ASSEMBLY Audible
The ASSEMBLY Audible podcast explores the people, processes and technologies for assembling parts into finished products. Whether you make large products in small volumes or small products in large volumes, our goal is to provide insights, ideas and inspiration you can put to work. Have a topic you would like to learn more about? Guest suggestions? Email sprovierij@bnpmedia.com.
Episodes
Why AI in Manufacturing Depends on Fixing Factory Data
Manufacturers are investing heavily in AI and automation, but many still can’t access or organize the data needed to make those systems useful. Aron Semle, CTO of HighByte, explains how fragmented factory systems and proprietary data structures are limiting smart manufacturing—and why initiatives such as i3X are becoming critical to making industrial AI practical on the plant floor.
Why Manufacturers Are Choosing Flexibility Instead of Reshoring
Tariffs have reduced direct imports from China, but that doesn't mean manufacturing is coming back to the United States. Patrick Van den Bossche of Kearney explains why companies are building supply chain flexibility instead of committing to reshoring — and why much of the production leaving China is simply moving somewhere else.
Why AI Adoption in Manufacturing Is Stuck in Pilot Mode
Manufacturers are rapidly adopting AI, but most deployments remain limited to small-scale pilots. In this episode, Mike Sabin, CEO of Revalize, explains why scaling AI across the enterprise is proving far more difficult than expected. The conversation explores the key barriers, including fragmented data, legacy systems and the need to shift from viewing AI as a technology project to treat
A New Chapter for the Advanced Manufacturing Expo
Joe Teague discusses AME’s new independent chapter, including this year’s metalworking hall, humanoids and expanded manufacturing focus.Sponsored By:
AI Vision on the Plant Floor: Where It Works and Where It Doesn’t
AI is changing machine vision, but not in the way many manufacturers expect. Matt Moschner, CEO of Cognex, explains where AI vision systems outperform traditional tools, where they don’t and why most real-world applications rely on a hybrid approach.
Could Trade Deal Uncertainty Slow America’s Manufacturing Comeback?
Patrick Lozada, Senior Director of Global Policy at the National Electrical Manufacturers Association, explains how the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, or USMCA, supports manufacturing, regional supply chains, standards alignment and long-term investment certainty. The conversation covers tariffs, reshoring, AI data center demand, grid infrastructure, electrical codes, trade uncertainty and
Why OEM-Supplier Relationships Improved Despite Tariffs and EV Uncertainty
Despite tariffs, EV disruption and supply chain pressure, supplier relationships improved across all six major North American OEMs for the first time in 26 years. Dr. Angela Johnson explains what changed — and why communication and trust are becoming critical competitive advantages.
Rebuilding the Manufacturing Workforce from the Ground Up
Manufacturers need skilled workers now—but traditional training pathways often fall short. In this episode, Justin Brooks explains how short-duration programs are helping people enter manufacturing faster, build confidence on the shop floor and connect directly with employers.
Are Tariffs Helping or Hurting Manufacturers?
Tariffs aren’t impacting every manufacturer the same way. Eddy Azad, founder and CEO of Parsec Automation, explains why some companies gain an advantage while others struggle—and why preparation ultimately determines the outcome.
AI Is a Human Problem, Not a Technology One
AI isn’t failing because of the technology—it’s failing because of how people use it. In this episode, Chris Draper, CEO and co-founder of morriganAI and author of Safe AI Basics and co-author of Governing Artificial Intelligence, challenges the way we think about AI and explains why the real risk—and opportunity—lies in human behavior. Sponsored By:
What Happens When Your Best Technician Retires?
Manufacturers aren’t just losing workers — they’re losing decades of institutional knowledge. Nick Haase, co-founder of MaintainX, explains how the “silver tsunami” is exposing gaps in maintenance data and why companies that fail to capture that knowledge now risk falling behind.
How Manufacturers Stay Ready for What’s Next
Disruptions are inevitable—but being unprepared isn’t. Eddy Azad, founder and CEO of Parsec Automation, explains how manufacturers can build resilience through continuous improvement, visibility and long-term thinking to stay competitive.
