Augmented Ops

Tulip
  • 4.9 (69)
  • TECHNOLOGY
  • UPDATED SEMIMONTHLY

Augmented Ops is a podcast for industrial leaders, shop floor operators, citizen developers, and anyone else that cares about what the future of frontline operations will look like across industries. We equip our listeners with the knowledge to understand the latest advancements at the intersection of manufacturing and technology, as well as actionable insights that they can implement in their own operations. This show is presented by Tulip, the Frontline Operations Platform.

  1. Episode 174: The Physics Layer: Why AI Needs Real-World Engineering to Unlock Trillion-Dollar Industrial Value

    APR 16

    Episode 174: The Physics Layer: Why AI Needs Real-World Engineering to Unlock Trillion-Dollar Industrial Value

    What do a floating barge the size of four aircraft carriers, a Shell refinery, and the future of energy resilience have in common? They all depend on knowing, with precision, how much life is left in the steel. In this episode of Augmented Ops, host Natan Linder sits down with Thomas Leurent, CEO and co-founder of Akselos, to unpack the often-overlooked world of structural performance management and why it might be the most important form of physical AI you've never heard of. Thomas shares how Akselos helped Shell unlock over half a billion dollars in value on a single FPSO by using physics-based digital twins to skip a costly dry dock. He explains the technology behind it: a proprietary approach that runs structural simulations 100,000x faster than traditional finite element analysis by blending machine learning with physics, built over 20+ years since the technology was pulled out of MIT. The conversation goes deep on what physical AI actually means in industrial settings, why hallucination is simply not an option in high-stakes environments, the role of humans in process industries (especially in emergency scenarios like what's unfolding in the GCC), and how data sharing — or the lack of it — is holding back offshore wind and the broader energy transition. Thomas also shares a bold prediction: just as algorithmic efficiency transformed mechanical simulation, it will do the same to AI, making large language models far cheaper to run, potentially leading to an overcapacity of computing infrastructure in the years ahead. If you think "structural performance management" sounds dry, wait until you hear what a $500M dry-dock skip, 52,000 workers with zero casualties, and the future of energy supply chains have to say about it. Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/cmhRmhyrU-Y Augmented Ops is a podcast for industrial leaders, citizen developers, shop floor operators, and anyone who cares about what the future of frontline operations will look like across industries. This show is presented by Tulip, the Frontline Operations Platform. You can find more from us at Tulip.co/podcast or by following the show on LinkedIn. Special Guest: Thomas Leurent.

    34 min
  2. Modernizing the Industrial Base: Readiness, Resilience, and the Road Ahead

    APR 2

    Modernizing the Industrial Base: Readiness, Resilience, and the Road Ahead

    Modernizing the U.S. industrial base is no longer a long-term goal. Between geopolitical competition, workforce constraints, and rising cybersecurity demands, manufacturers are under pressure to rethink how production systems are built and operated. Clark Dressen, CTO of MxD, joins the show to explain how this transformation is taking shape across the defense industrial base and broader manufacturing ecosystem. As a public-private partnership funded in part by the Department of Defense, MxD works to connect emerging technologies with real-world production environments. The conversation focuses on what modernization actually requires. Not digital transformation for its own sake, but applying technology to solve specific operational problems around quality, productivity, and consistency. Clark shares how tools like sensors, digital twins, and AI are being introduced into legacy environments to reduce reliance on tribal knowledge and create more repeatable processes. The episode also explores the structure of the industrial base, where small and mid-sized suppliers make up the majority of the defense supply chain but often lack the resources to meet growing cybersecurity and compliance requirements. As workforce transitions accelerate, the focus shifts toward capturing expertise, improving how work is executed, and building more resilient production systems. Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/T2bkZvyK5kU Augmented Ops is a podcast for industrial leaders, citizen developers, shop floor operators, and anyone who cares about what the future of frontline operations will look like across industries. This show is presented by Tulip, the Frontline Operations Platform. You can find more from us at Tulip.co/podcast or by following the show on LinkedIn. Special Guest: Clark Dressen.

