# The Augmented Workforce: Enabling Humans with Technology

- Show: [The Manufacturing Executive](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive)
- Published: 2022-11-01
- Length: 29m
- Episode: 126
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2022-11-01-the-augmented-workforce-enabling-humans-with-technology
- Listen: https://www.spreaker.com/show/the-manufacturing-executive#episode-a7802b79-5e6d-476d-b75f-7d2d0d00a491

## Summary

Trond Undheim, co-author of Augmented Lean and lead ecosystem evangelist at Tulip, argues that manufacturing leaders must shift from 'mindless automation' to an 'augmented workforce' model that prioritizes human innovation over surface-level efficiency. He explains that digital transformation should not simply be pasted onto existing lean processes but must fundamentally reshape organizational structures to simplify interfaces for frontline workers. Undheim cites companies like Stanley Black & Decker and DMG Mori as examples of organizations successfully implementing this human-centric approach to technology.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2022-11-01-the-augmented-workforce-enabling-humans-with-technology#t=0) Introduction: Trond Undheim and the Augmented Workforce Concept
- [3:32](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2022-11-01-the-augmented-workforce-enabling-humans-with-technology#t=212) Technology as a Human Creation vs. External Force
- [5:07](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2022-11-01-the-augmented-workforce-enabling-humans-with-technology#t=307) The Problem with Mindless Automation and Surface Efficiencies
- [6:29](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2022-11-01-the-augmented-workforce-enabling-humans-with-technology#t=389) Augmented Lean: Integrating Digital Transformation with Lean Principles
- [10:52](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2022-11-01-the-augmented-workforce-enabling-humans-with-technology#t=652) Defining the Augmented Workforce and Fluid Interfaces
- [16:24](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2022-11-01-the-augmented-workforce-enabling-humans-with-technology#t=984) The Role of the Futurist and Real-World Examples
- [19:37](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2022-11-01-the-augmented-workforce-enabling-humans-with-technology#t=1177) Why Manufacturing Doesn't Need a 'Spin' to Be Exciting
- [23:48](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2022-11-01-the-augmented-workforce-enabling-humans-with-technology#t=1428) Simplifying Interfaces and Reducing the Skilling Burden

## Topics

- [Leadership, teams & culture](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/leadership-and-culture)
- [Industrial & consumer product design](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/industrial-design)
- [Scaling production](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/scaling-production)

## Most relevant to

large enterprises

## Mentioned

- Tulip (company)
- Yegii (company)
- Augmented Lean (product)
- Stanley Black & Decker (company)
- DMG Mori (company)
- Gorilla 76 (company)
- Industrial Marketing Live (product)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [165: Unlocking the Full Potential of Frontline Operations, Lean Manufacturing, and Industry 4.0 with Natan Linder, Co-Founder & CEO of Tulip](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2023-12-26-165-unlocking-the-full-potential-of-frontline-operations-lean-manufacturing-and) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)
- [168: Shifting Your Mindset on the Human Potential of AI with Concurrency CTO Nathan Lasnoski](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2024-01-16-168-shifting-your-mindset-on-the-human-potential-of-ai-with-concurrency-cto-nath) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)
- [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)
- [287: The Art of Precision Manufacturing: Why Humans Still Matter on the Factory Floor | Live from The Manufacturing Exchange in Rochester, NY (Powered by Fathom)](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2026-05-12-287-the-art-of-precision-manufacturing-why-humans-still-matter-on-the-factory-fl) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)
- [How do Digital Threads and Augmented Reality Enable Digital Transformation? | Rockwell Automation's Keith Higgins](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/iot-for-all-podcast/2021-03-22-how-do-digital-threads-and-augmented-reality-enable-digital-transformation-rockw) (IoT For All Podcast)

## Citing this page

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