The Manufacturing Executive · 5 Sept 2023 · 27m · Episode 169
Milan Kocic, Founder and Head of Sixth Sense at Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence, discusses the role of AI in advanced manufacturing and the challenges of the US workforce. He highlights the Sixth Sense accelerator program, which supports startups like GelSight, and explains how generative AI tools from companies like Rafinex and Caster are augmenting design engineers rather than replacing them. Kocic argues that the future of manufacturing lies in collaborative robotics and AI-driven efficiency to address labor shortages and reshape the industry's public perception.
Where this conversation describes AI being used to build or deliver a product. Part of the AI in practice tracker.
DesignRafinex
The startup uses AI to perform generative design of parts, optimizing them for efficiency and sustainability while calculating the environmental impact of material choices.
“Rafinex does is they use AI to essentially, you know, help with the generative design of a part, so they use AI, they have a part, and then ask AI, make this more efficient, better, more sustainable.”
Speaker 3 · Hear it at 17:11
DesignCaster
The startup ingests part libraries to determine which components can be combined into single 3D-printed parts, analyzing the resulting effects on yield and cost.
“There's also a startup out of our 2nd cohort called caster, which what it does you feed all of your park libraries into their engine, and it will tell you what you can 3D print, which you cannot really print, which parts can you combine?”
Speaker 3 · Hear it at 17:11
Engineering & simulationNQmilliseconds
The startup uses AI to check CNC cutting paths in milliseconds and provide immediate instructions on how to improve them to reduce material waste.
“NQ, which is for CNC machines. They can extremely fast in milliseconds, check the cutting paths, and then tell you how to improve it, where you're going to shave off more material, you know, in those kinds of things…”
Speaker 3 · Hear it at 20:07
large enterprises
Other shows on the same ground, closest first.
Emily Laird, an AI integration technologist and host of the Generative AI 101 podcast, discusses how generative AI is transforming manufacturing by making historical data actionable for predictive maintenance and demand forecasting. She draws parallels between fast fashion and manufacturing, highlighting how AI accelerates design cycles and material efficiency through rapid prototyping and 3D modeling. Laird emphasizes the necessity of combining AI literacy with deep domain knowledge, arguing that AI acts as a co-pilot to preserve tribal knowledge and enable specialized roles rather than replacing human workers.
Andrew Hastert, Director of Digital Strategy and Portfolio at Rockwell Automation, explains how generative AI and causal inference can help manufacturers escape "pilot purgatory" by simplifying complex tasks like programming and troubleshooting. He highlights that AI addresses the industry's talent crisis by capturing tribal knowledge and empowering new workers, while also noting that Software as a Service (SaaS) remains a primary source of ROI. Hastert advises manufacturers to focus on specific business challenges, partner with established technology providers like Microsoft and NVIDIA, and adopt off-the-shelf solutions such as Guardian AI to drive autonomous decision-making.
Chris Luecke hosts a roundtable with MakingChips hosts Nick Golner and Jason Zanger, AMT’s Peter Eelman, and other manufacturing leaders to preview IMTS 2024. The group discusses the show's evolution from machine tools to automation and AI, the critical need for AI in preventative maintenance, and the shift toward additive manufacturing for complex geometries. They also address the industry's workforce crisis, highlighting how M&A and new technologies are helping shops scale and attract younger talent.
Host Fabian Alefeld moderates a panel at the IMTS+ Creators Lounge featuring Scott MacKenzie of Industrial Talk, Meaghan Ziemba of Mavens of Manufacturing, Mitch Free of ZYCI, Charli Matthew of Empowering Industry, and James Soto of Industrial Strength Marketing. The experts discuss how additive manufacturing enhances conventional supply chains while addressing critical industry challenges, including a projected 2 million job gap by 2030. They emphasize that solving skill shortages requires integrating AI and automation, while attracting diverse talent, particularly women, through storytelling and digital engagement. The panel highlights the role of media platforms in reshaping manufacturing's image and fostering collaboration across the industry.
Kevin Surace, an AI keynote speaker and founder of Appvance, explains that large language models are statistical tools that amplify human intelligence rather than replace it, comparing them to calculators for language. He argues that AI will increase productivity, potentially leading to shorter workweeks, and helps engineers by generating novel design ideas, writing code, and improving quality assurance through computer vision. Surace emphasizes that while AI is not yet good at designing complex machinery, it excels at processing vast amounts of technical data to suggest solutions and automate routine tasks. He advises engineers to use AI as a co-pilot for communication, coding, and creative problem-solving to overcome skill gaps and accelerate their careers.
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