Mark Woeppel on Rethinking Inventory and Breaking the Cycle of Shortages
Mark Woeppel explains why many plants fall into a cycle of expediting and reactive decision-making. Drawing on decades of experience, he shares examples of assembly operations overwhelmed by incomplete builds, conflicting priorities and systems that cannot keep pace with real-world conditions.He also introduces the Theory of Constraints as a way to restore stability. By identifying the tr
Tamer Kadous on How Physical AI Is Driving the Next Shift in Factory Connectivity
As manufacturers push deeper into artificial intelligence, a new challenge is emerging: most factory networks weren’t built to support the speed, scale and reliability that modern AI systems require. From robotics to real-time analytics, connectivity is becoming a critical constraint on how far manufacturers can take automation.One of the biggest forces behind that shift is the rise of ph
Dawn Fichter on Recruiting Basics, Better Onboarding and Hiring Skilled Manufacturing Workers
Dawn Fichter, owner of Tools 4 Hiring, discusses why so many manufacturing roles remain open for months and what hiring managers are often getting wrong. Drawing on more than 15 years of recruiting experience, Fichter explains why the challenge is often not a shortage of people, but a breakdown in process, alignment and expectations. She shares practical advice on how manufacturers can mo
Greg Dyer on Manufacturing Hiring, Workforce Flexibility and the Future of Factory Talent
Greg Dyer, chief commercial officer at Randstad USA, discusses the challenges manufacturers face as they work to recruit, develop and retain the workforce needed to keep production running. With reshoring efforts accelerating and experienced workers retiring in large numbers, manufacturers must rethink how they attract talent and build sustainable workforce pipelines. Dyer explains how th
Blake Maurer on AI Inspection, Structured Data and Modern Quality Management
Blake Maurer of Loopr AI discusses how manufacturers can improve quality inspection by combining human expertise with AI-enabled visual inspection systems. He explains how platforms like Loopr are designed to reduce variability in inspections, digitize quality records and structure manufacturing data so companies can successfully scale AI across their operations. Maurer also explores the
Downtime Solutions: Power Strategies for Automotive Plants
Downtime Solutions: Power Strategies for Automotive Plants explores the role power distribution plays in facilitating efficiency on the factory floor. Tune in to learn how smarter power strategies have helped leading automakers reduce downtime and improve operational flexibility to support rapid production changes.Sponsored By: Starline
Bill Good on Automation, Digitization and Building the No. 1 U.S. Appliance Manufacturer
Bill Good, Vice President of Manufacturing and Supply Chain at GE Appliances, discusses how the company rose to the number one spot in U.S. appliance manufacturing — not simply through scale, but through a deliberate strategy centered on automation, digitization and reshoring. Good explains how GE Appliances is investing in advanced robotics, virtual production planning and real-time data
Bill Good on Using AI to Transform U.S. Manufacturing and Workforce Productivity
Bill Good, Vice President of Manufacturing and Supply Chain at GE Appliances, shares how artificial intelligence is transforming U.S. manufacturing in this episode of ASSEMBLY Audible. From AI tools that help operators diagnose equipment in real time to automating complex processes, Good explains how technology is being integrated with workforce development and plant modernization to driv
Trisha Epp on Opening NASA-Tested Innovation to Manufacturers — Paying for Outcomes, Not Proposals
Trisha Epp, Director of Innovation at Freelancer, explains how a NASA-tested, crowdsourced approach to solving technical challenges is now available to manufacturers. In this episode, we explore how posting problems to a global network of engineers and scientists can deliver faster, cheaper and more diverse solutions than traditional RFPs or consulting engagements. Learn how manufacturers
Meaghan Elwell on Engaging Frontline Workers and Building Human-Centered Manufacturing
Meaghan Elwell, Division President of Global Industrials at JLL, discusses how manufacturing facilities can look flawless on paper, but still leave frontline workers feeling disengaged and undervalued. In this episode, we share insights on why employees stay even when they’re not fully engaged, how human-centered design can transform the factory floor and shares practical steps manufactur
Nashay Naeve on Reframing Manufacturing to Attract and Retain New Talent
