Every plant has its unique set of challenges and situations. Innovative, customized turnkey solutions for advanced manufacturing operations go far beyond a single segment. Rhino’s holistic approach brings together tools, hoists, automation, and expertise to deliver sustainable, high-impact results. In this episode, Michael Fecher, Area Sales Engineer, shares how Rhino is helping manufacturers across industries—automotive, aerospace, food service, and medical—solve complex challenges with integra...
Jun 26, 2025•7 min
From detecting defects at the source to inventory counting and tracking, Roboflow’s platform can be deployed via smart cameras to deliver actionable insights on the shop floor. We’re joined by Daniel Bender, Product Specialist at Roboflow, to explore how their customizable computer vision platform is helping companies extract real-time data from their environments.Sponsored By:
Jun 24, 2025•6 min
The global welder shortage is affecting fabrication shops of all sizes—from small, 12-person teams to large pontoon boat builders. Spartan Robotics is helping companies overcome this talent gap with a 7-axis cobot welding system that delivers speed, flexibility, and a fast ROI. Pierre de Giorgio, President and CTO of Spartan Robotics, joins us to share key components of the user-friendly system designed to solve labor challenges—and reshape the future of fabrication.Sponsored By:
Jun 20, 2025•6 min
What does AI actually look like on the factory floor? In this episode of ASSEMBLY Audible, we learn about the real-world applications of artificial intelligence in manufacturing. Ivan Madera, CEO and Founder of Adaptive AI, has raised and deployed over $100 million to launch advanced engineering and manufacturing facilities, working closely with some of the biggest names in the industry. We discuss how AI is currently being used in factories, why adoption is slower than the hype suggests, and wh...
Jun 19, 2025•34 min
With nearly half a million open manufacturing jobs reported in the U.S., communities across the country are feeling the pressure to fill critical roles. In this episode, we spotlight the Lincoln Manufacturing Council (LMC), a powerful example of how local leadership and industry collaboration can create meaningful change. Based in Lincoln, Nebraska—where manufacturing is the city’s second-largest economic driver—the LMC is breaking barriers with a workforce development model that’s as inclusive ...
Jun 12, 2025•14 min
From the lingering impacts of COVID-19 to the challenges of tariffs, Jennifer Chew, VP of Solutions and Consulting at Bristlecone, explains why supply chains must move beyond cost management to focus on resilience and adaptability. She highlights the critical role of planning and how AI is emerging as a powerful tool for improving visibility, facilitating scenario planning, and supporting strategic decision-making. Tune in to learn why supply networks — not just chains — define today’s complex l...
Jun 10, 2025•22 min
Xaba’s Generative Industrial AI equips machines with cognitive intelligence, allowing them to autonomously adapt, optimize, and execute tasks with precision. Its flagship product, xCognition, empowers industrial robots and cobots with AI-driven cognition and awareness, enabling them to autonomously generate programs and execute complex tasks such as welding, drilling, assembling, and additive manufacturing. We connect with the CEO of XABA, Massimiliano Moruzzi, to learn more.Sponsored By:
Jun 05, 2025•31 min
We spotlight the top five developments in manufacturing—and discuss what still needs improvement, according to Meaghan Ziemba, founder of Mavens of Manufacturing. Some areas of growth noted by Meaghan include how AI is helping manufacturers with small or no marketing teams and how companies are moving beyond outdated jargon to connect with audiences through authenticity, culture, and human-centered narratives. Tune in as we break down the progress, the gaps, and what manufacturers can do to keep...
May 30, 2025•21 min
In this episode, we sit down with Ann Wyatt, President of Ann Wyatt Recruiting and Host of the Workforce 4.0 podcast. Ann shares her insights on how small to mid-sized manufacturers can adapt their hiring strategies to locate top-tier technical talent. From understanding which platforms to use for talent outreach to the growing importance of technology-driven training—like VR and AI—we explore what it takes to build a sustainable, skilled workforce. She also weighs in on tariffs, reshoring, and ...
May 29, 2025•18 min
Traditional robotic systems often require manufacturers to constrain their environments with expensive tooling and rigid setups. Griffin Gillespie, Account Executive, shares how Inbolt is transforming assembly operations by attaching a 3D vision system to industrial robots. Inbolt’s technology allows robots to follow moving parts on assembly lines and has proven particularly useful in automotive manufacturing. Learn more about the company on a mission to create a vision system for industrial rob...
