Manufacturing Matters

Tech B2B
  • 5.0 (2)
  • TECHNOLOGY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The Manufacturing Matters podcast aims to get to the heart of automation technology and how it plays into the growing manufacturing industry. Join us for insights and interviews discussing trends, innovations, and advanced automation technologies, such as robotics, machine vision, AI, and much more. Follow our social channels here: http://linktr.ee/m_mp

  1. 1D AGO

    Episode 132 - Jim Anderson, Senior Business Development Manager at SICK

    “If we can simulate 70% of a system before it ever hits the factory floor, that reduces time and cost for automation deployment.”  Advances in machine vision, AI-enabled software, and simulation technologies continue to reshape the way companies in manufacturing and warehousing design, deploy, and benefit from automation systems. In this episode of the Manufacturing Matters podcast, TECH B2B Marketing’s Jimmy Carroll is joined by Jim Anderson, senior business development manager for 2D and 3D vision systems at SICK, to explore where these technologies are headed next.  Anderson explains how emerging tools such as synthetic data, digital twins, and virtual sensors help companies test automation strategies in simulated environments before implementing them in the real world. The discussion also covers practical AI applications while examining how advanced machine vision technologies are enabling safer, smarter automation on factory and warehouse floors.  The conversation also hits on the future of lights-out warehousing, the growing importance of AMRs, and workforce challenges driving increased automation adoption. As experienced workers retire and U.S. reshoring accelerates, automation technologies that improve flexibility, safety, and ease of use will play a crucial role in the future of manufacturing.  Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/OWhtu6YjPgc  Learn more about SICK: https://www.sick.com  Follow SICK on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sicksensorintelligence/ Read the transcript: https://hubs.ly/Q046wJkH0  Learn more about TECH B2B Marketing: https://www.techb2b.com  Follow TECH B2B Marketing on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tech-b2b-marketing/  Follow Manufacturing Matters on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/manufacturing-matters/    #manufacturing #automation #manufacturingmatters #techb2bmarketing #sensing #digitaltwins #machinevision #simulation #AI Support the show

    37 min

  2. MAR 4

    Episode 131 - Stu Shepherd, President of Shepherd Solutions

    “We’re at a perfect storm, finally, of being able to see automation really grow again.”   Automation is more approachable than ever before, with more experts in the field — even for very specific applications — available to help walk you through the process of understanding whether certain applications can or should be automated. If you don’t have much experience, start simple and take a crawl, walk, run approach to implementation. Work with your supplier or integrator to set clear expectations that can help you start building up your capabilities and getting your return on investment sooner, suggested Stu Shepherd, president of Shepherd Solutions, at the beginning of this special episode of the Manufacturing Matters podcast.  In the episode, hosted by TECH B2B Marketing’s Jimmy Carroll, Shepherd discusses this topic along with several others, including risk assessment, ease of use, and the importance of defining clear use cases before jumping into robotics, AI, or humanoids. In addition, the podcast covers lights-out warehousing and manufacturing, the concept and reality of physical AI, workforce problems, marketing hype cycles, and what the next decade may hold for robotics, warehousing and logistics, and human-machine collaboration.  Read the transcript here: https://manufacturing-matters.com/episode-131-stu-shepherd-president-of-shepherd-solutions/ Learn more about TECH B2B Marketing: https://www.techb2b.com Follow Manufacturing Matters on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/manufacturing-matters/ Follow Manufacturing Matters on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/manufacturing_matterspodcast/ #manufacturing #automation #manufacturingmatters #techb2b #robotics Support the show

    32 min

  3. FEB 26

    Episode 130 – Bryan Powrozek, Partner at Wipfli

    “When it comes to the monumental new tax law changes, every company should understand what this means for them. Are there provisions like the R&D tax credit, depreciation for qualified production property or the opportunity zones that your company could take advantage of? If you haven’t heard from your adviser, reach out and ask.”  In this episode of the Manufacturing Matters podcast, TECH B2B Marketing’s Jimmy Carroll is joined by Bryan Powrozek, partner at Wipfli, to discuss the major tax changes in Public Law 119-21, formally known as the One Big Beautiful Bill, and how they impact automation companies and manufacturers. Powrozek breaks down key provisions, including restored immediate R&D expensing, 100% bonus depreciation, and incentives for new production facilities — and what they mean for cash flow, capital investment, and reshoring efforts.  In addition, Powrozek shares practical guidance on how companies should respond, from working with advisers to aligning tax strategy with operational goals. For manufacturers evaluating growth plans, understanding these changes could unlock new opportunities to invest, expand, and stay competitive.  Read the transcript here: https://manufacturing-matters.com/episode-130-bryan-powrozek-partner-at-wipfli Learn more about Wipfli: https://www.wipfli.com/  Learn more about TECH B2B Marketing: https://www.techb2b.com Follow Manufacturing Matters on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/manufacturing-matters/ Follow TECH B2B Marketing on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/manufacturing-matters/  Follow Wipfli on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wipfli/ #manufacturing #automation #manufacturingmatters #techb2bmarketing #obbba #reshoring Support the show

