AI-Driven OT Security Gains Momentum Amid Maturity Concerns

A new report by Honeywell Technologies suggests that AI-enabled capabilities are increasingly being used in operational technology (OT) security. The 2026 OT Cybersecurity Benchmark Report found that 72% of respondents use AI-enabled threat detection, while 68% rely on continuous monitoring and 59% use asset inventory.

However, the report notes that most AI capabilities currently assist human analysts rather than operating independently. Only 23% of respondents reported autonomous or agentic operation for threat detection, continuous monitoring, and asset inventory.

The level of autonomy is seen as an important indicator of OT security maturity, with organizations requiring clear decision rights, human oversight, and testing to ensure the operational consequences of incorrect responses are accounted for. The goal of well-governed AI automation is to strengthen visibility and response without creating new risks to uptime, equipment or safety.