Manufacturing Happy Hour

Samir Menon, the Founder & CEO of Dexterity, joins us on the show this week to share how his research on “Robots moving in a human-like manner” could contribute to the next phase of robotics. Dexterity is a company that delivers full-stack robot dexterity solutions for logistics, warehousing, and supply chain operations. But even before founding the company, Samir has been on a mission to leverage robotics to "make repetition options." He’s also keen on eventually democratizing robots and deploying them at scale.

 In this episode, Samir gives us a rundown of how his work at Dexterity is delivering tangible solutions for warehousing and supply chain operations. We hear some insights into how making robots more accessible could benefit not just small businesses but individuals as well. Samir also shares how making repetition an option could address the looming labor shortage in manufacturing and eventually transition people to higher-value work.

In this episode, find out:

• Why making repetitive work optional is crucial in manufacturing
• The evolution of robotics
• Why the democratization of robots is vital moving forward
• How the advancements in robotics affect human workers
• Samir breaks down the past, present, and future of robotics into six stages

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!

Tweetable Quotes:

• “When it comes to startups you’ve got to be focused on
• the problem you’re solving, technology is just a driver to do that.”
• “I would love to see robotics enable people to build their own small businesses and take productivity into their own hands.”
• “It’s important to focus on what delivers long-term success when scaling up in startups."

Links & mentions:

• Dexterity.ai, delivering full-stack robot dexterity solutions for logistics, warehousing, and supply chain operations. Their robots pick, move, pack, and collaborate with human-like skill in existing infrastructure to solve the toughest problems in material handling.

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Jeff Winter is an Industry Executive for Manufacturing at Microsoft who helps manufacturers across the US digitally transform at scale. Plus, he’s seen a few things over the past 15 years through his involvement in the Industry 4.0 community and Smart Manufacturing-centric leadership within organizations like ISA (International Society of Automation).

In this episode, Jeff shares some fascinating data management and digital transformation statistics and trends. He explores how the present data generation and storage habits call for more defined data strategies going forward. We hear some IoT trends and common barriers to a successful digital transformation initiative.

In this episode, find out:

• Why there’s a growing gap between data generated and storage capabilities (with statistics!)
• The current trends around the different types of data
• Why data roles are rising in demand
• Interesting trends in IoT
• Why most digital transformation initiatives fail
• How company culture affects how organizations address new technology

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!

Tweetable Quotes:

• “Digital transformation drastically changes the way companies operate, which is both scary and difficult.”
• “Spend as much time investing in the right company culture as you do in the right technology.”
• “Part of your company’s overall data strategy works its way backwards into the data roles needed within the organization.”

Links & mentions:

• Empire Burgers & Brew, spot for elevated comfort fare, cocktails, wine & craft brews, plus a year-round roof deck in Naperville, IL

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Justin Sherman grew up in the shadow of one of Boeing’s largest manufacturing facilities in Everett, WA. However, it wasn’t until he started his career that he was exposed to the realities of manufacturing careers, including the lack of diverse talent in this field.

Now, as the Founder of Equity Machine Works SPC – a social enterprise committed to creating opportunity through support, training, and employment for disadvantaged populations – he’s helping to level the playing field.

In this episode, Justin explains the importance of attracting diverse and young talent to the manufacturing field as a whole. We hear about the limitations that come with a lack of diversity in the field, and actual statistics that prove there’s a skill gap that needs to be filled. He also shares tips on how to foster a diverse talent-friendly work environment and to eventually become part of the change.

In this episode, find out:

• What diversity means in this context
• Why diversity is vital to the survival of businesses in the manufacturing industry
• Ways to ensure diversity thrives within the field
• How organizational culture attracts diverse and upcoming talent
• Why embracing hybrid business models is beneficial
• What characterizes a workplace that’s ready for diverse talent

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!

