205: How to Leverage GenAI to Get Out of "Pilot Purgatory" and Address Your Workforce Challenges with Rockwell Automation's Andrew Hastert

In the face of a looming talent crisis, with over 3 million manufacturing jobs expected to remain unfilled in the next decade, the industry is turning to generative AI as a vital solution.

Host Chris Luecke talks with Andrew Hastert, Director of Digital Strategy and Portfolio at Rockwell Automation, in this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour about how GenAI can not only streamline operations but also empower a new generation of workers who may lack traditional manufacturing experience.

They cover GenAI's ability to simplify complex tasks, such as programming and troubleshooting, which could significantly reduce the barriers for entry-level employees and help preserve critical tribal knowledge that is at risk of being lost as experienced workers retire.

As generative AI continues to evolve, it promises to transform how manufacturers approach workforce challenges. And, in this conversation, Chris and Andrew shed light on its potential to not just fill gaps but also enhance productivity and innovation within manufacturing.

In this episode, find out:

• Andrew defines AI as applying math to data to derive insights not possible with traditional methods, using powerful parallel computing
• He explains how GenAI uses the transformer model to create new patterns based on existing ones, widening access to AI capabilities
• Hear how the manufacturing industry faces a significant talent shortage, with over 3 million unfilled jobs projected in the next decade
• Learn how GenAI can help address workforce challenges by simplifying complex tasks like programming and troubleshooting
• Andrew talks about data management and AI integration
• How AI is seen as the top technology to address workforce challenges due to its ability to capture and utilize tribal knowledge
• Escaping Pilot Purgatory with GenAI
• How The State of Smart Manufacturing report indicates that talent remains the biggest challenge for industrial companies
• Manufacturers are advised to focus on their biggest business challenges first, then consider how AI can help address them

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Tweetable Quotes:

• “I think the promise of generative AI is to dramatically simplify how we take our information, our support documentation, our tribal knowledge, document it, and get it into a large language model.”
• “Generative AI is just an application of AI using the transformer model to get new patterns generated, based on former patterns.”
• “Generative AI is not just about automation; it's about empowering new workers to tackle complex tasks that traditionally required years of experience.”

Links & mentions:

• Rockwell Automation, the world’s largest company dedicated to industrial automation, digital transformation, and information solutions
• State of Smart Manufacturing Report, insights on AI, industrial SaaS, and more based of surveying hundreds of manufacturing leaders
• DemonFlyingFox, AI artist who uses MidJourney AI to bring Balenciaga to the world of Harry Potter
• The Vanguard, a Milwaukee whiskey and comfort cuisine institution specializing in late-night, house-made sausage

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.