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

- Show: [The Manufacturing Executive](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive)
- Published: 2024-07-30
- Length: 39m
- Episode: 216
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2024-07-30-starting-small-with-ai-and-emerging-manufacturing-technology-w-jarred-knecht
- Listen: https://www.spreaker.com/show/the-manufacturing-executive#episode-2edad6d1-de1d-4277-b4a4-3ccca6b7e2bd

## Summary

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.

## Chapters

- [0:37](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2024-07-30-starting-small-with-ai-and-emerging-manufacturing-technology-w-jarred-knecht#t=37) Introduction: Jarred Knecht and KonnectAi
- [3:54](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2024-07-30-starting-small-with-ai-and-emerging-manufacturing-technology-w-jarred-knecht#t=234) Family Business Evolution and Tech Adoption Philosophy
- [9:14](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2024-07-30-starting-small-with-ai-and-emerging-manufacturing-technology-w-jarred-knecht#t=554) Workforce Challenges and Training Strategies
- [18:49](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2024-07-30-starting-small-with-ai-and-emerging-manufacturing-technology-w-jarred-knecht#t=1129) Developing KonnectAi to Replace 'Joe' the Inspector
- [23:52](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2024-07-30-starting-small-with-ai-and-emerging-manufacturing-technology-w-jarred-knecht#t=1432) KonnectAi Product Features and Google Partnership
- [28:50](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2024-07-30-starting-small-with-ai-and-emerging-manufacturing-technology-w-jarred-knecht#t=1730) AI in Business Development and Future Outlook

## Topics

- [AI & machine learning](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/ai-and-machine-learning)
- [Hiring & workforce](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/hiring-and-workforce)
- [Scaling production](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/scaling-production)
- [Manufacturing partners & offshoring](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/manufacturing-partners)

## Most relevant to

companies scaling up

## Mentioned

- KonnectAi (product)
- ProEV (company)
- ECI (company)
- ProMark Electronics (company)
- Google (company)
- Gorilla 76 (company)
- EY (company)
- ChatGPT (product)
- Hanover Messe (other)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Revolutionizing Inspection with AI: Loopr.ai Founder & CEO Priyansha Bagaria on EMS@C-Level](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2024-11-06-revolutionizing-inspection-with-ai-loopr-ai-founder-ceo-priyansha-bagaria-on-ems) (EMS@C-LEVEL)
- [Markets, Mayhem and Manufacturing: Insights on the Future of Electronics Manufacturing in the America](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2025-04-29-markets-mayhem-and-manufacturing-insights-on-the-future-of-electronics-manufactu) (EMS@C-LEVEL)
- [BONUS - Koh Young Research America's Dr. Brian Kang on AI at APEX 2023 - EMSNOW & SCOOP On Location](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2023-02-07-bonus-koh-young-research-americas-dr-brian-kang-on-ai-at-apex-2023-emsnow-scoop) (EMS@C-LEVEL)
- [AI's Role in Manufacturing Efficiency and NPI Success with Instrumental CEO Anna-Katrina Shedletsky](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2024-05-23-ais-role-in-manufacturing-efficiency-and-npi-success-with-instrumental-ceo-anna) (EMS@C-LEVEL)
- [Leadership Perspectives on Robotics, Highlights from Automate LIVE in Detroit, MI](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2023-05-09-leadership-perspectives-on-robotics-highlights-from-automate-live-in-detroit-mi) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)

## Citing this page

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