In this episode of Tech Talk, host Jordan Dieterle engages with Matt Venuto from CRC Metal Recycling to discuss the complexities of battery recycling, particularly focusing on lithium-ion batteries.

They explore the lifecycle of batteries, the challenges in transportation and safety, and the future of battery technology, including solid-state innovations. The conversation emphasizes the importance of recycling for environmental sustainability and the role of renewable energy in managing battery waste.

In this conversation, Jordan Dieterle and Matt Venuto discuss the financial benefits of solar energy, the long-term viability of renewable energy sources, and the increasing demand for energy in the context of technological advancements. They explore innovations in sustainable fuels, the importance of recycling, and how consumer choices can significantly impact recycling efforts.

The discussion emphasizes the need for collaboration between manufacturers and recycling solutions to create a more sustainable future.

Takeaways • Battery recycling is crucial for environmental sustainability. • The U.S. lacks a comprehensive infrastructure for battery recycling. • Lithium-ion batteries undergo a two-phase recycling process. • Safety measures are essential when handling lithium-ion batteries. • Thermal runaway in batteries poses significant risks. • Training for fire departments on battery fires is vital. • Solid-state battery technology could revolutionize the industry. • Proper storage of batteries is critical to prevent hazards. • Renewable energy can be harnessed from de-charging batteries. • Collaboration between industries is necessary for effective recycling. Solar energy can  significantly reduce electric bills. • Insurance policies can cover solar panel damages. • Recycling batteries improves material efficiency over time. • Electricity demand is expected to rise dramatically. • Reducing oil dependence can lower global oil prices. • Complete reliance on renewable energy is unlikely in our lifetime. • Sustainable fuels can be created by mixing ethanol with jet fuel. • Consumer choices play a crucial role in recycling efforts. • Recyclable packaging can help reduce plastic waste. • Innovative solutions are being developed to address environmental issues.

In this episode of Tech Talk, host Jordan Dieterle interviews Markus Rimmele, founder of Digitalium, about his journey into entrepreneurship, the digital tools his company offers for manufacturing, and the challenges and successes faced in the industry.

Markus shares insights on how digitalization can solve problems in manufacturing, the importance of training and planning using virtual reality, and offers advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. The conversation also touches on future developments in digital tools and the importance of staying ahead in technology.

Takeaways: Markus's journey to entrepreneurship was not planned from a young age.

Digital tools are essential for solving specific manufacturing problems.

Virtual reality can enhance training and planning in manufacturing.

Understanding customer problems is key to providing effective solutions.

Digitalization is often overwhelming for smaller companies.

A step-by-step roadmap is crucial for successful digital transformation.

Change management is important when implementing new technologies.

Success stories highlight the value of virtual reality in planning.

Entrepreneurs should focus on solving industry-specific problems.

Flexibility and freedom are significant advantages of being an entrepreneur.

Markus Rimmele

https://digitalitum.com

Summary: In this episode of Tech Talk with R&E, host Jordan Dieterle interviews Ron Kountz, the owner of ProTeam Industrial. They discuss Ron's background in industrial rigging and the founding of ProTeam. Ron emphasizes the importance of building strong customer relationships and providing excellent service. He also highlights the need for sales professionals to be persistent and adaptable in their approach. Ron and Jordan share insights on the challenges and rewards of sales, as well as the impact of technology on the industry. They conclude by inviting listeners to reach out for more information or potential collaboration.

Takeaways: Building strong customer relationships is crucial for success in sales. Sales professionals should be persistent and adaptable in their approach. Technology plays a significant role in the sales process. Balancing personal and professional life is essential in sales. Pro Team Industrial is always looking for talented individuals to join their team.

TEECO is a niche subject matter expert in gas-fired manufacturing equipment, specializing in heated processes. They provide support and expertise in hardware, technical aspects, and understanding the impact of equipment on product quality. The industry has seen a shift in energy demands, with a focus on reducing emissions and exploring alternative energy sources. 

TEECO offers safety inspections and troubleshooting services, emphasizing the importance of annual inspections for gas-fired systems. They also provide training to empower customers to handle basic maintenance and troubleshooting. The future outlook for TEECO is to continue growing, filling the gap left by retiring industry experts, and becoming a trusted resource for burner expertise.

Takeaways

TEECO specializes in gas-fired manufacturing equipment for heated processes. The industry is shifting towards reducing emissions and exploring alternative energy sources.

TEECO offers safety inspections and troubleshooting services for gas-fired systems. Training and empowering customers to handle basic maintenance and troubleshooting is a priority for TEECO.

