
Show Notes
In this episode, I sit down with Tobias, a robotics and automation expert, to unpack what AI agents and generative AI mean for the future of industrial automation. We explore how combining human expertise with advanced agents can optimize production cycles, break down technological silos, and open new possibilities for greenfield automation projects. From hands-on case studies to the hurdles of legacy systems, we dig into what works today, what doesn’t, and where the next breakthroughs might come from.
I share insights from our own experiments—what happens when you let an AI agent optimize a real automation cell, and why, for now, human know-how still matters. If you’re curious about the practical realities of AI in production lines and what’s hype versus what’s already delivering value, this conversation is for you.
More from Industrial AI Podcast
Did OpenAI really solve the Navier–Stokes problem? In this episode, we ask mathematician Gonzalo Caolabora. and AI professor Günter Klambauer what the proof means, why it has been difficult to verify, and whether large language models are discovering mathematics or combining ideas from existing research.
We talk with Arburg’s Stefan Lamp and Werner Faulhaber about how AI is changing injection molding—from predicting process stability and quality to helping operators troubleshoot machines. They explain why time-series foundation models matter, where domain expertise makes the difference, and how simulation can shorten the setup of a new process.
In this episode, I sit down with David Rodriguez to explore how large language models are reshaping the way we interact with industrial data. We dive into the Pi System’s pivotal role across foundational industries and discuss practical strategies for integrating AI—without compromising sensitive operational information. David shares his experience on creating actionable knowledge graphs, running local LLMs, and the evolving relationship between human operators, agents, and data visualization. If you’re curious about the real-world challenges and future promise of AI in manufacturing, this conversation delivers clear insights and actionable takeaways. Join me as we unpack what it takes to move from data to decision—safely, efficiently, and intelligently.
In this episode, we dive deep into the world of agentic AI and its transformative impact on industrial organizations - thanks to Jana Kirchheim from Microsoft. We share fresh insights from our conversations with industry leaders on how hyperteams—blending humans and AI agents—are changing the rules of leadership, governance, and knowledge management. You'll hear practical examples from companies like Bayer and discover how even mid-sized firms can harness agents for real business value. We discuss the challenges of orchestrating thousands of agents, building effective governance, and capturing critical tacit knowledge before it disappears. Join us as we explore what it takes to be brave, adapt, and thrive in the era of superintelligent industrial AI.
In this episode, I sit down with Nathan Gruber, co-founder and CEO of Manex AI, to explore how autonomy is reshaping the way leading organizations operate. We dig deep into the challenges of legacy manufacturing models, the rise of agent-based AI systems, and why speed and feedback loops are the new competitive edge. Nathan shares his firsthand experience at BMW, the genesis of Manex AI, and how their solutions are closing the gap between customer feedback and engineering action—faster than ever before.