Tweetable Quotes:

• "Compensation is not only about money — it's thoughtful provisions and subsidies.”
• "Taking a person-centric approach doesn’t only make work-life more functional, it gives access to more talent.”
• “Looking at skilled positions like machinists and welders, both of them are about 95% male.”

Links & mentions:

• Equity Machine Works, a social enterprise operating as a manufacturing organization with the aim of bridging the skills gap within the industry and providing sustainable diversity practices
• Orion Industries, a non-profit social enterprise that provides vocational services and employment to individuals with barriers to employment
• Skills Inc., a self-supporting company offering a wide range of manufacturing jobs to people of all abilities
• Hiring for Diversity, by Arthur Woods
• Pioneer Industries Manufacturing, a social enterprise specializing in aerospace part production
• Quinn’s Pub, a hip gastropub located in Seattle, WA

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Nan Li is a Managing Director at Obvious Ventures, a venture capital firm investing in entrepreneurs reimagining every sector of the global economy. Nan leads the firm’s investments in companies harnessing deep tech to transform legacy industries like pharmaceuticals, protein therapy, industrial materials, and manufacturing.

In this episode, we learn about what Nan looks for in startups and why it’s not just about a winning business idea. It’s also about the founder and the team themselves. We hear some insights into how the tech world has been changing and moving towards greater adoption of robotics. Nan also shares his predictions for the future and why he thinks startups will increasingly spread advanced technologies to legacy industries.

In this episode, find out:

• Why networking is crucial in the startup world
• The importance of having an open mind as an investor
• Why startups will distribute tech to other industries
• Nan’s favorite examples of startups leading the way in tech
• What investors look for in a founder and team
• How startups in the Midwest differ from Silicon Valley
• What to expect from Nan’s Machine Visions podcast

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!

Tweetable Quotes:

• “I think the first thing [I look for] is a team that is not tripped up by the technology alone.”
• “I think there's just going to be an explosion of new companies being started that are very problem-specific and tackle different things.”
• “I think that we will start seeing documented company-wide deployments of robots in the thousands of units in the next five years.”

Links & mentions:

• Obvious Ventures, venture capital firm investing in entrepreneurs reimagining legacy sectors of the global economy
• Machine Visions Podcast, a show about the acceleration of robotics deployed across every sector of our economy hosted by Nan Li
• Toronado, a classic craft beer bar in San Francisco, CA

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

We’re back for Part 2 of our 2021 AMRs and Logistics Conference double feature. This time we’ve got 6 more interviews with leaders from across the robotics and logistics world. These conversations were recorded live at A3’s recent show in Memphis, TN, where hundreds of leaders from across the industry converged for a long-awaited reunion full of keynotes, demos, and plenty of hallway conversations.

Jake Hall “The Manufacturing Millennial” joins us again as we talk shop with our next round of guests, including:

·     Daniel Theobald, Founder and CIO of Vecna Robotics

·     Jason Walker, Co-Founder and CEO of Waypoint Robotics

·     Ben Waters, Co-Founder and CEO of WiBotic

·     Melonee Wise, CEO of Fetch Robotics

·     Michael Patrick Perry, VP of Marketing at Dexterity

·     Aaron Prather, Senior Technical Advisor at FedEx

Once again, we owe a big thanks to A3 – The Association for Advancing Automation – for bringing these amazing folks together. Make sure to visit ManufacturingHappyHour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

We’ve got not 1, not 2, but TWELVE interviews for you this week on Manufacturing Happy Hour in a special two-part episode. A3’s 2021 AMRs and Logistics Conference in Memphis, TN brought together robotics and technology leaders from across the industrial world and we had the opportunity to speak to 12 of the individuals that are leading the way in this space. We owe a big thanks to A3 – The Association for Advancing Automation – for bringing these amazing folks together.