Nashay Naeve, president of the Engineered Plastic Components business unit at Tsubaki Nakashima, breaks down why manufacturers are still struggling to fill roles, what leaders can change immediately to reframe the industry and how modern operations are reshaping what manufacturing careers actually look like. She also shares practical insight on bringing more women into technical roles, bu
Linir Zamir on How the deviceWISE Intelligence Suite Brings AI to the Edge
Telit Cinterion’s Dr. Linir Zamir discusses how Artificial Intelligence is moving closer to the factory floor through edge-based systems that keep data on site and enable faster decision-making. He explains how industrial IoT platforms can connect legacy equipment, normalize machine data and support AI “agents” that help detect early signs of failure, guide fault recovery and reduce downt
Breaking New Ground in Industrial Sustainability Through Collaboration
Sustainability in manufacturing is no longer about broad promises or future targets, as leading companies are developing science-based standards. In this episode of ASSEMBLY Audible, we spotlight a major milestone in industrial sustainability: Schneider Electric’s groundbreaking achievement as the first industrial product manufacturer to earn UL Solutions’ new ECOLOGO Certification.Bin Lu
How Short-Sighted Cost-Cutting Could Hurt U.S. Manufacturers
Are U.S. manufacturers mortgaging their future to cut costs? New research from EFESO Management Consultants suggests that many U.S. manufacturers may be undermining their long-term competitiveness through short-sighted cost-cutting strategies driven by tariffs, rising energy costs, and ongoing market pressures. Chuck Deise, Senior Partner at EFESO, joins the podcast to share insights from
Making GenAI Work on the Factory Floor
According to ABBYY, many manufacturing businesses are investing in GenAI solutions that promise more than they can realistically deliver, and in some cases, GenAI isn’t even the technology they need. To research, ABBYY commissioned the 2025 State of Intelligent Automation Report: GenAI Confessions, a survey examining how manufacturers are adopting GenAI, where they’re struggling, and what
How a 113-Year-Old Company Keeps Fastening Technology Modern
Industrial Rivet & Fastener Co., also known as RivetKing, won Product of the Year in the fastening category at the ASSEMBLY Show in 2025. We’re joined by Steven Sherman, vice president of engineering, to learn more about the award-winning product, the company’s history, and how it keeps an old-school product line modern.Sponsored By:
Power Distribution Strategy Is Important for Smart Manufacturing
We’re joined by Adrian Sanchez, director of commercial and industrial sales at Starline Holdings LLC, to explore why flexible power distribution is no longer just a technical decision, but a strategic one.Sponsored By:
How a STEM Grant Turned One Teacher Toward a Manufacturing Career
What happens when a STEM grant drops industrial CNC machines into a high school classroom, and the teacher has never machined a part? In this episode of ASSEMBLY Audible, we share an upskilling story about Jeremy Jennings, who began his journey in manufacturing as a teacher in Texas, whose classroom was grant-funded for an engineering design program. With no prior machining experience, Je
Panasonic’s Approach to Continuous Improvement for Assembly Tools
We connected with Ryan Lashley and Sota Ito with Panasonic, at The ASSEMBLY Show in Rosemont, IL, to learn about the evolution of the AccuPulse series, their new product offerings, and their emphasis on continuous improvement.Sponsored By:
What the 2026 CUSMA Review Means for North American Manufacturing
Since taking effect in 2020, the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) has supported nearly US$2 trillion in annual trade, providing a stable framework for the duty-free movement of qualifying goods. Today, however, stricter rules of origin, evolving tariff policies, and geopolitical pressures are reshaping supply chains and raising new risks for manufacturers. As CUSMA approaches
Developing Automation Products: From Napkin-Sketch to the Factory Floor
During The Assembly Show last fall, we sat down with Anthony Leo, president of IPR Robotics, to talk about new product development in the automation sector. Leo explains how he transforms a napkin sketch into a usable product that people want. We discuss the development of StackTrax, IPR’s new, modular seventh-axis system designed to extend robot reach and flexibility on the factory floor
Transforming Aerospace Operations with an Embedded Engineer Model
The demand for aerospace engineers is projected to grow 13% through 2031. Meanwhile, companies are under pressure to keep production, maintenance, and innovation on track while facing an industry-wide skilled workforce shortage. Michael Campbell, President of ACD Consulting, a division of Coltala Aerospace, joins us to discuss how ACD Consulting’s Solutions-Based Embedded Engineer program
What’s Motivating Today’s Manufacturing Job Seekers?
