Dean Phillips, founder and owner of Longevity Industries, an International Director for SME, and a Production Enhancement Engineer at LINK Systems, dives into how artificial intelligence (AI) and computer programs like Watson will help manufacturers achieve five-year goals. Watson, he notes, is helping manufacturers avoid the “garbage in, garbage out” phenomena that happens when people ask the wrong questions. He also describes standout opportunities for AI program applications. “We’re trying to close the loop” with Big Data—without involving people all the time, he says. Less than 40 percent of U.S. manufactures in the U.S. have closed the loop, he said. And he weighs in on the workforce skills gap, the IIoT, system integration and predictive maintenance.