252: Adaptive Production, Resilient Manufacturing, and "Lightbulb Moments" in AI featuring Chris Stevens, SVP and GM of US Automation Business, Siemens Digital Industries

Manufacturers (not just the guys on the shop floor, but the C-suite behind them) are on a race to the finish line when it comes to automation. Most of us by now are pretty familiar with how AI and automation can play a role in manufacturing. But it looks like we’re heading to the next stage…

In this episode, we hear from Chris Stevens, the SVP & GM of US Automation Business at Siemens Digital Industries. We grab a virtual drink and kick the episode off with an interesting paradox – twenty years ago, the push was to automate humans out of processes. But today, we’re figuring out how to bring them back.

Chris talks about where we’re heading now with AI – from reactive tools to proactive partners with the rise of agentic AI. He talks about how the new and improved era of AI can make adaptive manufacturing a reality – imagine having one line but with multiple configurations.

Digital transformation is a big theme in this episode, but it’s not just about tools and technology. Chris highlights the role of people in the new age of manufacturing too.

In this episode, find out:

• Chris explains the biggest changes since he’s been in the industry and why the focus has moved on from just ‘lean manufacturing’
• A breakdown of what adaptive manufacturing is and how it ties into automation and AI
• How the lines are blurring between IT and manufacturing roles
• How AI could help to bring humans back into the loop – internal and external use cases
• Agentic AI vs. reactive tools like Copilot and how manufacturers can use AI agents in real examples
• The top lightbulb moments around AI and why data contextualization is how we move one step forward as an industry
• Different ways adaptive production methods are changing manufacturing processes
• How adaptive production ties into the trends around reshoring
• Why more manufacturers need to use digital twin technology
• Current digital transformation trends and why it’s not just about the technology

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Tweetable Quotes:

• “The contextualization of data is extremely important. That's where the work's got to happen.”
• “Two decades ago, it was 'how can I take humans out of the loop?' Today it's 'how do I bring humans back in the loop?'”
• “There's a lot of digital transformation projects that fail, and it has nothing to do with the technology. It has everything to do with usability. Making sure that people like it and then how we implement it.”

Links & mentions:

• Siemens Digital Industries, business platform that helps organizations digitally transform using software and hardware like digital twin technology

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.