    46 min
  3. Regional Ecosystems of Manufacturing: The Foundation of Industrial Strength

    MAR 19

    Regional Ecosystems of Manufacturing: The Foundation of Industrial Strength

    What actually makes a region strong in manufacturing? In this episode, Gillian Catrambone sits down with Beatriz Gutierrez, CEO of CONNSTEP Inc., Connecticut’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), to explore how regional ecosystems, through MEPs, workforce programs, and coordinated resources, create the foundation for industrial strength. Beatriz breaks down how manufacturers are navigating labor constraints, adopting automation incrementally, and rethinking supply chains in a more volatile environment. The conversation also highlights what separates effective regions, including strong talent pipelines, connected institutions, and easier access to capital, training, and support. She closes with practical guidance for operations leaders. Focus on critical processes, plan for the long term, and approach transformation step by step rather than waiting for perfect conditions. Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ZJO0bbYSGII Augmented Ops is a podcast for industrial leaders, citizen developers, shop floor operators, and anyone who cares about what the future of frontline operations will look like across industries. This show is presented by Tulip, the Frontline Operations Platform. You can find more from us at Tulip.co/podcast or by following the show on LinkedIn. Special Guest: Beatriz Gutierrez.

    38 min
  4. The State of Reshoring: Supply Chains, Strategy, and the Future of US Manufacturing

    MAR 5

    The State of Reshoring: Supply Chains, Strategy, and the Future of US Manufacturing

    Global supply chains are being rewired in real time. From tariffs and geopolitics to labor constraints and energy infrastructure, manufacturers are navigating a level of volatility few have experienced before. Rosemary Coates, Founder and Executive Director of the Reshoring Institute, joins the show to unpack what’s actually happening beneath the headlines. Drawing on recent executive interviews and location studies, she explains why many companies are pausing major decisions, how “China plus one” strategies are evolving, and what reshoring really requires beyond political rhetoric. For operations leaders, the conversation moves from macro forces to practical considerations: evaluating total landed cost beyond labor, balancing capital intensity with workforce availability, selecting locations with infrastructure in mind, and building resilience through diversified manufacturing footprints. While the path forward is complex, Rosemary outlines why advanced, higher-skilled manufacturing still presents meaningful opportunity for U.S. growth. Watch the full epsiode on YouTube For more on this topic, Rosemary hosts The Frictionless Supply Chain podcast, covering supply chain strategy and global production shifts. Augmented Ops is a podcast for industrial leaders, citizen developers, shop floor operators, and anyone who cares about what the future of frontline operations will look like across industries. This show is presented by Tulip, the Frontline Operations Platform. You can find more from us at Tulip.co/podcast or by following the show on LinkedIn. Special Guest: Rosemary Coates.

    32 min
  5. From the Classroom to the Shop Floor: Building the Future Industrial Workforce

    FEB 18

    From the Classroom to the Shop Floor: Building the Future Industrial Workforce

    Manufacturing is undergoing a generational shift. As experienced workers retire and automation accelerates, the industry must solve both a workforce shortage and a skills gap — and it must do so simultaneously. Jacob “MFG Kid” Sanchez is a well-known manufacturing influencer and content creator, and a vocal advocate for bringing new talent into the industry. With hands-on shop floor experience and a growing platform dedicated to promoting automation and modern manufacturing careers, he works to make the industry more visible, accessible, and appealing to the next generation. Check out Jacob’s newly launched Axis community — a brand-neutral space for automation, robotics, and manufacturing professionals to connect, learn, and collaborate. In this conversation, Jacob and Natan explore how manufacturers can generate genuine interest in industrial careers, rethink how technical skills are taught and developed, and draw lessons from apprenticeship models in countries that consistently produce highly skilled manufacturing talent. Watch the full episode on YouTube Augmented Ops is a podcast for industrial leaders, citizen developers, shop floor operators, and anyone who cares about what the future of frontline operations will look like across industries. This show is presented by Tulip, the Frontline Operations Platform. You can find more from us at Tulip.co/podcast or by following the show on LinkedIn. Special Guest: Jacob "MFGKid" Sanchez.

