ASSEMBLY Audible

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 defining features of tomorrow’s hyper-automated factory—from autonomous operations and self-learning machines to smart connected cells and digitally linked crews. We examine why Asian manufacturers are outpacing their Western counterparts in embracing this vision, and what it means for the global manufacturing landscape.

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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 of auto products, to explore how AI is being utilized in predictive inventory planning, demand forecasting, and maintenance strategies.Sponsored By:

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 manufacturers across industries—automotive, aerospace, food service, and medical—solve complex challenges with integrated systems designed to optimize performance.Sponsored By:

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:

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 system designed to solve labor challenges—and reshape the future of fabrication.Sponsored By:

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. We discuss how AI is currently being used in factories, why adoption is slower than the hype suggests, and what the factory of the future looks like.Sponsored By:

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-largest economic driver—the LMC is breaking barriers with a workforce development model that’s as inclusive as it is effective. We speak with Caden Pearson of the LMC about how the organization supports talent development through certificate-based education pathways that cater to both newcomers and seasoned workers.Sponsored By:

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 strategic decision-making. Tune in to learn why supply networks — not just chains — define today’s complex landscape and why adaptability remains the ultimate goal for the most mature organizations.Sponsored By:

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 additive manufacturing. We connect with the CEO of XABA, Massimiliano Moruzzi, to learn more.Sponsored By:

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 human-centered narratives. Tune in as we break down the progress, the gaps, and what manufacturers can do to keep moving forward.Sponsored By: