Manufacturing Happy Hour

Erik Nieves is a robotics expert and an individual who believes technology should be used to elevate human existence and well-being. Erik has a very long history in the robotics world and is the CEO and Co-Founder of Plus One Robotics, a company that makes vision software for logistics robots. More than that, they deliver a novel approach that allows industrial robots and humans to work together. If you're trying to figure out what all this means, you'll want to listen to this interview…In this episode, Erik breaks down the problem of technology hesitancy, what that means for companies’ bottom lines, and the overall labor shortage in this industry. He explains how robots can help, but also where humans need to step in and lend a helping hand.Erik explains why we need to be empathetic to those who are a little technology hesitant and try to understand why that is. He also shares some stories of how he first got started in robotics, what it’s done for his career, and why he’s never looked back since. In this episode, find out:How Erik first got started in roboticsWhat the phrase “robots work, people rule” meansWhy technology hesitancy is a bad thing for manufacturingWhy we need to understand why people are hesitantThe mindset shift that needs to happen for people to embrace roboticsWhy keeping technology exclusive to remain competitive as a brand is bad for everyoneEnjoying 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:“Robots are pretty good, but they're not going to be all the way. So when they need help, they raise their hand and go, can you give me a leg up on this? And that's when the human intervenes.”“If you are hesitant to bring in technologies that will get the work done a different way, well guess what, you're just going to run your people ragged.”“Robots work, people rule is first off an admission that technology can only take you so far.”Links & mentions:Plus One Robotics, providing vision software for logistics robots that delivers an unparalleled approach to human-robot collaboration to tackle the challenges of variability and workforce shortagesSeñor Veggie, a low-key, colorful eatery featuring an eclectic menu of organic, locally-sourced vegan eats in San Antonio, TXMake sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

