Hardware Podcasts

Ep. 10 - Automation Equipment

Open Hardware Manufacturing Podcast · 7 Dec 2023 · 42m

What this episode covers

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.

Most relevant to

companies scaling up

Topics

Mentioned

Companies
Form Labs, Allie Express
Products
Lumen, Bobby, Gundam
Chips
WS2812 LEDs, Raspberry Pi
Tools
Arduino, OpenCV
Materials
GT2 timing belt

Related episodes from other shows

Other shows on the same ground, closest first.

  • Lights Out · 38m

    The AI Revolution: Rethinking Automation with Al Whatmough, Ep #13

    Al Whatmough, CEO of Toolpath, discusses the role of AI in CNC machining automation, explaining how his company aims to bridge the gap between software and hardware through its acquisition of Chatter. He argues that manufacturers should focus on automating mundane tasks to free up cognitive load rather than chasing complex, high-touch solutions, drawing on his experience at Autodesk. Whatmough also reflects on the generational divide in the industry and the strategic importance of solving simple problems well to build a scalable platform.

    AI & machine learningScaling production
    8 chapters

  • Lights Out · 47m

    The Automation Trap: Why Automating Chaos Won't Save You, Ep #18

    Hosts Nick Golner and Caleb Mertz, joined by workholding expert Eric Nekich, analyze the first chapter of a fictional story about Gary, owner of IronClunk Machining, who attempts to automate his chaotic shop by copying Klaus of LeanStream Precision. The discussion highlights Gary's critical errors: automating before stabilizing processes, fixating on spindle utilization instead of OEE, and purchasing a cobot for a high-mix environment where pallet loading would be more appropriate. The hosts emphasize that automation amplifies existing inefficiencies and that shop culture, financial transparency, and value stream mapping are prerequisites for successful automation.

    Scaling productionDesign for manufacturing & NPI
    7 chapters

  • Making It · 1h 01m

    Episode 203: So and So Johnson

    Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett, and David Picciuto discuss the difficulty of deciding when to scrap a project and restart, citing Diresta's failed brass belt buckle casting and printing press adjustments. They explore the psychological attachment to work-in-progress and the importance of having the courage to change course, using the Fire Festival documentary as an example of ignoring failure signals. The hosts also share recent maker projects, including Clagett's metal sculpture class and Picciuto's screen printing experiments, while highlighting tools like Bantam Tools and AI-driven safety tech from Smarter Every Day.

    Validation & product-market fitPrototyping & iteration
    9 chapters

  • Being an Engineer · 45m

    S1E46 The ABCs of Industrial Automation | Mauricio Romero

    Mauricio Romero, a senior manager of metrology at Johnson & Johnson’s Vistakon division, discusses the practicalities of industrial automation in medical device manufacturing. He explains how to decide when to automate by weighing value against cost, highlighting a failed project where over-automation reduced flexibility, and emphasizing safety and ergonomics as key drivers. Romero details the architecture of automated systems, comparing PLC vendors like Allen Bradley and Siemens, and outlines the rigorous IQ/OQ/PQ validation process required for FDA-regulated equipment. He advises young engineers to gain hands-on experience through internships and to treat end-user technicians as the primary customers during design.

    Mechanical engineeringEmbedded firmware
    10 chapters

  • Lights Out · 42m

    The Automation Trap: One Shop's Hard Lesson in Lean Thinking, Ep #19

    In this episode of the audio drama 'The Automation Trap,' hosts Nick Golner, Caleb Murth, and David Buick narrate the story of Gary, owner of Iron Clunk Machining, who fails by automating without lean principles. Gary purchases a used cobot and a 'dinosaur vice' from an online auction, leading to massive overproduction, quality failures, and the resignation of his quality manager, Earl. The hosts analyze the eight wastes of lean, highlighting how Gary's lack of value stream mapping and exclusion of his team resulted in unused talent and operational chaos, ultimately forcing his rival Klaus to offer a partnership to save the business.

    Manufacturing partners & offshoringScaling production
    8 chapters

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