    31 min
  6. The Need for Speed in Life Sciences

    FEB 5

    The Need for Speed in Life Sciences

    The life sciences industry has long justified slow digital adoption through regulation. But as technology adoption accelerates faster than guidance, that logic is breaking down. In this episode, Michelle Vuolo and Gilad Langer discuss why speed has become a defining challenge for pharma and medical device manufacturers. Drawing on experience from ISPE, quality leadership, and decades in regulated operations, they explore validation 4.0, cultural resistance to risk-based thinking, and how AI is reshaping quality and compliance work. The conversation examines what it really takes for life sciences organizations to move faster without losing control — and why waiting for perfect regulatory clarity is no longer a viable strategy Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/SPJz8_cFYM4 Augmented Ops is a podcast for industrial leaders, citizen developers, shop floor operators, and anyone who cares about what the future of frontline operations will look like across industries. This show is presented by Tulip, the Frontline Operations Platform. You can find more from us at Tulip.co/podcast or by following the show on LinkedIn. Special Guest: Dr. Gilad Langer.

    30 min
  7. The Human Infrastructure of Manufacturing with Stacey Weismiller of AMFI

    JAN 22

    The Human Infrastructure of Manufacturing with Stacey Weismiller of AMFI

    Manufacturing is often discussed in terms of technology, productivity, and investment — but rarely in terms of people as infrastructure. In this episode of Augmented Ops, Stacey Weismiller, Founder of the American Manufacturing Futures Institute, joins Natan Linder to reframe the conversation. Stacey draws on her background spanning manufacturing, economic development, and global policy to explore why people, access, and community must sit at the center of industrial renewal. Together, they discuss workforce participation, civic manufacturing, equitable growth, and how AI can augment human work without eroding trust or dignity. The conversation spans everything from factory jobs and childcare to resilience, reindustrialization, and why manufacturing needs a new narrative — one that values stewardship as much as efficiency. Watch the full episode on YouTube. Augmented Ops is a podcast for industrial leaders, citizen developers, shop floor operators, and anyone who cares about what the future of frontline operations will look like across industries. This show is presented by Tulip, the Frontline Operations Platform. You can find more from us at Tulip.co/podcast or by following the show on LinkedIn. Special Guest: Stacey Weismiller.

    35 min
  8. The Real Problem AI Needs to Solve in Manufacturing

    JAN 15 ·  BONUS

    The Real Problem AI Needs to Solve in Manufacturing

    Read about Tulip’s $120M Series D 👉 http://tulip.co/press/tulip-secures-120m-series-d/ In this conversation, Chris Luecke, host of the Manufacturing Happy Hour podcast, joins Natan Linder to discuss AI in manufacturing, and how Mitsubishi Electric’s lead investment in Tulip’s $120M Series D helps to accelerate our mission to scale our composable platform, support an open ecosystem for frontline operations, and supports AI-enabled and human-driven innovation. Key themes from this conversation include: • Why "software-defined manufacturing" is essential for modern supply chains. • The rise of the AI process engineer, and real-world implications of AI adoption among frontline process engineers. • The importance of building a transparent, human-first culture in frontline operations. Augmented Ops is a podcast for industrial leaders, citizen developers, shop floor operators, and anyone else that cares about what the future of frontline operations will look like across industries. This show is presented by Tulip, the Frontline Operations Platform. You can find more from us at Tulip.co/podcast or by following the show on LinkedIn. Special Guest: Chris Luecke.

    21 min
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About

Augmented Ops is a podcast for industrial leaders, shop floor operators, citizen developers, and anyone else that cares about what the future of frontline operations will look like across industries. We equip our listeners with the knowledge to understand the latest advancements at the intersection of manufacturing and technology, as well as actionable insights that they can implement in their own operations. This show is presented by Tulip, the Frontline Operations Platform.

Information

  • Creator
    Tulip
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    171
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Tulip Interfaces
  • Show Website
    Augmented Ops

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