Manufacturing Matters

Tech B2B

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. MAR 26

    Episode 134 - Paul Osterhaus, Managing Partner at QOC Innovations

    Manufacturers are generating more data than ever — from machines on the production floor to purchasing, inventory, and finance. Yet many companies still struggle to turn that data into clear answers to the questions that matter most: Are we profitable on a given job? Do we have the capacity to take on more work? Where are bottlenecks slowing us down?  In this episode of Manufacturing Matters, Winn Hardin and Aaron Hand talk with Paul Osterhaus, managing partner at QOC Innovations, about why so many manufacturers remain data rich but insight poor and how modern enterprise resource planning (ERP) strategies can help bridge that gap. One key piece of advice: Don’t try to boil the ocean with massive, disruptive implementations. Find the one or two problems holding you back and solve those first.  Read the transcript: https://hubs.ly/Q048sS5r0  Learn more about QOC Innovations: https://www.qocinnovations.com/  Learn more about TECH B2B Marketing: https://www.techb2b.com  Follow QOC Innovations on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/qocinnovations/  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 Manufacturing Matters on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/manufacturing_matterspodcast/  #manufacturing #automation #manufacturingmatters #techb2b #erp #profitability #data #datainsights.  Support the show

    36 min

  2. MAR 19

    Episode 133 - Geoff Dawson, Director of Sales at FANUC

    “Technologies like AI, cobots, and digital twins are making automation more accessible and making the deployment of robots more agile and much faster. You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to engage with a robot.”  In this episode of Manufacturing Matters, TECH B2B Marketing’s Jimmy Carroll is joined by Geoff Dawson, Director of Sales at FANUC, to discuss the different technologies shaping the future of automation and manufacturing.  The conversation touches on how innovations in collaborative robots, AI, digital twins, and intuitive robot interfaces are making industrial automation more accessible than ever before. As manufacturers face a widening labor and skills gap, automation technologies are increasingly helping companies maintain productivity while empowering workers to move into higher-value roles. In addition, the conversation covers  “lights-out manufacturing,” the growing role of robotics in industries beyond automotive — including food and beverage and pharma — and why small- and mid-size manufacturers represent one of the biggest opportunities for automation in the coming years. Covering everything from reshoring and workforce shortages to AI-enabled robotics and the emergence of plug-and-play automation solutions, this episode offers a look at where manufacturing technology is headed — and why the next decade may be the most exciting yet for industrial automation.  Read the transcript: https://www.manufacturing-matters.com  Learn more about FANUC: https://www.fanucamerica.com/  Learn more about TECH B2B Marketing: https://www.techb2b.com  Follow Manufacturing Matters on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/manufacturing-matters/  Follow FANUC on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fanuc-america-corporation  Follow TECH B2B Marketing on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tech-b2b-marketing/    #manufacturing #automation #manufacturingmatters #techb2b #robotics #reshoring #cobots Support the show

    21 min

  3. MAR 12

    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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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
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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
    135
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Manufacturing Matters
  • Show Website
    Manufacturing Matters