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

- Show: [Manufacturing Happy Hour](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour)
- Published: 2024-02-06
- Length: 43m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2024-02-06-171-ai-and-the-art-of-the-possible-with-gregory-powers-vp-of-cool-stuff-at-gray
- Listen: http://manufacturinghappyhour.com

## Summary

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.

## Chapters

- [0:50](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2024-02-06-171-ai-and-the-art-of-the-possible-with-gregory-powers-vp-of-cool-stuff-at-gray#t=50) Introduction: Gregory Powers and Gray Solutions
- [4:49](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2024-02-06-171-ai-and-the-art-of-the-possible-with-gregory-powers-vp-of-cool-stuff-at-gray#t=289) The Origin of the VP of Cool Stuff Title
- [11:30](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2024-02-06-171-ai-and-the-art-of-the-possible-with-gregory-powers-vp-of-cool-stuff-at-gray#t=690) Practical Applications of AI in Manufacturing
- [16:32](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2024-02-06-171-ai-and-the-art-of-the-possible-with-gregory-powers-vp-of-cool-stuff-at-gray#t=992) AI-Driven 3D Modeling and Robot Control
- [27:44](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2024-02-06-171-ai-and-the-art-of-the-possible-with-gregory-powers-vp-of-cool-stuff-at-gray#t=1664) Determining Readiness for AI Implementation
- [34:08](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2024-02-06-171-ai-and-the-art-of-the-possible-with-gregory-powers-vp-of-cool-stuff-at-gray#t=2048) Advice for Manufacturing Leaders on Experimentation
- [38:38](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2024-02-06-171-ai-and-the-art-of-the-possible-with-gregory-powers-vp-of-cool-stuff-at-gray#t=2318) The Future of Operators and AI

## Topics

- [AI & machine learning](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/ai-and-machine-learning)
- [Validation & product-market fit](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/validation-and-product-market-fit)
- [Leadership, teams & culture](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/leadership-and-culture)
- [Sourcing & supply chain](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sourcing-and-supply-chain)

## Most relevant to

companies scaling up

## Mentioned

- Gray Solutions (company)
- Kellogg (company)
- Accenture (company)
- Spot (product)
- AMRs (product)
- Vision Systems (product)
- Swipe Guide (company)
- E-Plan (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Clarifying AI Terminology and Applications in Manufacturing w/ Alex Sandoval](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2024-01-16-clarifying-ai-terminology-and-applications-in-manufacturing-w-alex-sandoval) (The Manufacturing Executive)
- [Practical AI Applications for Optimizing Your Manufacturing Operations w/ Berk Birand](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2024-11-26-practical-ai-applications-for-optimizing-your-manufacturing-operations-w-berk-bi) (The Manufacturing Executive)
- [Industry 4.0 is now Industry 4.5 w/ Justin Goldston](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2021-01-05-industry-4-0-is-now-industry-4-5-w-justin-goldston) (The Manufacturing Executive)
- [AI in Manufacturing: Fusing Human Knowledge and IIoT Data w/ Christopher Nguyen](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2023-03-28-ai-in-manufacturing-fusing-human-knowledge-and-iiot-data-w-christopher-nguyen) (The Manufacturing Executive)
- [Starting Small With AI and Emerging Manufacturing Technology w/ Jarred Knecht](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2024-07-30-starting-small-with-ai-and-emerging-manufacturing-technology-w-jarred-knecht) (The Manufacturing Executive)

## Citing this page

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