In these episodes, Jake Hall – The Manufacturing Millennial and past guest of the show – joins Chris Luecke to co-host these interviews as we talk robotics, workforce, and career. Get ready to learn from the following six guests in Part 1 of this special feature:

·     Ed Mullen of MiR (Mobile Industrial Robots)

·     Erik Nieves of Plus One Robotics

·     Joe Gemma of Calvary Robotics

·     Ryan Finelli of Humatics

·     Carole Franklin of A3

·     Roger Christian of Yaskawa Motoman

Make sure to visit ManufacturingHappyHour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

What’s it like to be in the business of “selling smiles”?

Jake Kilcup, Chief Operating Officer at Rocky Mountain Construction, fills us in. Rocky Mountain Construction or RMC is a roller coaster manufacturer based in Hayden, Idaho. If you’ve ever taken a ride on Goliath at Six Flags Great America, the Lightning Rod at Dollywood, or Twisted Colossus at Six Flags Magic Mountain, you’ve seen their handiwork in action.

In this episode, Jake takes us behind the scenes at RMC to share a bit about the manufacturing process, what it’s like working as a close-knit team, and how RMC has grown so quickly. You’ll hear about the secrets of RMC’s success, why planning is essential with any type of manufacturing, and how to keep a positive mindset when things get tough.

We round off the talk by swapping roller coaster stories, and Jake explains why seeing the finished project and how it makes people feel makes it all worthwhile.

In this episode, find out:

• What it’s like to be in the business of “selling smiles”
• The typical RMC manufacturing process
• How RMC grew quickly and learned important lessons along the way
• Why you need solid plans no matter what area of manufacturing you’re in
• What the typical timeframe to complete a project looks like
• Why anything is possible, it’s all just down to mindset
• What it’s like working as a close-knit team
• Why grit and determination are the most important tools of the trade

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!

Tweetable Quotes:

• “You can work on something forever to try to make it more efficient, or just make it better. But there has to be a point where you say, okay, this is acceptable, and it's on time.”
• “Anything is possible. You just have to change your frame of mind.”
• “We're a fun, family-owned, hard-working company that focuses on fun. And thankfully, we're in an industry that's solely based on selling smiles.”

Links & mentions:

• Rocky Mountain Construction, roller coaster designer and manufacturer based in Hayden, Idaho
• This Is How We Roll, a documentary about RMC created by Coaster Studios
• Mad Bomber Brewing Company, brewery located in Hayden, ID

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Dana Mantilia is a cybersecurity expert specializing in security and employee training, as well as identity theft protection. She’s the Founder of Identity Protection Planning, where she assists small to medium-sized businesses through her security products and services. Plus, she’s built a great name for herself in the security space through her viral videos that simplify some of the most important topics in cybersecurity.

In this episode, Dana takes us through some of the simple steps that all businesses need to take to ensure they’re better protected from cyber-attacks. She explains why businesses shouldn’t just relegate cybersecurity to the IT department. It should be something that everyone gets involved in.

Dana shares the two simplest ways everyone can better protect themselves and the company they work for and why cybersecurity practices start at home.

Make sure to visit ManufacturingHappyHour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

In this episode, find out:

• Why most cybersecurity issues stem from non-technical employees
• Why education on cybersecurity is essential
• How to start with the basics of cybersecurity
• Why cybersecurity isn’t just about firewalls
• Why being a small company doesn’t mean you’re safe from hackers
• The starting steps that companies can take to become more secure
• How Dana’s company meets CMMC requirements
• Why you should probably change your Google account password

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!

Tweetable Quotes:

“From a hacker’s point of view, it's 100 times easier to trick somebody into giving something away versus trying to learn how to hack all this stuff and get into the system.”

“Let's start with some basic cyber hygiene, some basic policies, and get the culture within the organization to start paying a little bit more attention to what we're clicking on.”

“85% of the problems are being caused by the non-technical people either clicking on something or giving away credentials accidentally.”

