# The AI Revolution: Rethinking Automation with Al Whatmough, Ep #13

- Show: [Lights Out](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out)
- Published: 2025-02-26
- Length: 38m
- Episode: 13
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2025-02-26-the-ai-revolution-rethinking-automation-with-al-whatmough-ep-13
- Listen: https://8819970d-2c51-481c-b08a-4d2a806885b2.libsyn.com/the-ai-revolution-rethinking-automation-with-al-whatmough-ep-13

## Summary

Al Whatmough, CEO of Toolpath, discusses the role of AI in CNC machining automation, explaining how his company aims to bridge the gap between software and hardware through its acquisition of Chatter. He argues that manufacturers should focus on automating mundane tasks to free up cognitive load rather than chasing complex, high-touch solutions, drawing on his experience at Autodesk. Whatmough also reflects on the generational divide in the industry and the strategic importance of solving simple problems well to build a scalable platform.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2025-02-26-the-ai-revolution-rethinking-automation-with-al-whatmough-ep-13#t=0) Introduction and MFG 2025 Recap
- [3:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2025-02-26-the-ai-revolution-rethinking-automation-with-al-whatmough-ep-13#t=180) Bridging the Generational Divide in Manufacturing
- [6:11](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2025-02-26-the-ai-revolution-rethinking-automation-with-al-whatmough-ep-13#t=371) Toolpath's Approach to AI and Automation
- [11:09](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2025-02-26-the-ai-revolution-rethinking-automation-with-al-whatmough-ep-13#t=669) The Acquisition of Chatter and Closed-Loop Communication
- [13:37](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2025-02-26-the-ai-revolution-rethinking-automation-with-al-whatmough-ep-13#t=817) Solving Mundane Tasks vs. Complex Problems
- [15:52](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2025-02-26-the-ai-revolution-rethinking-automation-with-al-whatmough-ep-13#t=952) The 'Dangerous Middle' and Product Strategy
- [21:24](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2025-02-26-the-ai-revolution-rethinking-automation-with-al-whatmough-ep-13#t=1284) AI as Connective Tissue in Manufacturing Workflows
- [26:55](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2025-02-26-the-ai-revolution-rethinking-automation-with-al-whatmough-ep-13#t=1615) Strategic Focus and Future Takeaways

## Topics

- [AI & machine learning](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/ai-and-machine-learning)
- [Scaling production](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/scaling-production)
- [Hiring & workforce](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/hiring-and-workforce)
- [Connected products & IoT](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/connected-products-and-iot)
- [Leadership, teams & culture](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/leadership-and-culture)

## Most relevant to

companies scaling up

## Mentioned

- Toolpath (company)
- Chatter (product)
- Autodesk (company)
- Fusion (product)
- PowerMill (product)
- NVIDIA (company)
- ProShop (product)
- Summit 7 (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Ep. 10 - Automation Equipment](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/open-hardware-manufacturing-podcast/2023-12-07-ep-10-automation-equipment) (Open Hardware Manufacturing Podcast)
- [539: My Ai Powered Ergonomic Chair](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2026-09-25-539-my-ai-powered-ergonomic-chair) (Making It)
- [168: Shifting Your Mindset on the Human Potential of AI with Concurrency CTO Nathan Lasnoski](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2024-01-16-168-shifting-your-mindset-on-the-human-potential-of-ai-with-concurrency-cto-nath) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)
- [160: Buying a Manufacturing Company and Reimagining Upskilling with Bill Berrien, CEO of Pindel Global Precision](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2023-11-07-160-buying-a-manufacturing-company-and-reimagining-upskilling-with-bill-berrien) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)
- [295: Reindustrialization, AI Agents, and the Future of Manufacturing with First Resonance CEO Karan Talati](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2026-07-14-295-reindustrialization-ai-agents-and-the-future-of-manufacturing-with-first-res) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)

## Citing this page

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