ASSEMBLY Audible

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:

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 explore what it takes to build a sustainable, skilled workforce. She also weighs in on tariffs, reshoring, and the shared responsibility of workforce development.Sponsored By:

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 automotive manufacturing. Learn more about the company on a mission to create a vision system for industrial robots that enables robust real-time decision-making for any environment.

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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 strategies, planning challenges, and even some business opportunities amid constant policy shifts.Sponsored By:

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 explore common mistakes manufacturers make—like improper venting of helium—and the hidden factors that can undermine even the best equipment. This episode offers practical takeaways from optimizing leak detector systems to planning for long-term system wellness.Sponsored By:

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 how quality assurance is a powerful asset that deserves more investment and visibility. She also shares how content creation can serve as a bridge, attracting more people—especially young women—to explore careers in the skilled trades.Sponsored By: