Technology in North Carolina Changing Industry Operations
- Geoffrey M Green
- Apr 30
- 5 min read
Updated: May 6
North Carolina’s industries are undergoing a remarkable transformation, powered by new technologies that are streamlining operations, improving safety, and boosting competitiveness.
From manufacturing to building maintenance, and from healthcare to cybersecurity, organizations across the state are adopting innovations that are shaping the future of work.
Table of Contents
Five key technologies revolutionizing North Carolina’s industries, with examples of how local companies, government agencies, and institutions are leading the way.
1. Automation, Robotics and IoT
North Carolina’s manufacturing sector is a national leader in adopting Industry 4.0 technologies, including robotics, automation, additive manufacturing, and the Internet of Things (IoT). These advances are not just theoretical: they’re being put to work in factories and production facilities across the state. For example, the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP) at NC State University collaborates with manufacturers to implement digital manufacturing, IoT sensors, and robotics, helping them increase efficiency and reduce costs.
Companies like Exela Pharma Sciences in Lenoir have been leading the charge. Exela upgraded its manufacturing technology by installing AI-powered software that connects factory production data to sourcing, compliance, and shipping, allowing the company to rapidly respond to crises-such as when Hurricane Helene hit western North Carolina and Exela was able to quickly ramp up production of intravenous saline bags for hospitals.
The state’s First in Talent Strategic Economic Development Plan emphasizes supporting the adoption of these technologies, developing a skilled workforce, and strengthening supply chains to ensure North Carolina remains a manufacturing powerhouse.
2. Drone Exterior Structure Cleaning
Drones are revolutionizing exterior structure cleaning in North Carolina, providing safer, faster, and more cost-effective solutions for building maintenance. Companies like VSI Aerial are deploying drones equipped with high-pressure washers and soft-wash systems to clean windows, facades, roofs, and solar panels on everything from hospitals to high-rise office buildings.
Drone exterior cleaning is fundamentally reshaping the building maintenance industry by eliminating many of the hazards and inefficiencies associated with traditional cleaning methods. Instead of relying on scaffolding, lifts, or workers suspended at dangerous heights, drones can access hard-to-reach surfaces safely from the ground. This shift not only reduces the risk of workplace injuries but also dramatically cuts down on setup time and operational disruptions, allowing cleaning tasks to be completed much faster and with minimal interference to building occupants or business operations.
In addition to safety and speed, drone cleaning offers significant cost benefits. The precision of drone technology means lower insurance costs and less labor is needed - bringing down the price for building owners and property management companies. Drones can also collect real-time data and high-resolution images during cleaning, enabling facility managers to monitor progress and identify maintenance issues early.
These advantages are driving a broader transformation in the exterior cleaning sector, as companies increasingly adopt drone solutions to stay competitive, deliver higher-quality results, and respond to growing demands for sustainability and operational efficiency.
3. Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced data analytics are transforming North Carolina’s industries, with local companies and institutions leading high-impact projects. In healthcare, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist uses an AI-powered Virtual Nodule Clinic to help doctors assess lung cancer risk, improving diagnostic accuracy and guiding treatment decisions. Similarly, Duke Health has developed Sepsis Watch, an AI system that analyzes patient data to detect sepsis risk in emergency rooms. This tool has reduced sepsis mortality by 31 percent and has identified over 3,000 high-risk patients since its implementation.
In the tech sector, Lenovo has partnered with NC State University to develop geospatial AI for optimizing agriculture, while Cerebras Systems is helping build one of the nation’s largest supercomputers in Asheville to support AI research and development. These collaborations are attracting significant investment and talent to North Carolina, positioning the state as a hub for AI innovation in healthcare, manufacturing, and beyond.
4. Cloud Computing and IT Solutions
Cloud computing is at the heart of digital transformation for North Carolina businesses, enabling scalable, secure, and collaborative operations. Local managed service providers (MSPs) such as GO4 Technologies, Net Friends Inc., and CEI – The Digital Office help organizations migrate to the cloud, implement secure backup solutions, and manage IT infrastructure.
For example, GO4 Technologies offers cloud backup, file sharing, and disaster recovery services tailored to the needs of North Carolina’s small and medium-sized businesses, including law firms, healthcare providers, and manufacturers. Their local expertise allows them to provide personalized support and rapid response, ensuring business continuity and data security.
Net Friends Inc., based in Durham, delivers managed IT and cybersecurity services to clients such as 8 Rivers and Aer Therapeutics, helping them stay ahead in a competitive digital landscape. These providers are crucial partners in helping North Carolina companies embrace hybrid work, protect sensitive data, and scale operations efficiently.
5. Cybersecurity Innovations
With the increasing digitization of industry, cybersecurity has become a top priority for North Carolina’s public and private sectors. The state has adopted a whole-of-state approach to cybersecurity, led by the North Carolina Joint Cybersecurity Task Force (JCTF). This initiative provides mandatory incident reporting, prohibits ransom payments by government entities, and extends intrusion detection and prevention services to county governments, school districts, and community colleges.
Since 2019, the JCTF has supported more than 60 major cybersecurity incidents, helping local governments and schools respond to and recover from attacks. The state has also invested $7.5 million annually in cybersecurity funding, managed by the North Carolina Department of Information Technology (NCDIT), to strengthen critical infrastructure and protect sensitive information.
North Carolina’s emphasis on cybersecurity innovation is also reflected in its commitment to workforce development and public-private collaboration. The state regularly hosts cybersecurity symposiums, conferences, and training sessions, bringing together experts from government, education, and industry to share best practices and address emerging threats. These events foster a collaborative environment where stakeholders can exchange knowledge, develop new strategies, and stay ahead of the rapidly evolving cyber threat landscape.
Additionally, educational initiatives and partnerships with universities ensure that the next generation of cybersecurity professionals is equipped with the latest skills and expertise, further strengthening the state’s resilience against cyberattacks.
This comprehensive approach positions North Carolina as a leader in cybersecurity preparedness and innovation, safeguarding critical infrastructure and sensitive data for both public and private entities.
Conclusion
North Carolina’s industries are embracing a technological revolution that is redefining how businesses operate and compete. From the precision of automation and IoT in manufacturing to the safety and efficiency of drone-based cleaning, and from AI-driven healthcare advancements to robust cloud computing and cybersecurity measures, the state is at the forefront of innovation.
These technologies are not only enhancing operational efficiency and safety but also fostering economic growth and resilience. By leveraging local expertise, fostering public-private partnerships, and investing in workforce development, North Carolina is positioning itself as a national leader in technological advancement, ensuring its industries remain competitive and future-ready in an ever-evolving global landscape.
Comments