# 118. Sheet Metal Forming Goes High-Tech with Robotics & AI

- Show: [The Next Byte Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast)
- Published: 2023-04-18
- Length: 27m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2023-04-18-118-sheet-metal-forming-goes-high-tech-with-robotics-ai
- Listen: https://the-next-byte-wevolver.simplecast.com/episodes/118-sheet-metal-forming-goes-high-tech-with-robotics-ai-zMWzqKHP

## Summary

Hosts Daniel and Forbode discuss Machina, a startup using robotics and AI to revolutionize sheet metal forming. They explain how Machina's 'roboforming' process eliminates the need for expensive, custom dies by using two 7-axis robotic arms to bend metal with submillimeter precision. The episode highlights the technology's ability to bridge the gap between manual craftsmanship and high-volume stamping, offering rapid prototyping and low-to-medium volume production for industries like automotive and aerospace.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2023-04-18-118-sheet-metal-forming-goes-high-tech-with-robotics-ai#t=0) Introduction to Machina and Sheet Metal Pain Points
- [3:55](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2023-04-18-118-sheet-metal-forming-goes-high-tech-with-robotics-ai#t=235) Traditional Sheet Metal Forming Challenges
- [8:39](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2023-04-18-118-sheet-metal-forming-goes-high-tech-with-robotics-ai#t=519) The Labor Shortage and Automation Opportunity
- [11:55](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2023-04-18-118-sheet-metal-forming-goes-high-tech-with-robotics-ai#t=715) Machina's Roboforming Process and Workflow
- [15:01](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2023-04-18-118-sheet-metal-forming-goes-high-tech-with-robotics-ai#t=901) Precision, AI, and Closed-Loop Feedback
- [21:49](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2023-04-18-118-sheet-metal-forming-goes-high-tech-with-robotics-ai#t=1309) Market Position and Future Impact

## Topics

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

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- Machina (company)
- Wevolver (company)
- Deloitte (company)
- National Association of Manufacturers (company)
- Air Force (company)
- Jaguar F-type (product)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Episode 160: Robotic blacksmiths - Edward Mehr](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2026-06-12-episode-160-robotic-blacksmiths-edward-mehr) (Robot Talk)
- [Ed Mehr on Transforming Manufacturing at Machina Labs](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2026-03-13-ed-mehr-on-transforming-manufacturing-at-machina-labs) (The Robot Report Podcast)
- [Electronica 24: The Rise of AI-Powered Robotics at Fideltronik and Beyond](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2024-12-09-electronica-24-the-rise-of-ai-powered-robotics-at-fideltronik-and-beyond) (EMS@C-LEVEL)
- [BONUS: Exploring Manufacturing Partnerships Part 1, Live from IMTS 2022 (brought to you by KUKA)](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2022-11-08-bonus-exploring-manufacturing-partnerships-part-1-live-from-imts-2022-brought-to) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)
- [Democratizing Industrial Automation w/ Etienne Lacroix](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2024-10-29-democratizing-industrial-automation-w-etienne-lacroix) (The Manufacturing Executive)

## Citing this page

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