Manufacturing Hub

• Ep. 217 - Reshaping Manufacturing Data Strategy by Connecting Legacy Equipment to Modern Platforms

  Data collection is no longer a back-office task. It is now the foundation of manufacturing intelligence. In this episode of Manufacturing Hub, we are joined by Brian Bribe, founder of Mach Controls, to explore the practical realities of modernizing data infrastructure inside manufacturing facilities.Brian brings a frontline perspective to OT architecture and walks us through what it actually takes to connect legacy equipment, build scalable pipelines, and enable true real-time decision-making. We dive deep into Unified Namespace (UNS) principles, the evolution of MQTT and Kafka in industrial settings, and why so many manufacturers struggle to get ROI from new digital systems. From co-op student to founder of a systems integration firm, Brian shares how his early hands-on experience shaped his understanding of controls, business systems, and the gaps in between.Topics include historian layers, challenges with SCADA-based centralization, how to scope a machine connectivity project, practical change management tips, and the path to flattened architectures using modern pub-sub tools. This is a must-watch for engineers, plant managers, and decision-makers looking to make sense of the data revolution inside their factories.📌 Episode 217 is the first in our July theme focused on Data Collection for Manufacturing Intelligence.🔗 Learn more about Manufacturing Hub: https://manufacturinghub.live🔗 Explore Joltek consulting services: https://www.joltek.com/⏱️ Timestamps00:00 Introduction and Overview of Data Collection Theme02:00 Brian’s Journey into Controls Engineering and Integration06:30 What Legacy Manufacturing Equipment Actually Looks Like10:00 Why Data Collection is Often an Afterthought in Scope13:50 The Disconnect Between Machines and Business Systems17:00 Real-World Discovery Process for Machine Connectivity22:00 Overcoming Internal Resistance to Data-Driven Projects28:00 Strategies for Extracting Data from Obsolete PLCs34:30 Direct Sensor to SCADA vs PLC-Driven Design Debate41:00 Flattening the Architecture and Breaking the Purdue Model55:00 What Unified Namespace Looks Like in Practice with UMH

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• Ep. 215 - Robotics 2025: Fanuc, KUKA, & the Future of AI-Powered Automation Humanoids Cybersecurity

  In this episode of Manufacturing Hub, we welcome back Pawel Krupa, founder of the Future Robotics YouTube channel, to dive deep into the rapidly evolving world of industrial robotics. With over a decade of hands-on experience integrating and programming systems from Fanuc, KUKA, and others, Pawel shares exclusive insights on some of the biggest changes reshaping robotics in 2025. These changes are not just cosmetic updates; they are being driven by new ISO standards and increasing cybersecurity requirements across industrial automation.We explore the hardware and software changes coming to Fanuc’s R-50iA cabinet, including multiple Ethernet ports, enhanced vision systems with built-in lighting, and a groundbreaking integration of Python for native robot programming. KUKA is also undergoing a major transformation with its KC5 slim cabinet and KUKA iiQ OS, a Linux-based control system with new UI, simulation environments, and plug-and-play capabilities. These updates signify a paradigm shift where robots become not only smarter and safer, but far easier to configure, maintain, and upgrade.The conversation expands into one of the most talked-about frontiers in robotics: humanoid robots. Are they just hype or do they have a real role to play in industrial environments? We assess the business case for humanoids, especially in facilities where traditional automation has been financially unjustifiable. From handling tasks like herb sorting in food production to stepping into high-risk environments, humanoids may soon bridge the automation gap in low-throughput, labor-intensive workflows.We also explore how AI is influencing robot deployment, from edge vision systems to cycle time optimization. Pawel outlines how drag-and-drop AI-powered tools are slashing development time for vision systems from hours to minutes, while also lowering the barrier to entry for those without years of machine vision experience. Vision systems that used to require complex calibration and scripting are now being trained on real-time images or CAD models, making robotic integration faster and more accessible than ever.Finally, we close with actionable startup ideas and a bold look into the future of collaborative robots, AI, and hybrid ecosystems of humanoids and industrial arms working side-by-side. If you're in automation, manufacturing, or considering a robotics venture, this episode is packed with strategic insight, technical knowledge, and forward-thinking ideas you won’t want to miss.🔗 Explore more from Pawel Krupa: https://www.youtube.com/@FutureRobotics🎙 Manufacturing Hub Archives: https://www.manufacturinghub.live/💡 Joltek Consulting Services: https://www.joltek.com/⏱️ Timestamps00:00 – Intro and Overview of Robotics Coverage03:00 – Pawel Krupa Introduction and Robotics Background05:00 – Cybersecurity-Driven Changes to Industrial Robots06:30 – Fanuc R-50iA Cabinet Updates and Python Integration11:00 – KUKA KC5 and iiQ OS: New Hardware and Software Paradigm15:00 – ISO Changes and Safety Implications for Cobots17:00 – Industrial Applications and ROI for Humanoid Robots30:00 – Practical AI Use Cases in Robotics and Vision Systems40:00 – AI Vision System Setup: From Demo to Deployment49:00 – Startup Idea: Optimizing Robot Motion via AI57:00 – Future of Robotics: AI-Enabled Humanoids and Maintenance Bots

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• Ep. 214 - Robotics Rewired: Building Smarter Systems for Tomorrow's Factory

