Hardware Podcasts

171: AI and the "Art of the Possible" with Gregory Powers, VP of Cool Stuff at Gray Solutions

Manufacturing Happy Hour · 6 Feb 2024 · 43m

What this episode covers

Gregory Powers, VP of Cool Stuff at Gray Solutions, explains how his company applies AI to manufacturing, specifically using AI-driven 3D modeling and vision systems to automate plant operations and future HMIs. He argues that manufacturers must first establish a strong data foundation and infrastructure before attempting to implement AI solutions. Powers advises leaders to encourage low-risk experimentation with technologies like robotics and AI avatars to discover practical applications rather than chasing hype. He emphasizes that AI frees operators from monotonous tasks, allowing them to focus on proactive maintenance and higher-value decision-making.

Most relevant to

companies scaling up

Topics

Mentioned

Companies
Gray Solutions, Kellogg, Accenture, Swipe Guide, E-Plan
Products
Spot, AMRs, Vision Systems

Related episodes from other shows

Other shows on the same ground, closest first.

  • The Manufacturing Executive · 30m

    Clarifying AI Terminology and Applications in Manufacturing w/ Alex Sandoval

    Alex Sandoval, CEO and co-founder of Allie Systems, explains the distinctions between machine learning, deep learning, and generative AI, and how these technologies apply to manufacturing operations. He details Allie Systems' approach of connecting PLCs and sensors to predict downtime and optimize processes, while also addressing the cultural resistance to AI adoption among traditional manufacturing leaders. Sandoval advises companies to start by forming a transformation squad, securing historical data from machines, and partnering with technology providers rather than building solutions in-house.

    AI & machine learningLeadership, teams & culture
    6 chapters

  • The Manufacturing Executive · 36m

    Practical AI Applications for Optimizing Your Manufacturing Operations w/ Berk Birand

    Berk Birand, co-founder and CEO of Fero Labs, explains why standard 'black box' AI models are unsuitable for manufacturing due to high stakes and lack of explainability, advocating instead for explainable machine learning. He details three practical applications: diagnostics to find root causes of issues like steel breakouts, forecasting to predict quality outcomes before lab results arrive, and optimization to adjust production parameters in real-time. Birand also addresses common hesitations regarding data quality and labor shortages, arguing that AI can augment junior engineers and improve sustainability by reducing waste.

    AI & machine learningSustainability & circular products
    5 chapters

  • The Manufacturing Executive · 21m

    Industry 4.0 is now Industry 4.5 w/ Justin Goldston

    Joe Sullivan interviews Justin Goldston, PhD, a professor at Penn State University, about the evolution from Industry 4.0 to Industry 4.5, emphasizing the critical role of artificial intelligence and machine learning in modern manufacturing. Goldston argues that AI is 'augmented intelligence' that assists rather than replaces workers, helping to address labor shortages and improve safety through technologies like drones. He advises manufacturers to first ensure data accuracy and assess their digital maturity before implementing AI, noting that major ERP providers like SAP and Oracle are already integrating these capabilities.

    AI & machine learningLeadership, teams & culture
    7 chapters

  • The Manufacturing Executive · 25m

    AI in Manufacturing: Fusing Human Knowledge and IIoT Data w/ Christopher Nguyen

    Christopher Nguyen, CEO & Co-Founder of Aitomatic, explains why effective AI in manufacturing requires fusing IIoT data with the tacit knowledge of frontline workers. He argues that pure data-driven models fail in physical domains due to the 'data wall' and lack of failure examples, necessitating the capture of domain expertise. Nguyen discusses how his software helps industrial companies translate unstructured human knowledge into structured forms to improve defect detection and process optimization.

    AI & machine learningConnected products & IoT
    7 chapters

  • The Manufacturing Executive · 39m

    Starting Small With AI and Emerging Manufacturing Technology w/ Jarred Knecht

    Jarred Knecht, founder of AI quality inspection software KonnectAi and president of ProEV and ECI, explains how his family’s wire harness business evolved from industrial sectors to EV and defense markets. He details the development of KonnectAi, an AI-powered visual inspection tool designed to replace the irreplaceable institutional knowledge of veteran inspectors like 'Joe' without adding cost or complexity. Knecht discusses the challenges of implementing technology in traditional manufacturing, emphasizing a 'baby steps' approach to workforce adoption and the strategic value of AI in business development and talent retention.

    AI & machine learningHiring & workforce
    6 chapters

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