Hardware Podcasts

Facing the Future: Automation Truths from 40 Years on the Shop Floor with Mike Gamache, Ep #29

Lights Out · 28 Nov 2025 · 1h 02m · Episode 29

What this episode covers

Mike Gamache, who founded Gamache Systems before it was acquired by Metalcraft of Mayville, explains how to successfully implement automation in machine shops. He argues that companies must first stabilize processes through lean principles and define clear strategic goals before investing in robotics, warning against buying technology like cobots without a specific application. Gamache details how Metalcraft uses automation to support its Skag lawnmower line and discusses prioritizing bottlenecks by starting at the shipping dock and working upstream.

Most relevant to

companies scaling up and large enterprises

Topics

Mentioned

Companies
Metalcraft of Mayville, Gamache Systems, SMW Autoblok, Verdant Commercial Capital, Cornerstone Design, Hall Steel, Pushcorp, Triax
Products
Skag, Robotrex

Related episodes from other shows

Other shows on the same ground, closest first.

  • The Manufacturing Executive

    Robot-Lean: Synthesizing Automation and Lean Manufacturing w/ Alex Webster

    Alex Webster, Founder and CEO of SDMS Robotics, explains how machine shops can synthesize traditional lean manufacturing principles with robotic automation to address labor shortages and high operational costs. He details the technical shift from traditional pallet pool systems to flexible, programmable workholding and gripping that enables high-mix, low-volume automation. Webster also discusses the role of industrial policy in reshoring and provides practical advice for manufacturers seeking to integrate robots from CNC machine integrators like Fanuc.

    Scaling productionManufacturing partners & offshoring
    8 chapters

  • The Manufacturing Executive · 28m

    The New ROI of Automation w/ Scot Lindemann

    Scot Lindemann, CEO of Mission Design & Automation, explains that the ROI of automation must extend beyond simple labor replacement to include quality, consistency, and labor availability. He argues that automation should be treated as a continuous improvement journey rather than an all-or-nothing investment, citing examples like a football manufacturer who found value in smaller, targeted automations instead of a full line overhaul. Lindemann highlights how automating expensive capital equipment, such as in injection molding, can unlock hidden capacity without necessarily replacing the human operator. He advises manufacturers to start small, partner with integrators for long-term support, and focus on reducing process fragility caused by labor shortages.

    Scaling productionPricing, margins & unit economics
    6 chapters

  • Manufacturing Happy Hour · 1h 09m

    276: 2026 Automation Industry Outlook, Live from the A3 Business Forum

    Host Chris Luecke interviews economists and industry leaders at the A3 Business Forum about the 2026 automation outlook. Economist Alex Chausovsky argues that manufacturing is transitioning from uncertainty to complexity, urging companies to rely on hard CapEx data rather than sentiment. Bob Little of Novanta and Alex Shikany of A3 discuss the $1+ trillion investment boom in US manufacturing and the critical role of smart automation in addressing labor shortages. Faye Goldstein of Barden and Stu Shepherd of Shepherd Solutions explore practical AI implementation in sales and the rigorous safety standards developed through theme park robotics.

    Scaling productionAI & machine learning
    7 chapters

  • Manufacturing Happy Hour · 41m

    243: Inside Automate 2025: Robotics, Automation Trends, and Expert Insights from Automate LIVE

    Chris Luecke interviews industry leaders at Automate 2025, including Jerry Perez of FANUC America, Bernd Raithel of Siemens Factory Automation, Shawn Donahue and Brian Darling of Raymond Corp, and Ken Crawford of Weidmueller. They discuss the shift from labor shortages to a persistent labor problem, advocating for accessible cobot packages and lean optimization before automation. The conversation highlights the adoption of open operating systems (UOS) by Weidmueller and Siemens' use of digital twins and edge devices to support less experienced workers. Key decisions involve starting with low-hanging fruit applications and prioritizing problem-solving over technology selection.

    Robotics & autonomyConnected products & IoT
    5 chapters

  • Open Hardware Manufacturing Podcast · 42m

    Ep. 10 - Automation Equipment

    Lucian Shapar and Stephen Halls of Opulo discuss their experiences with manufacturing automation, categorizing tools into 'easy wins,' 'easy punts,' and 'on the fence' decisions. They highlight specific successes like the 'Bobby' belt cutter and the 'Gundam' software testing suite, while warning against over-engineering solutions for tasks that are better handled by vendors or manual processes, such as their failed attempt to automate belt winding. The conversation emphasizes pragmatic decision-making, referencing the XKCD automation chart and Seth Godin's 'The Dip' to determine when automation is truly worth the investment.

    Design for manufacturing & NPIScaling production
    6 chapters

The summary, chapters and topics are generated from the episode’s audio by this directory, not written by Lights Out. The episode itself belongs to its publisher.