Best Eclipse Automation Podcasts (2025)

1
265: How SMB Manufacturers Can Leverage AI, Live from Waukesha County Technical College 55:19

Play Pause

1h ago55:19

55:19

Forget the hyperscalers replacing tens of thousands of jobs. For manufacturers with 20 or 50 employees, AI isn’t about cutting headcount, it’s about finding ways to get ahead when you can’t necessarily afford to scale your team. As Dr Richard Barnhouse, President and CEO of Waukesha County Technical College (WCTC) puts it: figure out the things you…

1
264: Inside Automated: Asking the Right Questions about Robotics and AI with Brian Heater, Managing Editor at A3 and Host of the Automated Podcast 52:01

3d ago52:01

52:01

Two podcast hosts walk into a recording studio and explore what it actually takes to get real stories out of robotics pioneers, why humanoids might not need to do everything to be useful, and where the real optimism in automation lies. Brian Heater, Managing Editor at A3 and host of the Automated podcast, joins the show to share what he's learned f…

1
Is the real factory bottleneck human or digital? Or are humans the weakest link in Industry 4.0 25:41

7d ago25:41

25:41

Send us a text In this episode of People B4 Machines, Amanda Cupido explores the root causes of factory bottlenecks with Industry 4.0 expert Mike Nager, Solutions Center Director at Festo Didactic. Together, they discuss whether humans or digital systems are to blame, emphasizing the importance of integrating technology with a skilled and adaptable…

1
263: Change Management and Making Robotics More Digestible for the Workforce featuring Ben Perlson and Jason Gryszkowiec 35:41

10d ago35:41

35:41

Robots are becoming more and more mainstream in manufacturing, but most organizations still think of them with sci-fi imagery rather than everyday tools. The gap isn't in the technology, it's in how we prepare people to work alongside it. Jason Gryszkowiec from St. Onge Company and Ben Perlson from ABB Robotics join us to discuss why successful aut…

1
BONUS: How Manufacturers Should Prepare for an AI Implementation featuring CADDi's Aaron Lober 24:33

14d ago24:33

24:33

Many manufacturers are taking the wrong approach to artificial intelligence, picking the wrong implementation partners, and in general, not preparing their data effectively. In this interview, Aaron Lober - VP of Marketing at CADDi - is going to share what AI can realistically do for a manufacturing company and how to properly prepare for an AI imp…

1
262: Reimagining Manufacturing: How a Return to First Principles is Reshaping Factories, Hard Tech, and Venture Capital with Eclipse Ventures' Charly Mwangi 56:30

22d ago56:30

56:30

It’s rare to find someone whose career spans 18 years in automotive manufacturing and venture capital, but Charly Mwangi, Partner at Eclipse Ventures, has done exactly that. His journey from the factory floor at Toyota, Nissan, Tesla and Rivian to backing hard tech companies gives him a perspective many VCs don’t have. We sit down with Charly to ex…

1
Top floor to shop floor: Why is it taking so long to connect these floors? 21:17

18d ago21:17

21:17

Send us a text In this episode of People B4 Machines, Amanda Cupido dives into the persistent disconnect between the top floor and the shop floor in factory automation. Joined by Jeff Burnstein, President of the Association for Advancing Automation, they explore strategies for bridging this gap through effective communication, smart automation impl…

1
261: Energy Transition Explained: How Manufacturers Can Save Energy and Build a Sustainable Future featuring Veregy’s Eric Spink & Shiva Subramanya 52:52

24d ago52:52

52:52

Sustainability goals are everywhere in manufacturing; net-zero by 2030, carbon neutral by 2035. While many manufacturers have set ambitious targets, the gap between goals and execution remains a challenge, especially when sustainability projects compete with production priorities for capital. Eric Spink and Shiva Subramanya from Veregy join the sho…

1
BONUS: Gaps in the Manufacturing Industry (and what to do about them), LIVE from Fathom's Manufacturing Exchange in Hartland, WI 42:06

28d ago42:06

42:06

What's better than a live podcast? I live podcast AND a factory tour. For today's episode, we dove into Fathom Digital Manufacturing's Hartland, WI facility before a discussion with industry experts.