Links & mentions:

Identity Protection Planning, offering a range of cybersecurity trainings, products, and services; helping to protect Americans, their families, and their businesses from ID theft and cyber crimes

Cyber Security with Dana Mantilia, click here to subscribe to Dana’s YouTube channel

CMMC Accreditation Body, Dana’s company makes the process for meeting the needs and requirements of CMMC simple; if you are a manufacturer working with the DoD, learn more about CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Module Certification) here

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Joachim Hensch is a master tailor and for years dreamed of opening his own shop. In reality, he did that on a much larger scale during his 24+ year career at HUGO BOSS. There, he moved from product development to becoming the Managing Director of their massive Izmir, Turkey facility, where he led a best-in-class digital transformation. Now, he’s helping other manufacturing leaders with their digital transformations through Joachim Hensch Consulting.

In this episode, Joachim takes us through the story of his career. He shares the learnings he’s picked up along the way that allows him to give world-class advice to his clients today. He explains why digital transformation is a must, but it has to be done the right way. Joachim has seen many mistakes from business leaders, and it often boils down to focusing too much on the tech rather than building a plan first.

Joachim also shares his thoughts on Industry 4.0 and reveals how it’s not really about the tech. It’s about solving the complexities of a growing company. We round the talk off by agreeing that there is one thing you can’t apply digitalization to – and that’s having a beer with friends.

In this episode, find out:

• Why companies need to embrace digital transformation
• Joachim’s early career as a tailor
• How Joachim pivoted to a managerial role at HUGO BOSS
• How he managed to motivate and speak to a team of 4,000 people
• Why Joachim decided to build a digital twin
• The impact transparency in the workplace has on morale
• Top mistakes in digital transformation to avoid
• Why now is the best time to start a business

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!

Tweetable Quotes:

• “There's a huge misunderstanding because people always start with tech. And what I do nowadays is I help organizations and companies and leaders in first crafting the plan.”
• “One of the tools to handle complexity is digitalization. But we don't start with digitalization. This is just the tool.”
• “When you do this transformation, you have to make a lot of bold moves. And you have to also accept that a lot of things won’t work, so you have to be fast in making corrections.”

Links & mentions:

• Joachim Hensch Consulting, helping manufacturers create their factory of the future with the tools of Industry 4.0…no academic talk, just action!
• VIDEO: Joachim Hensch, TEDxBergamo, Smart Factory? Smart People?
• VIDEO: Creating a tailored production process with Joachim Hensch, The Leadership Network
• HUGO BOSS, a German luxury fashion house headquartered in Metzingen, Baden-Württemberg

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Willem Sundblad was born into the manufacturing world in Sweden as part of a family with a long history in the pulp & paper industry. As the Co-Founder and CEO of Oden Technologies, he’s continuing that legacy in the US through his company, one that’s leading the charge in the machine learning space.

In this episode, Willem digs into the heart of the machine learning discussion in manufacturing. He highlights the process of integrating it into a company and why the culture of the workforce is key to success. Willem shares his thoughts on guided analytics and explains how intelligent alerts can improve efficiency across the board.

Willem rounds off the discussion by explaining how Oden Technologies is helping to solve some of the common problems in manufacturing and how machine learning will impact the workforce.

In this episode, find out:

• Why applying new technologies to a company is so challenging
• How machine learning and narrow AI work in the context of manufacturing
• How guided analytics work
• When to know you’re ready for machine learning
• Why the adoption of machine learning is about culture and the workforce
• How Oden Technologies is helping to solve common problems in manufacturing

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!

Tweetable Quotes:

• "You want the skill and the will in the factory to be high.”
• “Machine learning can be really effective at actually understanding the true patterns.”
• “The real challenge was to really understand user behavior, the manufacturer, the real problems that you're trying to solve, and working on the machine-to-machine angle, wasn't really going to drive that.”

Links & mentions:

• Oden Technologies, industrial IoT and analytics software for manufacturers
• Willem Sundblad, Forbes Contributor
• Åre, one of the leading Scandinavian ski resorts
• Akvavit, a distilled spirit that is principally produced in Sweden
• Malort, “Like a Schnapps, but instead of peppermint, it’s flavored with screams of the damned” 

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.