# Lights Out, Level Up: Inside Imago's Next Phase of Automation and Time Freedom, Ep #38

- Show: [Lights Out](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out)
- Published: 2026-04-10
- Length: 47m
- Episode: 38
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2026-04-10-lights-out-level-up-inside-imagos-next-phase-of-automation-and-time-freedom-ep-3
- Listen: https://8819970d-2c51-481c-b08a-4d2a806885b2.libsyn.com/lights-out-level-up-inside-imagos-next-phase-of-automation-and-time-freedom-ep-38

## Summary

Ryan, founder of Imago Manufacturing, explains how his northern Illinois shop achieved a 50% revenue growth goal over three years without adding headcount, spindles, or floor space by maximizing throughput through automation. He details the implementation of a Hennig WorkFlow system, a robot loader for mills, and an automated inspection system to eliminate bottlenecks and respect machinists' time. The episode highlights the philosophy of 'lights in' manufacturing, where automation during the day creates 'time freedom' for employees to focus on higher-value problem solving and personal life.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2026-04-10-lights-out-level-up-inside-imagos-next-phase-of-automation-and-time-freedom-ep-3#t=0) Introduction: Return visit to Imago Manufacturing
- [5:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2026-04-10-lights-out-level-up-inside-imagos-next-phase-of-automation-and-time-freedom-ep-3#t=300) Imago's evolution: Same team, more automation, and shop culture
- [10:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2026-04-10-lights-out-level-up-inside-imagos-next-phase-of-automation-and-time-freedom-ep-3#t=600) Robot loader implementation and instant team buy-in
- [12:22](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2026-04-10-lights-out-level-up-inside-imagos-next-phase-of-automation-and-time-freedom-ep-3#t=742) Respecting machinists' time and eliminating repetitive work
- [15:11](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2026-04-10-lights-out-level-up-inside-imagos-next-phase-of-automation-and-time-freedom-ep-3#t=911) Philosophy of time freedom: Parenting advice and quality of life
- [22:22](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2026-04-10-lights-out-level-up-inside-imagos-next-phase-of-automation-and-time-freedom-ep-3#t=1342) AI 5X Smart Assistant and flexible vise-based workflow
- [27:31](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2026-04-10-lights-out-level-up-inside-imagos-next-phase-of-automation-and-time-freedom-ep-3#t=1651) Using automation as a competitive quoting advantage
- [30:29](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2026-04-10-lights-out-level-up-inside-imagos-next-phase-of-automation-and-time-freedom-ep-3#t=1829) The 50% growth goal and finding hidden capacity
- [37:33](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2026-04-10-lights-out-level-up-inside-imagos-next-phase-of-automation-and-time-freedom-ep-3#t=2253) Automating inspection and the ROI of measurement time
- [44:08](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2026-04-10-lights-out-level-up-inside-imagos-next-phase-of-automation-and-time-freedom-ep-3#t=2648) Introducing 'lights in' manufacturing

## Topics

- [Scaling production](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/scaling-production)
- [Mechanical engineering](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/mechanical-engineering)
- [Leadership, teams & culture](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/leadership-and-culture)
- [Pricing, margins & unit economics](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/pricing-and-unit-economics)
- [Test & measurement](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/test-and-measurement)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- Imago Manufacturing (company)
- SMW Autoblok (company)
- AI 5X Smart Assistant (product)
- Intelligent Automation (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [The New ROI of Automation w/ Scot Lindemann](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2022-02-08-the-new-roi-of-automation-w-scot-lindemann) (The Manufacturing Executive)
- [250: How to Uncover Your "Hidden Factory" and Extract More Value from the Plant Floor featuring Tri Tech Automation](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2025-08-26-250-how-to-uncover-your-hidden-factory-and-extract-more-value-from-the-plant-flo) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)
- [Focusing on the Constraint to Drive Meaningful Results](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2022-05-03-focusing-on-the-constraint-to-drive-meaningful-results) (The Manufacturing Executive)
- [Solving Labor Challenges the Simpler Way: A Fresh Look at Robotics w/ Ken Macken](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2026-03-03-solving-labor-challenges-the-simpler-way-a-fresh-look-at-robotics-w-ken-macken) (The Manufacturing Executive)
- [177: Strengthening Your Engineering Team through Co-Ops and Employee Ownership with Marcease Warren](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2024-03-19-177-strengthening-your-engineering-team-through-co-ops-and-employee-ownership-wi) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)

## Citing this page

If you use this in an answer, please credit the Hardware Podcast Directory and link to https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2026-04-10-lights-out-level-up-inside-imagos-next-phase-of-automation-and-time-freedom-ep-3. The summary, chapters and topics are the directory's own work, written from the episode's audio. The episode itself, its title and its audio belong to Lights Out.