1
260: Innovations Transforming Automotive Manufacturing featuring STÄUBLI, RAM Solutions, and More 50:12

1M ago50:12

50:12

The automotive industry has come a long way from three-piece suits and mechanical production lines. Twenty-five years ago, manufacturers weren't thinking about EVs, tool changers, or the complexity we see today. Those who weathered 2008 will tell you: when the next downturn comes, it won't be your sales pitch that saves you, it'll be whether you we…

1
Beyond the numbers: The next wave of industrial evolution 37:40

1M ago37:40

37:40

Send us a text In the debut episode of People B4 Machines, host Amanda Cupido dives into the evolution of Industry 4.0 and the emergence of Industry 5.0 with guest Jeff Winter, a globally recognized thought leader in industrial automation. Together, they explore the shift toward human-centric, sustainable, and resilient industrial models, emphasizi…

1
IEC 61499 Power Up: Feature Freeze Reveals the Eclipse 4diac 3.0 Revolution for Industrial Automation 17:29

1M ago17:29

17:29

IEC 61499 Power Up: Feature Freeze Reveals the Eclipse 4diac 3.0 Revolution for Industrial Automation Source: ⁠Eclipse 4diac 3.0 Enters Feature Freeze! Tune in to explore the Eclipse 4diac 3.0 Revolution! After over two years of development and a "tremendous community effort," Eclipse 4diac 3.0 has entered the feature freeze phase, marking a major …

1
259: Data Centers, Modularity, and Mission Critical Manufacturing featuring Keith Hutchens of BW Design Group 36:18

1M ago36:18

36:18

Data centers are popping up all over the country, and for good reason. Capacity is doubling every three to four years, equipment is booked years out, and the race for AI computing power is creating opportunities that didn't exist five years ago. Keith Hutchens from Barry-Wehmiller Design Group joins us to discuss how data centers are driving manufa…

1
People B4 Machines - Season 1 Full Trailer 2:07

1M ago2:07

2:07

Send us a text In this trailer, get a sneak peek of Season 1 as our guests share a tantalizing glimpse of what’s in store. Don’t miss the first episode featuring Jeff Winter, airing on November 4, 2025. For more bold questions and sharp insights, visit www.peopleb4machines.com. Remember, the future isn’t fully automated—it’s people-powered.…

1
People B4 Machines - Season 1 Trailer 0:30

2M ago0:30

0:30

Send us a text In this trailer, you'll hear a quick taste of what's to come. First episode airs November 4, 2025. Conversations on the chaos of factory automation, from Monday morning to the very near future. For more bold questions and sharp insights, visit www.peopleb4machines.com. Remember, the future isn’t fully automated—it’s people-powered.…

1
258: Mentorship, Mid-Career Entrepreneurship, and Inspiring Women in Manufacturing with Patti Nowak, Owner of Control+M Solutions 1:04:37

2M ago1:04:37

1:04:37

Patti Nowak is a business leader in tech with stories so inspiring you’ll want to take notes. In this episode of the Manufacturing Happy Hour, we grab a beer with Patti, Owner of Control+M Solutions, to talk about mid-life entrepreneurship, mentoring women in manufacturing, and what it takes to build a thriving tech business. Patti started her care…

1
257: Thinking Differently About Access to Capital in Manufacturing featuring CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen) 1:05:42

2M ago1:05:42

1:05:42

What does it really take to help manufacturers grow? It’s not just about cutting costs or chasing margins. It’s about understanding how capital really moves through your business. In this episode, we’re sitting down with Erik Skie, Jon Hughes, and Aaron Traut from CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen) for a roundtable chat over beers (in spirit, if not literall…

1
256: Timeless Industrial Marketing Strategies and New Ways Manufacturers Can Reach Their Ideal Customer featuring Wendy Covey of TREW Marketing and Joe Sullivan of Gorilla 76 53:17

2M ago53:17

53:17

1
BONUS: The State of Robotics in 2025: Investing in the Next Wave of Automation with Sanjay Aggarwal of F-Prime Capital (sponsored by RoboBusiness) 21:39