In Aerotek’s latest Job Seeker Survey, nearly three-quarters of more than 2,400 respondents said they’re applying to manufacturing jobs, and 64% are optimistic about the industry’s future in North America. We connect with Stanley Johnson, Director of Business Development for Manufacturing and Logistics at Aerotek, to discuss findings from Aerotek’s job seeker survey, including why job see
An Expanding Manufacturing Franchise Model
You don’t usually hear “franchise model” and “manufacturing” in the same sentence, but Isembard is rewriting that narrative. The company’s plan to build a distributed network of software-driven factories across the U.S. and beyond is backed by full operational support, including machines and tooling, hiring, quality, and an integrated pipeline of customer orders. At the heart of it all is
New Tool Controller Increases Flexibility, Improves Maintenance
During the ASSEMBLY Show in Rosemont, IL, Russ Hughes, product marketing manager at Desoutter Tools, joined ASSEMBLY Audible to discuss his company’s new tightening platform, AXON. Hughes discusses how AXON solves assembly challenges, such as managing diverse tools that require backup controllers onsite, reducing downtime, enabling live data analytics, supporting sustainability goals, and
How Agentic AI Is Transforming Cost, Schedule, and Risk Estimation
Cost estimation is becoming smarter, faster, and more predictive thanks to advances in AI, demonstrated by platforms such as Galorath's SEERai, a new agentic AI platform engineered to deliver secure, traceable, and audit-ready cost, schedule, and risk insights for manufacturing, aerospace, defense, and IT programs. In this episode, ASSEMBLY Audible welcomes Charles Orlando, Chief Strategy
The Connected Worker Manufacturing Stack
Software companies are building a new manufacturing stack that includes four layers: ERP, MES, Connected Worker, and AI. Dan McKiernan, principal product manager with Epicor, joins us at the ASSEMBLY Show to talk about the success that arises when these systems work together in a stack rather than a patchwork of tools.Sponsored By:
How 5G Connectivity Is Revolutionizing Manufacturing
Next-generation connectivity is emerging as a powerful solution to meet sustainability goals and enhance operational efficiency. In this episode of ASSEMBLY Audible, we speak with Michael Weller, Global Practice Leader in Manufacturing, Energy, and Utilities at Verizon Business. Did you know, for every million linear feet of copper cabling, manufacturers require significant amounts of ene
From CAD to Clarity: Why Automated Work Instructions Are the Critical Step in Reindustrializing the West
At the 2025 ASSEMBLY Show, we sat down with Ben Brakenwagen, Account Executive, to explore how Dirac’s BuildOS automated work instruction platform transforms complex CAD models into clear, repeatable, and scalable work instructions, creating the digital thread that connects design, production, and quality. By automating and standardizing this critical step, manufacturers can accelerate di
From Back Office to Factory Floor: Discover the Benefits of Agentic AI in Assembly
A new report from Deloitte, From Vision to Value: A Roadmap for Enterprise Transformation in Manufacturing with Agentic AI, reveals that more than a quarter of manufacturers are already exploring how agentic AI technology can transform everything from the back office to the factory floor. We explore the report's implications with the AI & Data Principal at Deloitte, Patricia Henderson
The Technologies Powering John Deere’s Smart Factories
Explore the technology ecosystem behind John Deere’s award-winning factories, such as Davenport Works, which was named ASSEMBLY Magazine’s 2025 Plant of the Year. Jason Wallin, Senior Principal Architect, TechStack at John Deere, shares how an engaged workforce supported by the right digital tools drives the quality John Deere customers expect. We dive into the company’s use of AI, digita
Turning Supply Chain Volatility into Operational Control
According to Kearney’s latest Supply Chain Navigator 2025 H2 Outlook, global supply chain costs are projected to rise from 4 to 7% above inflation by Q4 2025. We examine disruption-led cost inflation and what "designing for disruption” really means in today’s manufacturing landscape. Our guest, Rupal Deshmukh, Partner, Kearney, explains the intent behind the Supply Chain Navigator and wha
How To Overcome the Technology "Value Void" in Manufacturing
Join us for an interview that covers a new report from Infor, How Possible Happens: Overcome the ‘Value Void’ Through Technology-Driven Productivity. Andrew Kinder, SVP Industry Strategy, explains the findings, sharing insights into the challenges manufacturers face when adopting new technology. Learn what the “value void" is in the context of advanced manufacturing settings, how to avoid
