# The Real Takeaways from EMO: Monitoring, AI, and the Changing Face of Automation, Ep #27

- Show: [Lights Out](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out)
- Published: 2025-10-31
- Length: 45m
- Episode: 27
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2025-10-31-the-real-takeaways-from-emo-monitoring-ai-and-the-changing-face-of-automation-ep
- Listen: https://8819970d-2c51-481c-b08a-4d2a806885b2.libsyn.com/the-real-takeaways-from-emo-monitoring-ai-and-the-changing-face-of-automation-ep-27

## Summary

Hosts Nick Golner, Eric Nick, and David Buick of MakingChips debrief from EMO Hannover, discussing the industry's shift from horizontal to 5-axis machining, the strategic removal of unused native OEM technology to lower sticker prices, and the critical need for dedicated continuous improvement roles. They highlight that while machine monitoring is abundant, adoption fails without proper change management, unified data stacks, and business-result-focused pricing models like subscriptions. The conversation emphasizes that shops must hire dedicated integrators to bridge the gap between technology and operational outcomes, rather than relying on OEMs to drive cultural change.

## Chapters

- [1:59](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2025-10-31-the-real-takeaways-from-emo-monitoring-ai-and-the-changing-face-of-automation-ep#t=119) Introduction: EMO vs IMTS and Global OEM Landscape
- [6:51](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2025-10-31-the-real-takeaways-from-emo-monitoring-ai-and-the-changing-face-of-automation-ep#t=411) Three Major Takeaways: 5-Axis Shift, Native Tech Removal, and Monitoring Gaps
- [9:43](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2025-10-31-the-real-takeaways-from-emo-monitoring-ai-and-the-changing-face-of-automation-ep#t=583) The Shift from Horizontal to 5-Axis and the Heller Acquisition
- [14:40](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2025-10-31-the-real-takeaways-from-emo-monitoring-ai-and-the-changing-face-of-automation-ep#t=880) Why Native OEM Technology Goes Unused and Hurts Adoption
- [22:01](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2025-10-31-the-real-takeaways-from-emo-monitoring-ai-and-the-changing-face-of-automation-ep#t=1321) Change Management, CRM Analogies, and the 'Dinosaur Vice' Metaphor
- [28:49](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2025-10-31-the-real-takeaways-from-emo-monitoring-ai-and-the-changing-face-of-automation-ep#t=1729) The Monitoring Explosion: Basic vs. Advanced Solutions and ERP Integration
- [34:41](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2025-10-31-the-real-takeaways-from-emo-monitoring-ai-and-the-changing-face-of-automation-ep#t=2081) The Need for Dedicated Continuous Improvement and Integration Roles
- [38:12](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2025-10-31-the-real-takeaways-from-emo-monitoring-ai-and-the-changing-face-of-automation-ep#t=2292) Pricing Models: One-Time Fees vs. Subscriptions and Lowering Risk
- [43:30](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2025-10-31-the-real-takeaways-from-emo-monitoring-ai-and-the-changing-face-of-automation-ep#t=2610) Three Practical Takeaways for Shop Owners

## Topics

- [Scaling production](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/scaling-production)
- [Connected products & IoT](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/connected-products-and-iot)
- [Manufacturing partners & offshoring](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/manufacturing-partners)
- [Pricing, margins & unit economics](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/pricing-and-unit-economics)
- [Hiring & workforce](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/hiring-and-workforce)
- [Leadership, teams & culture](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/leadership-and-culture)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- EMO (other)
- IMTS (other)
- SMW Autoblok (company)
- Heller (company)
- DN Solutions (company)
- ProShop ERP (product)
- HelpSpot (product)
- Warhammer 40K (other)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [BONUS: Gaps in the Manufacturing Industry (and what to do about them), LIVE from Fathom's Manufacturing Exchange in Hartland, WI](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2025-11-07-bonus-gaps-in-the-manufacturing-industry-and-what-to-do-about-them-live-from-fat) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)
- [BONUS: 3 Actions Manufacturing Leaders Should Take in 2020](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2019-12-16-bonus-3-actions-manufacturing-leaders-should-take-in-2020) (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)
- [S6E1 Tony Simas | Affecting Change, SaaS, & Communicating in Different Cultures](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2025-01-03-s6e1-tony-simas-affecting-change-saas-communicating-in-different-cultures) (Being an Engineer)
- [Smart Manufacturing: Getting Started | Deloitte's Brian Zakrajsek | Internet of Things Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/iot-for-all-podcast/2024-02-20-smart-manufacturing-getting-started-deloittes-brian-zakrajsek-internet-of-things) (IoT For All Podcast)

## Citing this page

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