TEECO aims to fill the gap left by retiring industry experts and become a trusted resource for burner expertise.

Cameron Duncan, an expert in the manufacturing space, discusses the mission of Hallian Technologies and their focus on providing digital solutions to organizations. He delves into the concept of enterprise AI and the challenges faced in the AI space. The conversation also explores the customization of AI solutions for organizations and the value-driven approach of Hallian Technologies. The conversation covers the potential impact of AI on organizations, the importance of data infrastructure, and the value of involving younger individuals in AI initiatives. It also explores the development of AI tools and the future of AI in organizations.

Key Takeaways: • Hellion Technologies focuses on providing digital solutions to organizations in the manufacturing space. • The challenges in the AI space include differentiating AI solutions and customizing them to add value to organizations. • Hallian Technologies adopts a value-driven approach, tailoring AI solutions to meet the specific needs of organizations in the manufacturing industry. AI can significantly impact organizations by improving efficiency and decision-making. • The success of AI initiatives depends on the quality of an organization's data infrastructure. • Involving younger individuals in AI initiatives can lead to valuable contributions and learning opportunities. • The development of AI tools is focused on driving value and solving collective problems within organizations. • The future of AI in organizations requires a strategic approach and a focus on business fundamentals.

In this episode of Tech Talk with R &E Automated, host Jordan Dieterle interviews Danny Jarecki, the owner of R &E Automated. They discuss the journey of building R&E from a small company with only two employees to a powerhouse with over 800 employees. Danny shares the challenges they faced in the early days, the importance of diversification, and the role of automation and AI in the industry. They also talk about the company's involvement in the community and their commitment to supporting education and young talent in the automation space.

Takeaways: • Building a successful automation company requires hard work, perseverance, and the ability to adapt to challenges.

• Diversification is crucial for the long-term success of a business, especially in industries with cyclical downturns.

• Developing and retaining talent is essential, and creating a supportive and open work environment can help attract and retain skilled employees.

• Automation and AI are transforming the industry, and staying ahead of these technological advancements is key to remaining competitive.

• Supporting the community and investing in education and young talent is a rewarding way to give back and foster growth in the industry.

Chapters Introduction and Background of R &E Automated The Challenges and Importance of Diversification Managing and Developing Talent in a Growing Company Automation and AI in the Industry Community Involvement and Education

Keywords R &E Automated, automation, AI, diversification, entrepreneurship, talent management, community involvement, education, young talent

Summary

In this episode of Tech Talk with R&E Automated, host Jordan Dieterle interviews Philip Sessions from BMW about communication in the workplace. Philip shares his expertise in helping teams and leaders communicate more effectively. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the end goal of a conversation and tailoring communication to the needs of the audience. Philip also discusses the challenges of communication in manufacturing environments and provides strategies for effective communication between engineers and management. He advises staying calm in emotional situations and focusing on finding common ground and understanding the perspectives of others. The episode concludes with a discussion on the importance of practice and stepping out of one's comfort zone to improve communication skills.

Keywords

communication, workplace, teams, leaders, strategy, engineers, management, manufacturing, details, big picture, safety, production, emotions, influence, repetition, growth, comfort zone

Takeaways

Understanding the end goal of a conversation is crucial for effective communication. Tailor communication to the needs of the audience, considering factors such as their role, level of detail required, and perspective. Communication challenges often arise in manufacturing environments, particularly between engineers and management. Stay calm in emotional situations and focus on finding common ground and understanding others' perspectives. Practice and stepping out of one's comfort zone are essential for improving communication skills.

Titles

The Power of Understanding the Audience Effective Communication in the Workplace

Sound Bites

"The number one thing that I see within corporations, within manufacturing environments is that communication lacks in some way, shape or form." "You need to just give more information because what seems very elementary or very basic for you because you're in the weeds, you're in the trenches of the project, you have to share that information with somebody that's not in those same weeds." "You need to go in there, explain not just what you need, but why you need it and really justify that, especially if you're going to management with that."

Chapters

Introduction and Overview Tailoring Communication to Different Audiences Navigating Emotional Situations in Communication Practicing and Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone Conclusion

Summary

In this episode of Tech Talk with R&E Automated, host Jordan Dieterle interviews Josh Diaz from Wauseon Machine. 

They discuss the role of automation in solving manufacturing problems and improving efficiency. Josh emphasizes the importance of collaboration and partnership in the automation industry. He shares success stories of implementing automation solutions for customers and highlights the benefits of automation, such as relieving headcount, enhancing safety, and increasing productivity. 

