Tami Hedgren is manufacturing lead of large tractors and combines with John Deere. She shares optimism around the rise of women in agricultural manufacturing; breaking down barriers for those who follow in her footsteps; and the role of 5G, edge computing, and video analytics in fueling the next manufacturing revolution.

Jeff Johnson, U.S. mechatronics product manager with Beckhoff Automation, shares how mag-lev conveyors work through the lens of the new XPlanar system. He covers how the innovative technology brings flexibility to product assembly, along with applications and limitations.

The House Democratic Manufacturing Working Group was launched in March 2021 to examine key issues for strengthening the American manufacturing sector. Congresswoman Haley Stevens, co-chair of the group, discusses focus areas along with intended impact on engineers and managers in assembly.

Lisa Skidmore is senior director of advanced quality engineering with GE Appliances. In this episode, we discuss the advancement of women in manufacturing, how the company is investing in its assembly lines and workforce, and noteworthy innovations for the near future of manufacturing.