    36 min

  4. FEB 19

    Episode 129 – Alex Shikany, Executive Vice President, Association for Advancing Automation (A3)

    “After a year defined by uncertainty — largely from tariffs — automation companies should be entering 2026 with renewed confidence and optimism.”  Uncertainty in 2025 created headwinds, but as the tariff hangover lifts and companies begin adapting to challenges, 2026 is expected to be a year of momentum and growth, according to Association for Advancing Automation (A3) executive vice president Alex Shikany. Growth in automation was among several topics discussed on this special episode of the Manufacturing Matters podcast.  In the episode, TECH B2B Marketing’s Jimmy Carroll joined Shikany for a conversation that dove into statistics, key market drivers, and the technologies and trends shaping the next phase of robotics, machine vision, and industrial automation in general.   Shikany shared his insights into growth drivers, which include warehousing and logistics, semiconductors, agriculture, food and consumer goods, construction, and non-automotive manufacturing in general. Shikany and Carroll also discussed the risk of underinvesting in automation, labor shortages, reshoring, and the recent surge in U.S. manufacturing investments. Additional topics included lights-out operations, key enabling automation technologies such as humanoids, and robot safety.   Read the transcript: https://manufacturing-matters.com/episode-129-alex-shikany-executive-vice-president-association-for-advancing-automation-a3/ Learn more about A3: https://www.automate.org/  Learn more about TECH B2B Marketing: https://www.techb2b.com Follow A3 on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/association-for-advancing-automation/ Follow Manufacturing Matters on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/manufacturing-matters/ Follow TECH B2B Marketing on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tech-b2b-marketing/ Follow Manufacturing Matters on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/manufacturing_matterspodcast/ #manufacturing #automation #manufacturingmatters #techb2b #robotics #machinevision #ai #motioncontrol Support the show

    28 min

  5. FEB 12

    Episode 128 – Vision Panel Discussion at 2026 A3 Business Forum

    “What I’m most excited about right now is what’s new in machine vision. ... This combination of new sensors, advanced processing, and sophisticated algorithms will unlock new spaces for vision.”   While robots and AI may steal some of the spotlight from other technologies in industrial automation, machine vision technologies are being used more than ever before, providing eyes for the machines and actionable data for businesses across all industries. In this special episode of the Manufacturing Matters podcast, TECH B2B Marketing’s Jimmy Carroll is joined by Steve Kinney, director of training, compliance, and technical solutions, Smart Vision Lights; Jason Covar, general manager, The Imaging Source; and Jeffrey Adolph, vision/AI Specialist, 3M, to discuss the latest developments and what to expect in the near future when it comes to all things machine vision.   The panel covers the intersection of machine vision and AI, some of the latest opportunities that machine vision has enabled, the most interesting vision developments in the last few years, and a shift in embedded vision system development. Additional topics include vision standards updates, advances in processing technology including the cloud, and a look toward the future.    Read the transcript: https://www.manufacturing-matters.com/episode-128-vision-panel-discussion-at-2026-a3-business-forum Learn more about TECH B2B Marketing: https://www.techb2b.com Learn more about Smart Vision Lights: https://smartvisionlights.com/  Learn more about The Imaging Source: https://www.theimagingsource.com/en-us/  Learn more about 3M: https://www.3m.com/  Follow Manufacturing Matters on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@manufacturingmatters  Follow Manufacturing Matters on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/manufacturing-matters/ Follow Manufacturing Matters on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/manufacturing_matterspodcast/ #manufacturing #automation #manufacturingmatters #techb2b #ai #machinevision  Support the show