  Welcome to another episode of Manufacturing Hub! In this week’s episode, we dive deep into the evolving world of robotics with returning guest Sean Dotson, now CEO of Elite Robotics. From building large-scale material handling systems to exploring the future of AI-driven robot programming, Sean shares a candid view of what it really takes to modernize factory operations.We explore:What “material handling” really means in practiceThe real-world complexity of end-of-arm tooling and vision systemsWhy standardization is critical for both integrators and manufacturersWhat robotics programming and automation roles will look like in the next five yearsThe practical limits of robots-as-a-service and humanoid hypeUsing generative AI and GPTs to assist in controls programmingCareer advice for engineers breaking into robotics and automationPlus, Sean shares some incredible stories from the field, including building a machine for radioactive seed sorting and handling rocket-propelled grenade components safely with robots. 🔥Whether you're an engineer, systems integrator, or a manufacturing leader, this episode offers tactical insights and thoughtful strategy.🔗 Learn more about Sean’s company: https://eliterobotics.com📫 Contact Sean directly: [email protected]🔗 Connect with Vlad: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vladromanov🔗 Learn more about Joltek: https://www.joltek.com

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• Ep. 213 - The AI Revolution in Manufacturing: Productivity Gains and Cultural Shifts

  In this episode of Manufacturing Hub, we welcome back Billy Albritton for a deep dive into the evolving world of artificial intelligence in manufacturing. Billy first joined us on Episode 23, and now almost 200 episodes later, he returns to share his perspective on how far the space has come and what the future holds.Billy walks us through his journey from the military to advanced manufacturing and ultimately to becoming a leading voice in the AI and digital transformation space. We explore how large language models like ChatGPT are already changing how we write code, design solutions, and even train junior engineers. He offers real-world use cases of generative and agentic AI in industrial contexts and explains how tools like Cursor are already being used to automate everything from software development to curriculum generation.We unpack the cultural barriers that prevent AI from being adopted on the plant floor and how forward-looking companies can implement AI safely and ethically. From internal teams building custom tools to small agile firms delivering big results, the conversation highlights the shift in power and opportunity across the ecosystem.Billy also gives us a glimpse into the near future of AI-enhanced humanoid robots, local LLM deployments on the shop floor, and what might happen to traditional job roles as these technologies scale. Whether you are an engineer, developer, plant manager, or simply curious about how AI is impacting the real world, this episode will give you both insights and practical strategies to consider.Stick around until the end to hear Billy’s predictions for the next five, ten, and twenty years in manufacturing. And if you’re wondering how to get started with AI tools, Billy offers concrete advice and resources you can begin exploring today.Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome back Billy Albritton 02:00 Billy’s path into manufacturing and robotics 06:00 How ChatGPT shifted Billy’s perspective 10:00 What is agentic AI and why it matters 15:00 The changing role of junior developers 20:00 AI in traditional enterprise software vs the real factory floor 27:00 Challenges with industrial AI adoption 32:00 Internal vs external development strategies 37:00 Billy’s go-to AI tools and workflows 45:00 Real-time AI assistants and the new software paradigm 53:00 Is there a ceiling to generative AI? 59:00 The future of robotics and humanoids 1:03:00 What happens to work in a post-AI world? 1:06:00 Advice for anyone looking to start with AI todayConnect with Billy https://www.linkedin.com/in/billyalbritton/Follow us Host: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vladromanov/ Show: https://www.manufacturinghub.live/ Joltek: https://www.joltek.com/Recommended Tools Mentioned Cursor: https://www.cursor.so/ OpenAI ChatGPT: https://chat.openai.com/ Claude by Anthropic: https://claude.ai/ Synthesia: https://www.synthesia.io/ Hugging Face: https://huggingface.co/ Leonardo AI: https://leonardo.ai/Subscribe for more conversations with the most innovative minds in manufacturing and industrial automation. New episodes every Thursday.

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• Ep. 212 - Real Applications of AI in Manufacturing and What Still Needs Work

  AI is making headlines across every industry, but how much of it is actually being used on the manufacturing floor?In this episode of Manufacturing Hub, Vlad and Dave return to the whiteboard to explore practical and real-world applications of artificial intelligence in manufacturing. From pre-operations to live production, this session covers how AI is being used today across CAD tools, BOM generation, predictive maintenance, system optimization, and machine vision. We also talk through the risks, the limitations, and what still requires human judgment.We begin with design tools and programming before the machine even starts. Then we move through how AI is being used during operations for tasks like work order creation, failure detection, and PLC coding assistance. We explore real use cases for predictive maintenance and ask the tough question: what value are companies actually getting from this technology? Later in the episode we shift into optimization strategies. How can AI help increase throughput or reduce energy costs based on historical data? What does it take to apply these methods in mid-market factories, not just Fortune 100 environments?We also dive into quality inspection and machine vision. These applications are among the most mature in manufacturing today, and we break down examples like barcode inspection, defect detection, and using AI to adapt based on customer complaints. Throughout the episode we share insights from the field and address audience questions about generative AI, simulation tools, and where human expertise still matters most.Referenced in this episode Phoenix Contact case study from Episode 173: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZoQjowwDi2M Siemens and Microsoft Copilot initiative Emerson, Bentley Nevada, and GE predictive maintenance platforms University of Tennessee Reliability and Maintainability Center: https://www.rmc.utk.edu UR and Spectral vision systems seen at Automate 2025 Teledyne and Cognex AI-based machine vision tools Cone GAVIN and Siemens Process Simulate Joltek – consulting for manufacturing strategy, automation, and digital transformation: https://www.joltek.com/This is Episode 212 of Manufacturing Hub, your go-to resource for conversations between real practitioners in industrial automation and manufacturing. Join us live every Wednesday at 4 PM Eastern and follow along on YouTube, LinkedIn, and all major podcast platforms.

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