Precision, Automation, and Scalability in Micro Medical Device Assembly
Intricon specializes in designing, molding, and assembling some of the smallest and smartest components in the medical device industry. Our guest, Jay Tavakolian, Operations Program Director at Intricon, shares insights into the precision, scalability, and innovation behind building micro medical devices that serve critical applications in surgical navigation, wearables, diagnostics, and
2025 Manufacturing Outlook According to U.S. Executives
Dive into the latest insights from Sikich’s 2025 Manufacturing & Distribution Industry Pulse survey. According to the study, despite persistent challenges like inflation, supply chain disruptions, and tariff pressures, more than half of U.S. manufacturing executives remain moderately optimistic about the year ahead. Jerry Murphy, Principal and Manufacturing Services Leader at Sikich,
Consumer-Driven Manufacturing
What does it really mean to be consumer-driven in today’s manufacturing landscape? Traditional production models based on forecasts can’t keep pace with shifting demand, volatile tariffs, and rapid market changes. In this episode, we welcome Liya Getachew, Principal at Sendero Consulting, to explore how manufacturers can transform their operations to stay agile and competitive. Liya share
Connecting Quality, ASSEMBLY, & SMTA at The ASSEMBLY Show
This joint episode of ASSEMBLY Audible and Quality Magazine’s Q-Cast spotlights the collaboration between SMTA and The ASSEMBLY Show 2025. Hosts Jennifer Pierce and Michelle Bangert welcome Greg Vance, principal engineer at Rockwell Automation and president of SMTA’s board of directors, to discuss how electronics manufacturing has evolved over the decades, from miniaturization to the late
How Additive Manufacturing Drives Innovation in Aerospace and Beyond
This conversation with Foster Ferguson, Vice President of Industrial Business, explores how Stratasys, a leader in aerospace manufacturing R&D and additive manufacturing, is innovating 3D printing to advance part production, materials, and processes. Advanced additive manufacturing enables parts to be printed in a single, optimized design, thereby reducing supply chain complexity and
Change Management Strategies for Manufacturers
Join us for a conversation with Vanessa Akhtar, Kotter's Head of Consulting and Managing Director, and co-author of Change: How Organizations Create Hard-to-Imagine Results Despite Uncertain and Volatile Times. We examine how reshoring affects organizations beyond logistics, how to measure the success of reshoring or other operational transformations, how to engage employees during times
The Competitive Edge: Building People Who Build Trucks
Join us for a conversation with Joanna Cooper, General Manager at the Mount Holly Daimler Truck plant, to explore what it really takes to connect with people and get desired results in today’s manufacturing landscape. Joanna offers insights into innovative management strategies to address workforce challenges, some of which can involve a “game of telephone” unless new tools and approaches
How FIRST Robotics Students See the Future of Manufacturing
Join us for a conversation with Tennessine Titans FIRST Robotics member, Lacey Coates. Lacey offers valuable insights into how manufacturers can attract and inspire young talent, emphasizing the need for a cultural shift that prioritizes innovation, technical skills, and long-term investment in STEM education. As part of FIRST Robotics, Lacey and her teammates take a holistic approach to
Automation Strategies for Modern Manufacturing
From addressing workforce and skills gaps to enhancing quality control, assembly line maintenance, and front-office operations, learn how automation is helping manufacturers and how to formulate a successful strategy. Colin Dowd, Industry Strategy Senior Manager for the Manufacturing and Distribution practice at Armanino, shares practical insights on building effective automation strategi
Benefitting from Machine Learning
Welcome to this joint ASSEMBLY Audible and Quality Magazine Q-Cast podcast episode! Get a preview of the upcoming presentation by David Dechow, Benefitting from Machine Learning in Machine Vision Applications, through this collaborative podcast, where we discuss how machine vision applications are implemented in assembly applications. David will be joining us at the ASSEMBLY Show in Octob
FIRST Robotics Paves the Path to Manufacturing for Next-Gen Engineers
Participation in FIRST Robotics serves as a gateway into STEM and manufacturing careers as students learn facets of mechanical, programming, electrical, and the business side of robotics. Dhruv Patel from Flagship First Robotics joins us from the ASSEMBLY Show South in Nashville to share his enthusiasm for the latest technological advancements in manufacturing, like rapid liquid printing.
