Manufacturing Happy Hour

Do we really need robots that look like us? The debate is ongoing, but we thought we’d take a closer look at the real use cases for humanoids in this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour. It turns out humanoids do have practical benefits, as Melonee Wise, Chief Product Officer at Agility Robotics, explains here. Melonee returned to the podcast to talk about her experience working with robotics and to explain how innovations around humanoid design are helping to change manufacturing for the better. She’s seen the most success for humanoids in repeatable and scalable tasks, which means there’s huge potential for them in manufacturing. You can catch more from Melonee in episode 203 of the podcast – out now on our website. #manufacturinginsights #manufacturingrobotics #humanoids

Fortinet's latest report reveals a promising trend – a growing awareness of OT security's critical role in manufacturing. But still, not all manufacturers are taking action to protect operations tech. In the latest Manufacturing Happy Hour, Rich Springer from Fortinet explores: • Proactive strategies to safeguard your operations • Methods for engaging teams in cybersecurity initiatives • Preparing for potential risks before they materialize As cyber threats continue to evolve, manufacturers must shift from reactive to proactive security measures. To learn how to get started, check out the full episode on our website. #cyberthreats #manufacturinginsights #otsecurity

Kansas City has long been a hub of industry in the region, and the West Bottoms district is the heart and soul of it. In this episode, we hear about its roots as a bustling livestock hub to today's vibrant mix of breweries, distilleries, and creative spaces. Scott Brown from the Historic West Bottoms Association and General Counsel for Faultless Starch, tells us more about the history and present revitalization of the district in episode 194. Find the full episode on our website today. #kansascity #industrialhistory #revitalization

Manufacturing is breathing new life into Rust Belt cities. Here's why… • These cities boast a deep-rooted manufacturing history • They’re ideally positioned as logistical hubs, facilitating efficient transportation of goods • Low entry barriers make manufacturing careers accessible to a diverse workforce • The industry's growth stimulates job creation across various sectors, boosting local economies In episode 198 of Manufacturing Happy Hour, we dive into this topic with insights from leading voices in the manufacturing community. They share their perspectives on how the industry can leverage its strong roots to drive the new manufacturing renaissance. Tune in to the full discussion on our website. Want more industry insights? Sign up for our newsletter and stay ahead of the curve! #rustbelt #manufacturingworkforce #manufacturinginsights

"Generative AI has dramatically widened the aperture, making it simpler for the average person to interface and get value out of it." With over 3 million manufacturing jobs expected to remain unfilled in the next decade, manufacturers face a huge talent crisis… So how can GenAI help? In this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour, we deep dive into the potential of generative AI with Andrew Hastert, Director of Digital Strategy and Portfolio at Rockwell Automation. We cover: - The difference between AI and GenAI - How generative AI can help address the ongoing talent shortage - Practical applications for enhancing operations on the factory floor Don't miss the conversation! It’s packed full of useful tips and insights on the future of manufacturing. Listen now on our website or your favorite podcast platform. Link in the comments. #aiinmanufacturing #generativeai #manufacturinginsights #roklive #rockwellautomation

What can running a café teach you about digital transformation? A lot, it turns out! When Berardino Baratta, the CEO of MxD, took a long career break, he took lessons from his tech career to bring a café into the modern age. This, he says, isn’t that different from digital transformation in manufacturing, which is a huge theme in the industry right now. Baratta's unique journey—from tech startups to leading MxD—offers a fresh perspective on the parallels between small business operations and large-scale manufacturing. Hear more of it in episode 202 of Manufacturing Happy Hour – out now on our website. #manufacturingleadership #manufacturingtech #manufacturinginsights

When it comes to safety and humanoid robots, here are some considerations that make that list (that might not have been front-of-mind for traditional robotics applications)... • Stability during power outages • Resilience to physical impacts • Protective measures for human workers • Human detection capabilities Addressing these topics is essential if we're going to see people and humanoid robots working together on the shop floor! It’s something that Melonee Wise, the Chief Product Officer at Agility Robotics, discusses in our conversation in Episode 203 of the podcast. We talk about the real use cases for humanoids, safety, and Melonee’s experience building a company centered around robotics. Find the full podcast on our website or your usual podcast app. #manufacturingsafety #roboticsandautomation #roboticsinsights

What’s the most valuable asset in a manufacturing company? Spoiler: it’s not the tech or the machinery. It’s the people themselves. Ryan L., VP at Mission Design & Automation, explains why investing in your people should be your top priority. Dive deeper into this topic in Episode 193, where we head to Founders Brewery in Grand Rapids for a discussion on the skills gap in manufacturing. Check out the full episode on our website or wherever you get your podcasts. Link in the comments. #employeeinvestment #manufacturingskillsgap #manufacturinginsights

Are you passionate about manufacturing and BBQ? Our guest in this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour certainly is! Doug Wilson from Marlen International shares his expertise on the world of food processing equipment, sustainability, and the world-class BBQ culture of Kansas City. In this episode, you'll discover: • The valuable lessons that can arise from early career challenges in manufacturing. • The reality of cleanliness in food production and the vast scale of the industry. • Scaling and managing food production while maintaining quality and safety Whether you're an industry veteran or just curious about the behind-the-scenes of food manufacturing, this episode is filled with useful insights. Check it out on our website and don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter for the latest updates. #foodprocessingequipment #kansascitybbq #manufacturingsustainability

IT/OT convergence continues to be a major topic in manufacturing, one that many executives are still navigating. The common thread that binds them? The critical importance of robust security measures to protect our systems and data. Of course, the approach to OT security isn't exactly the same approach you'd take in IT. We're working with plant for equipment and critical infrastructure after all. That's why this episode dives into OT security strategies with Fortinet... In our latest episode, Richard M. Springer discusses the evolution of OT security and the importance of integrating cybersecurity measures into manufacturing processes. Curious about how to enhance your OT security strategy? Tune in to Episode 204 to hear Rich's insights and practical tips! 🎧 Link in the comments below. #operationaltechnology #securitymeasures #otsecurity