James Novak is the CEO of Fiix Software, a company that provides an industry-leading cloud-based CMMS that helps manufacturers plan, track, and optimize maintenance. It's also worth noting that just over one year ago, they were acquired by Rockwell Automation, which brings us back to the premise of today's show…leading through an acquisition!Managing a company acquisition is a tough job, and keeping your team happy through it can be even more challenging. In this episode, James explains the steps leading up to Rockwell Automation’s acquisition and what he did to make the transition as smooth as possible. He explains what the role of a CEO should be in this scenario and some tips for keeping employees reassured and happy with the process. James also gives some insights into how Fiix Software helps manufacturers better plan, track, and optimize maintenance programs. In this episode, find out:What led James to become the CEO of Fiix SoftwareImportant lessons learned from his previous experiences at BlackberryWhy you should always be innovating if you want to grow a companyThe kind of company James wanted to buildHow the Rockwell Automation acquisition happenedHow to lead a team through an acquisitionWhy a CEO should try to keep as many options open as possibleAdvice for other manufacturing leaders looking to be acquiredThe top surprises James faced when Fiix Software was being acquiredEnjoying 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:“We believe that proper maintenance leads to sustainable outcomes in the world.”“So as long as everyone's focused on the customer, regardless of if you have differences of opinions, nobody's right, nobody's wrong. There are different paths to get there, and I felt like Rockwell was going to get the right thing done.”“If I'm a manufacturing company, and I'm going through an acquisition, or I'm thinking about acquiring, you have to be very, very deliberate about every single move that happens.”Links & mentions:Fiix Software, a cloud-based CMMS software that helps manufacturers plan, track, and optimize maintenance with powerful integrations, reports, and embedded AI tools2Cats Cocktail Lounge, a relaxed, cozy nightclub with a makeshift dance floor serving up music alongside cocktails & wine in Toronto, CanadaMake sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Darrin Mitchell is the CEO of Mitchell Industries and the Chief Marketing Officer of Manufacturing Masters, an on-demand video platform featuring the world’s best manufacturing information. But before that, he was the CEO of a manufacturing company of his own for almost 20 years called Trout River Industries.In this episode, Darrin gives us a bit of backstory on how he built the ‘Netflix of manufacturing’ after selling Trout River Industries. He shares the challenges of parting ways with his company and the important lessons he learned throughout his career. Darrin doesn’t hold back and gives some solid tips for business owners in the manufacturing space about dealing with competition, finding balance in your life, and making better decisions going forward. He explains how Manufacturing Masters works and how it can help others in their quest to build better manufacturing businesses. 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 Darrin built the ‘Netflix of manufacturing‘Why sometimes it’s better to collaborate than competeThe importance of building healthy partnerships in manufacturingWhy you shouldn’t try to be everything to everyoneHow to find a balance between work and home life What it’s like to sell a business that’s become part of your identityHow Manufacturing Masters works 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:“It's very important to occupy the mind space of your current and unknown future customers.”“If your mindset is to compete, you're just using energy that inevitably is just for a completely lost cause. Because ultimately, your customers want to see you as a problem solver, not someone who just beat up their competitor.”“If you're thinking about the future of manufacturing, everything is in partnerships. And you have to make sure they're healthy partnerships.”Links & mentions:Manufacturing Masters, training and content developed just for manufacturers from over 80 industry experts Mitchell Industries, offering a range of coaching and resource servicesMake sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Tanuj Thapliyal is an IT engineer and academic researcher-turned-entrepreneur. He's the Co-Founder and CEO of Spot AI, a video intelligence company that's helping manufacturers access and leverage video from their facility's cameras to make better business and operational decisions. It’s time to think about video security from a completely different perspective…In this episode, Tanuj breaks down the main differences between video security and video intelligence and explains the different use cases for the latter. He gives us a bit of backstory into Spot AI and some examples of customers they have helped avert disaster with their fantastic service. Tanuj explains why video intelligence should be about empowering workers with knowledge not Big Brother-style surveillance. He also explains Spot AI’s approach to cyber security and why customers always have full access to their own video to do with as they wish. Tanuj also shares some exciting news about Spot AI’s future.In this episode, find out:What video intelligence is and how it’s different from video security Spot AI’s early beginnings to where it is nowThe different use cases for video intelligenceWhy video surveillance should empower the whole workforce, not watch them How Spot AI remains cyber-secure Spot AI’s plans for the future 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:“The more people you give access to video to, the more it transforms that organization.”“From a company culture perspective, you need there to be a belief in education, a belief in learning, a belief in sharing knowledge with other people.”“You have to empower customers to keep the data where they want to keep the data, but enable them to solve the workflow and then enable a switch so they can revoke access.”Links & mentions:Spot AI, a company that’s helping manufacturers access video footage to make faster, smarter decisionsThe Brass Monkey, an energetic stop offering steaks, ribs, burgers, and British-Indian curries plus beer & cocktails in Taipei, TaiwanMake sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

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 manufacturingThe evolution of roboticsWhy the democratization of robots is vital moving forwardHow the advancements in robotics affect human workersSamir breaks down the past, present, and future of robotics into six stagesEnjoying 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 onthe 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 dataWhy data roles are rising in demandInteresting trends in IoTWhy most digital transformation initiatives failHow company culture affects how organizations address new technologyEnjoying 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, ILMake 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 contextWhy diversity is vital to the survival of businesses in the manufacturing industryWays to ensure diversity thrives within the fieldHow organizational culture attracts diverse and upcoming talentWhy 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 practicesOrion 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 abilitiesHiring for Diversity, by Arthur WoodsPioneer Industries Manufacturing, a social enterprise specializing in aerospace part productionQuinn’s Pub, a hip gastropub located in Seattle, WAMake 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 worldThe importance of having an open mind as an investorWhy startups will distribute tech to other industriesNan’s favorite examples of startups leading the way in techWhat investors look for in a founder and teamHow startups in the Midwest differ from Silicon ValleyWhat to expect from Nan’s Machine Visions podcastEnjoying 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 economyMachine Visions Podcast, a show about the acceleration of robotics deployed across every sector of our economy hosted by Nan LiToronado, a classic craft beer bar in San Francisco, CAMake 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 FedExOnce 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 MotomanMake sure to visit ManufacturingHappyHour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.