaging. This technology will play a crucial role in ensuring trust and personalization in product interactions.
Heterogeneous integration through chiplets and die stacking will drive innovation, enabling customization for edge AI. Agentic AI-driven EDA tools will lower design barriers, fostering startup growth and increasing demand for agile foundry services.
New regulatory frameworks present opportunities for competitive advantage, with embedded digital IDs ensuring product authentication and compliance. As compliance evolves, opportunities will expand across consumer goods and supply chains.
Energy constraints in semiconductor manufacturing are prompting a shift towards power-efficient architectures and distributed intelligence at the edge. Embracing circular design principles will be crucial for sustainable and efficient supply chains.
These trends highlight a shift towards distributed intelligence, with semiconductor manufacturing at the core of digital transformation. Companies that integrate connected technologies into their strategies will be well-positioned to leverage upcoming digital opportunities.