    41 min

  6. FEB 6

    Episode 127 - AI Panel Discussion at 2026 A3 Business Forum

    “If AI is overhyped, automation is completely underhyped. As automation advances and becomes more precise and durable and solves new challenges, AI is augmenting these systems by adding flexibility and autonomy.”  While we’ve not quite moved past the hype curve, AI technology today is quickly reshaping how factories and warehouses operate. In this special episode of the Manufacturing Matters podcast, TECH B2B Marketing’s Jimmy Carroll is joined by Melonee Wise, chief product officer of software and AI at KUKA; Juan Aparicio, founder and CEO of Reshape Automation; and Adi Dalvi, vice president of sales at OSARO, to discusses how AI is adding value to automation today, as well as what to expect in the future and what issues still need to be addressed. Together, they explore how AI adds flexibility to automation systems, from pick-and-place to AI agents that support problem solving and beyond.  The panel also covers physical AI, the importance of simulation and digital twins, the growing importance of data collection and alignment, and safety hurdles for humanoids and autonomous mobile robots. Additional topics include AI’s impact on jobs, why practical and well-defined use cases are winning over flashy demos, and major trends to expect over the next few years.  Read the transcript: https://manufacturing-matters.com/episode-127-ai-panel-discussion-at-2026-a3-business-forum/ Learn more about KUKA: https://www.kuka.com/  Learn more about Reshape Automation: https://www.reshapex.com/en  Learn more about OSARO: https://www.osaro.com/  Learn more about TECH B2B Marketing: https://www.techb2b.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/manufacturing-matters/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/manufacturing_matterspodcast/ #manufacturing #automation #manufacturingmatters #techb2b #AI #robotics #automation #physicalai Support the show

    51 min

  7. JAN 30

    Episode 126 – Robotics Panel Discussion at 2026 A3 Business Forum

    “The whole dialogue has shifted from what can it do to when it will and how do we scale it?”  Humanoid robotics technology is slowly but surely moving into real-world deployment. The excitement behind humanoids is just one of several hot topics in robotics discussed on this special episode of the Manufacturing Matters podcast.  In this episode, TECH B2B Marketing’s Jimmy Carroll sits down with a powerhouse panel of robotics and technology leaders to unpack what’s actually happening in the industry right now — and what’s coming next. Joe Gemma, CEO of Integrion Automation; Dr. Daniel Lau, professor and director of graduate studies in engineering at the University of Kentucky; and Robert Little, chief of robotics strategy at Novanta Inc., share candid insights on investments into U.S. manufacturing and the impact this will have on robotics and automation technologies as companies continue to navigate the labor shortage. They also discuss physical AI, humanoid safety and potential applications, digital twins and simulations, mergers and acquisitions, and how automation technology overall continues to evolve and advance.   Support the show

    28 min

  8. JAN 22

    Episode 125 - Vaidy Raghavan, Chief Product and Technology Officer at Xometry

    The world has seen its fair share of supply chain challenges for several years now. Where historically supply chain management has been all too reactive, artificial intelligence (AI) is enabling a more proactive approach. “AI’s role in supply chain resilience is really about turning uncertainty into intelligence,” says Vaidy Raghavan, chief product and technology officer for Xometry.    Providing an on-demand manufacturing marketplace that connects businesses with vetted production services gives Xometry incredible insight into a range of manufacturing trends around the world. So, for this episode of Manufacturing Matters, Raghavan joined TECH B2B Marketing’s Aaron Hand and Dan McCarthy to talk about how AI is changing the face of supply chain management, reshoring, and trade uncertainties — moving from reactive to proactive, automating decisions, and leveling the playing field. Small and medium-sized manufacturers can operate with the same level of intelligence and agility that was once reserved for larger players, Raghavan notes.    Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/T76r-RtYpmw  Read the transcript: https://www.manufacturing-matters.com/episode-125-vaidy-raghavan-chief-product-and-technology-officer  Learn more about Xometry: https://www.xometry.com/  Learn more about TECH B2B Marketing: https://www.techb2b.com  Follow TECH B2B Marketing on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tech-b2b-marketing/  Follow Manufacturing Matters on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/manufacturing-matters/  Follow Xometry on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xometry  Follow Manufacturing Matters on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/manufacturing_matterspodcast/    #manufacturing #automation #manufacturingmatters #techb2bmarketing #supplychain #artificialintelligence #ai #supplychainmanagement Support the show

    43 min
See All (133)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

The Manufacturing Matters podcast aims to get to the heart of automation technology and how it plays into the growing manufacturing industry. Join us for insights and interviews discussing trends, innovations, and advanced automation technologies, such as robotics, machine vision, AI, and much more. Follow our social channels here: http://linktr.ee/m_mp

Information

  • Creator
    Tech B2B
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    133
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Manufacturing Matters
  • Show Website
    Manufacturing Matters