May 22, 2025•4 min
Tariffs may well be the defining word of 2025—especially in manufacturing. In this follow-up to our earlier episode, The Impact of Trump's Tariffs on Manufacturers, we revisit the conversation with an updated perspective. We connect with René Linsner, President & CEO of Horváth USA, to discuss how tariffs are currently affecting manufacturers—from rising production costs to reshoring strategies, planning challenges, and even some business opportunities amid constant policy shifts.Sponsored B...
May 15, 2025•17 min
Optimal leak detection is critical to ensure quality control—and safety. In this episode, we speak with Dave Deiwert, President of Tracer Gas Technologies LLC, about the challenges of leak testing, especially when using helium as a tracer gas. Dave shares insights from his decades-long career, including what inspired him to launch his company and why hands-on training is essential. We explore common mistakes manufacturers make—like improper venting of helium—and the hidden factors that can under...
May 14, 2025•22 min
Meet Nush Ahmed—Quality Inspector, founder of the NextGenMFG-Podcast, and co-founder of Sisterhood of Trades, a growing community built by tradeswomen to empower the next generation. Nush takes us inside the world of quality inspection in manufacturing. We dive into her philosophy that quality isn’t a bottleneck—it’s the heart of manufacturing. From aerospace to automotive, Nush explains how quality assurance is a powerful asset that deserves more investment and visibility. She also shares how c...
May 09, 2025•9 min
Workforce regulations have intensified under the current administration—making compliance a higher priority than ever. This episode explores strategies to avoid costly fines, damaging publicity, and disruptive production delays. Our guest, Billy Milam, CEO of EmployBridge, the U.S.'s largest industrial staffing firm, suggests a "belt and suspenders" approach to protect operations. We examine what happens when audits reveal undocumented workers, how that affects productivity, and how to mitigate ...
May 08, 2025•26 min
Mark Cianciosa, Business Development Manager – Automation at Wauseon Machine, joins us to discuss the challenges and benefits beyond just the numbers of integrating robotics into high-speed assembly and manufacturing environments. Mark shares insights on the ripple effect of automation across a facility: why you should get everyone on board, how the investment in automation strengthens an organization's quest for job candidates and more fascinating tips. If you're considering automation or wonde...
Apr 24, 2025•19 min
Artificial Intelligence Will Revolutionize Manufacturing, is the title of a book by our guest, Dr. Markus Guerster, Ph.D., founder and CEO of MontBlanc AI. In this episode, we discuss how advances in computing power and access to high-quality data have enabled AI to evolve from reactive to more predictive systems—such as predictive maintenance. According to Guerster, the key to unlocking AI value is analyzing existing data, building statistical models, and continuously observing and measuring ne...
Apr 16, 2025•19 min
Fastening is critical to product design and assembly, as mistakes can be costly or dangerous. Discover the top fastening mistakes, according to longtime industry expert Doug Jones, Applications Engineering Manager at Bossard North America.Sponsored By:
Apr 03, 2025•25 min
Why are customers starting to simulate Assembly processes following their typical Stamping single part simulation? AutoForm USA will discuss the 3 approaches customers are using to simulate their assemblies, including potential savings if the software solution is used very early or very late in the development process. They will also speak about who are the early adopters and what’s on the horizon for AutoForm.Sponsored By:
Apr 01, 2025•27 min
Thanks to technologies like LooprAI, assembly inspection is undergoing a paradigm shift. As fixed cameras fail to address the need for macro inspections and dynamic, real-time analysis, and with manual inspectors retiring rapidly, manufacturers need automated, mobile solutions that require minimal data training while delivering 360-degree views and multiple simultaneous inspections. Learn more about the topic and this disruptive AI model from the Founder & CEO of LooprAI, Priyansha Bagaria.S...
Mar 28, 2025•23 min
According to the 2025 Cyber Incidents Insights Report, manufacturing continues to be a highly targeted sector for cybersecurity crimes. The report shows that attacks specific to manufacturing rose from 115 to 420 in 2024. Stay vigilant by learning about the rise and fragmentation of threat actors. Get tips on how to stay ahead with an impactful cybersecurity system and strategy, according to our guest, Steve Ross, director of Cybersecurity at S-RM.Sponsored By:
Mar 20, 2025•18 min
Michael Donoghue, Principal at Proactive Design Solutions, joins ASSEMBLY Audible in the lead-up to his presentation, Proactive Design Simplification: Integrating DFMA in New Product Development, at the ASSEMBLY Show South in April. Learn some Design for Manufacture and Assembly strategies for streamlining design, reducing costs, and improving production efficiency. With decades of experience deploying DFMA, Lean, and IPPD principles, Mike provides actionable takeaways for engineers and product ...
