The Russian machine tool industry largely remains at a basic level of automation. An APKIT study supported by the Ministry of Industry and Trade (November 2025 – February 2026, 39 enterprises) showed that 41% of productions use manual labor with minimal automation. Another 59% use automated machines and lines where loading and control are partially performed manually. The sample did not include enterprises with complex robotization, MES/SCADA integration, or end-to-end digital automation from order to shipment.
Only 10% of respondents use MES for real-time production management, and 56% use PLM elements. Demand is focused on the basic product development circuit (CAD/CAM/CAE and PDM), while digital twins, Big Data, AI, VR/AR, and APC, RTO, CAQ, HMI class systems are used sporadically. 82% of companies do not have a written IT strategy; digital transformation is not considered a key element of business strategy.
The IT infrastructure for 49% is formed and has a development plan, for 51% it only covers basic needs or has significant gaps. Regarding software, 49% use only Russian solutions, 28% plan to replace foreign ones, 13% are already implementing domestic alternatives, and 10% allow for a mixed model. All participants noted the need for new software: 30% implemented it in critical areas, 8% are actively implementing it, 31% are ready for pilots, and 21% are limited by resources.
The technological conclusion is obvious: without the integration of MES, industrial analytics, and robotization, it is difficult for the industry to transition to highly automated production circuits and increase the predictability of quality and deadlines.