They also discuss the future of automation, including the growth of collaborative robots and the integration of intelligent software. Josh offers advice for professionals and businesses considering automation, encouraging them to seek out resources and not to solve problems alone.

Takeaways

Automation is a collaborative effort that involves partnering with customers and technology vendors to solve manufacturing problems.

Automation can relieve headcount, enhance safety, and increase productivity in manufacturing processes.

The future of automation includes the growth of collaborative robots and the integration of intelligent software.

Professionals and businesses considering automation should seek out resources, such as professional conferences and societies, and not hesitate to ask for help.

Young professionals interested in automation should explore educational resources, attend industry events, and connect with professionals in the field.

Titles

Collaboration and Partnership in the Automation Industry Advice for Professionals and Businesses Considering Automation

Sound Bites

"We're all in this big ecosystem trying to help American industry do more with less, produce faster, better quality, safer for the customers that we deal with."

"Automation is about giving people a much longer lever to move the weight as opposed to trying to move it by hand."

"Every single one of those [projects] is a win to say, hey, we solved the problem. We either helped relieve that pressure of headcount or we allowed this company to launch that new product line with our piece of capital equipment."

Keywords

automation, manufacturing, collaboration, partnership, efficiency, success stories, benefits, safety, productivity, future, advice

Summary

Rick Oppedisano, CEO and founder of Delta Bravo AI, discusses the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in manufacturing. He explains how AI can help bridge the gap between generations and improve workforce readiness. Rick shares examples of how Delta Bravo AI has implemented AI in quality control and real-time monitoring to improve processes and reduce failures. He emphasizes the importance of intentional data collection and the potential for AI to create a competitive advantage in the manufacturing industry. Rick concludes by inviting listeners to connect with Delta Bravo AI to learn more about implementing AI in their manufacturing facilities.

Takeaways

AI can help bridge the gap between generations in manufacturing and improve workforce readiness.

Implementing AI in quality control can improve processes, reduce failures, and shorten training cycles for employees.

Real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance can prevent catastrophic failures and save costs.

Intentional data collection is crucial for successful AI implementation in manufacturing.

Manufacturers that embrace AI and use it to improve processes and workforce readiness will have a competitive advantage in the industry.

Chapters

Introduction and Background The Role of AI in Manufacturing Using AI to Improve Processes Implementing AI in Quality Control Real-Time Monitoring and Predictive Maintenance The Importance of Data Collection The Future of Manufacturing with AI Conclusion and Contact Information

Juan Mojica, a director level engineering manager at R &E Automated Systems, shares his career journey and the role of business analytics in automation. He discusses the creation of avenues within the plant and the apprenticeship program at R&E. The conversation also explores the impact of automation 4.0 and AI, the future of automation, and the need for skilled workers. The importance of balancing automation advancements with safety measures is highlighted. The growth of automation and the role of STEM education in preparing the next generation for careers in automation are discussed. The joy of building a career in automation is emphasized, and the expansion of the apprenticeship program to high school students is mentioned. Listeners are encouraged to connect with Juan Mojica on LinkedIn for further discussions.

Takeaways

Business analytics plays a crucial role in automation by gathering and analyzing data to make informed decisions. Creating avenues within the plant and implementing apprenticeship programs can help develop skilled workers and bridge the skills gap. Automation 4.0 and AI are driving the future of automation, offering new opportunities for efficiency and decision-making. The growth of automation requires a continuous focus on training and mentoring younger individuals to ensure a skilled workforce. Balancing automation advancements with safety measures is essential to protect both products and people. The expansion of automation and the need for skilled workers create opportunities for individuals interested in STEM fields. Building a career in automation can be fulfilling and rewarding, with the joy of seeing the impact of your work. Expanding apprenticeship programs to high school students can provide early exposure and preparation for careers in automation.

Chapters

00:00 Juan's Career Journey at R &E Automated Systems 02:10 The Role of Business Analytics in Automation 04:26 Creating Avenues within the Plant and Apprenticeship Program 08:25 Training and Mentoring Younger Individuals 10:09 The Impact of Automation 4.0 and AI 13:58 The Future of Automation and the Need for Skilled Workers 19:37 The Growth of Automation and the Role of Apprenticeship 22:12 The Future of Automation and the Importance of STEM Education 25:23 The Joy of Building a Career in Automation 26:21 Expanding the Apprenticeship Program to High School Students 27:13 Contacting Juan Mojica