ROK Talk on drives

Join Jim and Sam alongside industry expert Andrew Hoch as they explore how variable frequency drives (VFDs) are helping mining operations improve efficiency, increase equipment reliability, and optimize control of critical applications. Tune in for practical insights on reducing energy consumption, supporting maintenance goals, and maximizing productivity across the mine.

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Jim and Sam team up with industry expert Todd Gilliam to see what part VFDs play in food and beverage production. Learn how drives help maintain consistent product quality, improve energy efficiency, and help meet strict safety standards. Understand how connected drive technology can provide better visibility, helping teams detect issues early and reduce unplanned downtime. Dive deeper into what the future of smart manufacturing looks like for the industry in this report: State of Smart Manufacturing Report: CPG Edition | Rockwell Automation | US

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In this episode, learn how drives help chemical and plastics manufacturers run smarter, more efficient operations—delivering reliable motor control for applications like extrusion, mixing, and pumping while improving energy usage and product consistency. Sam and Jim break down how PowerFlex® drives reduce downtime and simplify maintenance, even in challenging environments, so producers can keep processes running smoothly. Leave a comment on Spotify or email us if you have suggestions for upcoming podcasts, to give us feedback or get information on new episodes ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠

Hosts Jim and Sam sit down with industry expert Michael Lennard to discuss how variable frequency drives (VFDs) support modern warehousing and logistics operations. The conversation explores where VFDs are used, why they matter for material handling systems, and how they help improve efficiency, performance and safety in fast‑moving logistics environments.

In this episode of ROK Talk on Drives, we dive into thepowerful role Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) are playing intoday’s tire manufacturing landscape. Hosts Jim and Sam speak with experts Dan Paul and Eduardo Rodriguez to unpack why VFDs are so critical and how their place in automation systems continues to evolve.  From improving plant efficiency to elevating process control and advancing sustainability, learn why VFDs are central to modern tire and rubber operations.

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The next advancement in pulp and paper mill automation starts with smarter, more responsive motor control. In this episode, host Sam Shelley teams up with Rockwell Automation experts Eduardo Rodriguez and Mike Clark to break down the real impact of VFDs in pulp and paper—from serious energy efficiency gains to solving the challenges that pulp and paper operations face every day.

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Explore how VFDs are transforming the oil and gas industry. Jim and Sam are joined by industry expert Ron Busse to discuss real-world applications, energy savings, process optimization, and the role of automation in meeting sustainability goals. Learn about overcoming infrastructure challenges, harmonics compliance, regenerative solutions, and how smarter motor control can help operators do more with less while reducing their carbon footprint.

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In this episode of ROK Talk on Drives, hosts Jim and Sam welcome special guest Bill Meindl, business unit manager at Rockwell Automation, to explore the past, present, and future of motor starting technology. From the humble beginnings of the compression rheostat in 1903 to today’s cutting-edge M100 electronic motor starter, we trace a journey of innovation. The result is smaller panels, simplified wiring and improved reliability.

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Join Jim and Sam in another episode of ROK Talk on driveswhere we welcome safety expert Jonathan Johnson. JJ will talk about how moving mechanicals are a potential source of harm for the workers that interact with them. He’ll try to help us understand the risks associated with drives and helpyou keep your people and plant safe. 

For more information on safety and drives see this safety publication SAFETY-AT175A-EN-P⁠  in the Rockwell Automation Literature Library.Leave a comment on Spotify or email us if you have suggestions for upcoming podcasts, to give us feedback or get information on new episodes ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected].⁠⁠⁠⁠

Join Jim and Sam for the latest episode of ROK Talk on drives as they explore the risks corrosive gases can pose in your plant. Find out the reasons why VFDs are vulnerable to these gases and how to protect your plant. Learn how to combat corrosion-related downtime, protect your equipment in harsh environments and increase productivity.

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