Ep. 220 - Data Foundations and Machine Context Protocol in Modern Manufacturing w/ Caleb Eastman

Aug 7, 2025

Caleb Eastman, an expert from Siemens with a focus on networking and automation, dives deep into the transformative potential of Machine Type Packages (MTP) and Machine Context Protocol (MCP) in modern manufacturing. He highlights how these technologies enable safe AI integration in factory settings. The discussion emphasizes overcoming resistance to change within manufacturing teams, the crucial role of organizational psychology, and practical steps to make digital transformation appealing to executives. It's a compelling look at the future of adaptable manufacturing.

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ANECDOTE

Caleb's Unique Career Path

Caleb Eastman started in manufacturing via a Cisco networking certification in high school.
He transitioned through various roles, including automation technician and systems integrator, before joining Siemens.

INSIGHT

MTP Enables Modular Factory Orchestration

MTP enables plug-and-play modular process equipment with automatic communication of capabilities.
It allows an orchestration layer to integrate and sequence machine services dynamically in manufacturing.

INSIGHT

MTP as Docker for Manufacturing

MTP is similar to a Docker container for manufacturing equipment.
It declares interfaces and communication protocols for modular machines in the plant.

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In Episode 220 of Manufacturing Hub, we welcome back Caleb Flanigan to explore one of the most critical yet least understood topics in the evolution of smart manufacturing: MTP (Module Type Package), MCP (Machine Context Protocol), and how they are becoming essential enablers of safe and scalable AI adoption on the factory floor.

Throughout this deep-dive episode, we uncover how these emerging standards form the backbone of adaptive plants: facilities capable of safely orchestrating decisions between humans, machines, and AI models. From OPC UA and AutomationML to edge computing and LLM-driven control systems, Caleb explains the architecture, mindset shifts, and implementation considerations that make this vision a reality.

Key topics covered include:

Why traditional SCADA and MES architectures are not AI-ready
The real-world value of MTP in legacy Brownfield plants
How Siemens’ Machine Proxy App and OPC UA servers act as translators between AI models and legacy PLCs
Differences between machine states, control interfaces, and orchestrated services in modular manufacturing
Why CLI skills and edge computing are foundational for the modern control engineer
How to pitch digital transformation and AI investments to hesitant executives

We also touch on organizational psychology, how internal champions get ignored without executive alignment, and the grim future for manufacturers still betting on ice cube relays.

Whether you’re a plant engineer, systems integrator, or digital transformation leader, this conversation offers a bold but practical look at how to safely integrate AI into manufacturing control environments: starting with protocols and principles, not just hype.

🧠 Resources Mentioned:

Siemens Industrial Edge: https://new.siemens.com/global/en/products/automation/industrial-edge.html
Machine Context Protocol (MCP): https://www.anthropic.com/news/introducing-the-machine-context-protocol
VDI MTP Standard: https://www.vdi.de/
Book Recommendation: How the World Really Works by Vaclav Smil

👤 Guest: Caleb Eastman, Siemens
📌 Theme: Data Foundations and Intelligent Manufacturing
🎙️ Hosts: Vlad Romanov & Dave Griffith

✅ Key Timestamps

00:00 Welcome Back and Wilborn Celebration 03:30 Caleb's Career Journey from Cisco Cert to Siemens 07:40 Why CLI and Networking Skills Matter in OT 10:00 What Is MCP and Why It Matters for Safe AI 13:00 MTP Overview: The USB of Modular Manufacturing 18:00 Why AI Needs Context-Aware Control Layers 21:00 Bridging Human and AI Control Setpoints 24:30 Brownfield Integration with Siemens Machine Proxy 27:00 Making the Case for AI Investment 31:00 The Future of Safe AI in Manufacturing Plants 36:00 Organizational Resistance and Broken Engineers 42:00 When to Walk Away from Legacy-Only Cultures 46:00 Practical MTP Implementation and Mapping 54:00 Who Maintains MTP and How the Standard Is Evolving 58:00 Predictions: LLMs Will Become Obsolete 01:03:00 Hardware Opportunities and Novel Sensor Startups 01:08:00 Final Thoughts and How to Connect with Caleb