Rethinking 5S: Why Standardization Should Come First
Without clear standards in place, efforts toward kaizen or continuous improvement often fall flat. During this episode with consultant, author, Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt, and student of Japanese philosophy and culture, Steve Beauchamp, we discuss how failing to establish standards makes it difficult to identify problems, recognize what’s necessary, and communicate change. Learn som
Why Manufacturers Should Consider Hiring Workers from Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is a smart source for recruiting manufacturing talent, and our guest on the podcast, Clay Martin, founder of Isla Talent, a staffing and recruiting agency specializing in this area, has been successfully matching companies with qualified Puerto Rican workers for over two decades. Find out the benefits and what's involved in the process of recruiting from this overlooked territ
Leading with MORE: Human-Centric Leadership in Manufacturing
What is meaningful work, and how does an organization improve when employees are instilled with a sense of meaningful work? We're joined by Kathy Miller, author, operations leader, and Women in Manufacturing Hall of Famer, to discuss her upcoming publication based on her MORE model. Kathy discusses her approach to processes, sound leadership principles, and the science of human flourishin
Reimagining Factory Production in the Era of Hyper-Automation
Explore insights from Accenture's report, Rethinking the Course to Manufacturing’s Future. Based on a global survey of 552 factory managers across industrial, automotive, and aerospace sectors, the study reveals how manufacturers are reimagining production in the era of hyper-automation and AI. Our guest, Patrick Vollmer, Global Industry Group Lead, Industrials, Accenture, breaks down the
Tariffs, AI, and Supply Chain Insights from an Automotive Parts Manufacturer
The automotive industry has one of the most complex supply chains in the world, comprising thousands of parts and an ever-expanding range of products. The shifting global landscape, including tariffs, trade uncertainty, and supply chain disruptions, impacts production at every level, including the aftermarket. We're joined by the CEO of Premium Guard Inc (PGI), a manufacturer and supplier
Building Smarter Turnkey Manufacturing Systems
Every plant has its unique set of challenges and situations. Innovative, customized turnkey solutions for advanced manufacturing operations go far beyond a single segment. Rhino’s holistic approach brings together tools, hoists, automation, and expertise to deliver sustainable, high-impact results. In this episode, Michael Fecher, Area Sales Engineer, shares how Rhino is helping manufactu
Smarter Shop Floors Powered by Computer Vision
From detecting defects at the source to inventory counting and tracking, Roboflow’s platform can be deployed via smart cameras to deliver actionable insights on the shop floor. We’re joined by Daniel Bender, Product Specialist at Roboflow, to explore how their customizable computer vision platform is helping companies extract real-time data from their environments.Sponsored By:
User-Friendly Robotic Welding System Delivers Fast ROI
The global welder shortage is affecting fabrication shops of all sizes—from small, 12-person teams to large pontoon boat builders. Spartan Robotics is helping companies overcome this talent gap with a 7-axis cobot welding system that delivers speed, flexibility, and a fast ROI. Pierre de Giorgio, President and CTO of Spartan Robotics, joins us to share key components of the user-friendly
The True Potential of AI in Factories
What does AI actually look like on the factory floor? In this episode of ASSEMBLY Audible, we learn about the real-world applications of artificial intelligence in manufacturing. Ivan Madera, CEO and Founder of Adaptive AI, has raised and deployed over $100 million to launch advanced engineering and manufacturing facilities, working closely with some of the biggest names in the industry.
Local Industry-Led Collaborative Creates a Workforce Model That Works
With nearly half a million open manufacturing jobs reported in the U.S., communities across the country are feeling the pressure to fill critical roles. In this episode, we spotlight the Lincoln Manufacturing Council (LMC), a powerful example of how local leadership and industry collaboration can create meaningful change. Based in Lincoln, Nebraska—where manufacturing is the city’s second
The AI-Driven Shift Toward Adaptive Supply Networks
From the lingering impacts of COVID-19 to the challenges of tariffs, Jennifer Chew, VP of Solutions and Consulting at Bristlecone, explains why supply chains must move beyond cost management to focus on resilience and adaptability. She highlights the critical role of planning and how AI is emerging as a powerful tool for improving visibility, facilitating scenario planning, and supporting
Modernizing Manufacturing with Open AI for Industrial Automation
Xaba’s Generative Industrial AI equips machines with cognitive intelligence, allowing them to autonomously adapt, optimize, and execute tasks with precision. Its flagship product, xCognition, empowers industrial robots and cobots with AI-driven cognition and awareness, enabling them to autonomously generate programs and execute complex tasks such as welding, drilling, assembling, and addi