Mar 13, 2025•24 min
As companies rethink their supply chains, many are considering bringing production back home. What does that mean, and what resources are available as tools for manufacturers? To help us explore the topic, we’re joined by Ryan Hayford, VP of Business Development at Endeavor 3D. In the podcast, we discuss key reshoring strategies, the role of better communication and shorter lead times, and how manufacturers can compare the total cost of ownership when deciding between overseas and domestic produ...
Mar 11, 2025•31 min
How can reusable packaging drive efficiency, sustainability, and automation? Reusable packaging is more than a sustainability initiative—it's a strategic investment to improve production. In this episode, we talk with Lynn Hediger, ORBIS vice-president of product management, to explore how ORBIS's returnable packaging solutions support the most advanced manufacturing processes. Learn how sustainability fits into the picture, the benefits of a continuous-loop packaging system, and how manufacture...
Mar 06, 2025•26 min
In this episode of ASSEMBLY Audible, we spotlight manufacturing and engineering innovation with one of SME's 2024 30 Under 30 honorees—Liam Fortier, Advanced Manufacturing Engineer at Peterbilt Motors Co. Liam joins us to share insights into his work at Peterbilt’s Denton, Texas plant, where he focuses on assembling heavy-duty battery electric vehicles (BEVs). We discuss cutting-edge assembly technologies, the unique features of BEV production, and how Liam designed a course to help engineers. S...
Feb 18, 2025•19 min
IoT solutions can help manufacturers integrate legacy machinery, transforming outdated operations into streamlined, data-driven ecosystems. With IoT-powered factory integration, manufacturers can bridge the gap between old and new technology—reducing downtime, improving decision-making, and freeing up engineers to focus on higher-value tasks. Bill Dykas, Senior Product Manager at Telit Cinterion, joins us to discuss how IoT solutions help manufacturers bridge the gap between old and new technolo...
Feb 13, 2025•28 min
Imagine a manufacturing environment where a single machine can take a product from raw material to a fully finished assembly—integrating multiple manufacturing tools into one seamless system. This vision of sustainable, on-site production is becoming a reality through an award-winning approach to single-cell manufacturing. On this episode of ASSEMBLY Audible, we’re joined by an entrepreneur and innovator who is pushing the boundaries of additive manufacturing. Recently recognized as one of SME’s...
Feb 06, 2025•25 min
It's a hot topic. The Trump Administration has pledged to impose significant new tariffs on imports from multiple countries. How will that affect your assembly operation? And what can you do to prepare? We hash through the potential impact of tariffs on manufacturers with Tony Klimas, the President of Horvath USA, a global management consulting firm.Sponsored By:
Jan 30, 2025•24 min
How does a background in theater design inspire innovation in manufacturing and supply chain management? Join us for a conversation with Cofactr Co-founder and CEO Matthew Haber, whose unique journey led to co-founding a platform used by over 50 hardware manufacturers and R&D groups building everything from rockets to wearables. Cofactr’s platform helps companies streamline procurement and inventory management through a network of pre-vetted U.S. suppliers while automating the complexities o...
Jan 23, 2025•21 min
In this special episode of ASSEMBLY Audible, host Jennifer Pierce is joined by ASSEMBLY Magazine’s longtime editors and industry experts, John Sprovieri and Austin Weber, to count down ASSEMBLY’s top manufacturing stories of 2024. From the rise of AI and digital tools in assembly plants to the growing popularity of unions, and even some fascinating assembly history, this episode dives into the stories that were most popular on our website. Don’t miss the countdown featuring highlights like Tesla...
Jan 16, 2025•37 min
In this episode, we sit down with Marcease Warren, Vice President of Manufacturing at Sentry Equipment, to discuss digital transformation leadership, maintaining a 25-year safety record, and how the latest technology is incorporated in a high-mix, low-volume manufacturing setting. Plus, we explore how Sentry's 100% employee-owned structure fuels its culture of agility and innovation as the company celebrates its 100th anniversary. Tune in for actionable ideas, expert perspectives, and the inspir...
Jan 09, 2025•24 min