Top 5 Developments in Manufacturing—and What Still Needs Work
We spotlight the top five developments in manufacturing—and discuss what still needs improvement, according to Meaghan Ziemba, founder of Mavens of Manufacturing. Some areas of growth noted by Meaghan include how AI is helping manufacturers with small or no marketing teams and how companies are moving beyond outdated jargon to connect with audiences through authenticity, culture, and huma
Strategic Recruiting for Small and Mid-Sized Manufacturers
In this episode, we sit down with Ann Wyatt, President of Ann Wyatt Recruiting and Host of the Workforce 4.0 podcast. Ann shares her insights on how small to mid-sized manufacturers can adapt their hiring strategies to locate top-tier technical talent. From understanding which platforms to use for talent outreach to the growing importance of technology-driven training—like VR and AI—we ex
Vision System for Dynamic Automated Assembly Lines
Traditional robotic systems often require manufacturers to constrain their environments with expensive tooling and rigid setups. Griffin Gillespie, Account Executive, shares how Inbolt is transforming assembly operations by attaching a 3D vision system to industrial robots. Inbolt’s technology allows robots to follow moving parts on assembly lines and has proven particularly useful in aut
How Manufacturers Are Responding to Tariffs
Tariffs may well be the defining word of 2025—especially in manufacturing. In this follow-up to our earlier episode, The Impact of Trump's Tariffs on Manufacturers, we revisit the conversation with an updated perspective. We connect with René Linsner, President & CEO of Horváth USA, to discuss how tariffs are currently affecting manufacturers—from rising production costs to reshoring
Leak Detection Optimization Starts with Training
Optimal leak detection is critical to ensure quality control—and safety. In this episode, we speak with Dave Deiwert, President of Tracer Gas Technologies LLC, about the challenges of leak testing, especially when using helium as a tracer gas. Dave shares insights from his decades-long career, including what inspired him to launch his company and why hands-on training is essential. We exp
Quality, Content, and Community with Nush Ahmed
Meet Nush Ahmed—Quality Inspector, founder of the NextGenMFG-Podcast, and co-founder of Sisterhood of Trades, a growing community built by tradeswomen to empower the next generation. Nush takes us inside the world of quality inspection in manufacturing. We dive into her philosophy that quality isn’t a bottleneck—it’s the heart of manufacturing. From aerospace to automotive, Nush explains
Protecting Production in a Tougher Regulatory Climate
Workforce regulations have intensified under the current administration—making compliance a higher priority than ever. This episode explores strategies to avoid costly fines, damaging publicity, and disruptive production delays. Our guest, Billy Milam, CEO of EmployBridge, the U.S.'s largest industrial staffing firm, suggests a "belt and suspenders" approach to protect operations. We exa
The Automation Equation: ROI, Productivity, and People
Mark Cianciosa, Business Development Manager – Automation at Wauseon Machine, joins us to discuss the challenges and benefits beyond just the numbers of integrating robotics into high-speed assembly and manufacturing environments. Mark shares insights on the ripple effect of automation across a facility: why you should get everyone on board, how the investment in automation strengthens an
How Artificial Intelligence Is Revolutionizing Manufacturing
Artificial Intelligence Will Revolutionize Manufacturing, is the title of a book by our guest, Dr. Markus Guerster, Ph.D., founder and CEO of MontBlanc AI. In this episode, we discuss how advances in computing power and access to high-quality data have enabled AI to evolve from reactive to more predictive systems—such as predictive maintenance. According to Guerster, the key to unlocking
Fastening Failures: The Top 5 Mistakes and How To Avoid Them
Fastening is critical to product design and assembly, as mistakes can be costly or dangerous. Discover the top fastening mistakes, according to longtime industry expert Doug Jones, Applications Engineering Manager at Bossard North America.Sponsored By:
The Shift Toward Mobile, Real-time Assembly Inspection
Thanks to technologies like LooprAI, assembly inspection is undergoing a paradigm shift. As fixed cameras fail to address the need for macro inspections and dynamic, real-time analysis, and with manual inspectors retiring rapidly, manufacturers need automated, mobile solutions that require minimal data training while delivering 360-degree views and multiple simultaneous inspections. Learn
A Conversation on Rising Cyber Threats & How to Stay Ahead
According to the 2025 Cyber Incidents Insights Report, manufacturing continues to be a highly targeted sector for cybersecurity crimes. The report shows that attacks specific to manufacturing rose from 115 to 420 in 2024. Stay vigilant by learning about the rise and fragmentation of threat actors. Get tips on how to stay ahead with an impactful cybersecurity system and strategy, according
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