2M ago21:39

21:39

1
255: How AI is Reshaping Security and OT Network Requirements featuring Felipe Sabino Costa, Sr. Product Manager for Networking & Cybersecurity at Moxa 43:54

2M ago43:54

43:54

It’s been over a year since we’ve talked about cybersecurity on Manufacturing Happy Hour, and with AI changing the game completely, we’re overdue for a refresh. Around 80-85% of the global industry doesn’t have basic defense at the edge of their networks; that’s a sobering statistic. Felipe Sabino Costa, Senior Product Manager for Networking and Cy…

1
254: From Steel City to Robotics Powerhouse: Pittsburgh’s Industrial Legacy featuring Jay Douglass, COO of ARM Institute 37:42

2M ago37:42

37:42

Before Silicon Valley, there was Pittsburgh in the early 1900s. Young entrepreneurs with serious capital flocked to the city, creating industries from the ground up. Plate glass. Oil drilling. Vulcanized rubber. Steel processes that would literally build America's skyline. But today, something incredible is happening in the Steel City again. The sa…

1
253: Rapid Execution in Industrial Automation: From FEED Study to Recommissioning in Five Months featuring Cassy Gardner and Chris Schleich of E Tech Group 35:48

3M ago35:48

35:48

Manufacturers know that automation is table stakes in 2025, and yet it’s still a bit of an afterthought for some. You'd think something that can make or break a facility would be everyone’s number one priority. And as you'll hear in this episode, overlooking automation can sometimes have disastrous consequences. In this episode, we sit down with Ca…

1
252: Adaptive Production, Resilient Manufacturing, and "Lightbulb Moments" in AI featuring Chris Stevens, SVP and GM of US Automation Business, Siemens Digital Industries 46:18

3M ago46:18

46:18

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…

1
251: What is a Corporate Venture Studio? An Interview with Joel Reed, President of Premier Labs 33:11

3M ago33:11

33:11

We just can’t stay away from Pittsburgh’s robotics scene! So we’re back, this time turning the spotlight on the business and startup angle with Premier Labs. Premier Labs is a corporate venture studio, a relatively new model that changes how technology comes to market. President Joel Reed joins the episode to give real examples and explanations abo…

1
250: How to Uncover Your "Hidden Factory" and Extract More Value from the Plant Floor featuring Tri Tech Automation 51:15

3M ago51:15

51:15

As manufacturers are under pressure to do more with less and somehow fill roles in an increasingly smaller talent pool, unlocking your “hidden factory” could be the solution. To celebrate episode 250, Chris Luecke returns home to St. Louis to meet with some of his early career mentors from Rockwell Automation – now heading up Tri Tech Automation. R…

1
Eclipse 4diac: Unpacking Open-Source Industrial Automation and the Power of Application-Centric Design 10:18

4M ago10:18

10:18

Eclipse 4diac: Unpacking Open-Source Industrial Automation and the Power of Application-Centric Design

1
BONUS: How is the Manufacturing Industry Doing Halfway through 2025? Recorded at Hexagon LIVE 2025 28:05

4M ago28:05

28:05

What happens when you put five podcasters in a room together at one of the biggest events of the year for innovative industrial tech? A super broad view of what’s happening in the industry and what we’ve got to look forward to. Recorded live from Hexagon’s 2025 event, we welcomed four friends of Manufacturing Happy Hour, returning to the show to ta…

1
249: Why Pittsburgh has been Successful Commercializing Robotics with Jennifer Apicella, Executive Director of the Pittsburgh Robotics Network 49:23

4M ago49:23

49:23

Pittsburgh’s success in the robotics space didn’t happen overnight. It’s been over 40 years in the making, with education, business, and new innovations all coming together to make the city one of the big robotics hubs alongside Boston and San Francisco. The Pittsburgh Robotics Network has been a key player in that success, giving individuals, comp…

1
The State of Robotics in 2025: Live from the Robotics Summit & Expo in Boston, MA 17:49

4M ago17:49

17:49

What will it take to get humanoid robots out of the experimental phase and into our daily lives? A lot of us always dreamed of having our own C-3PO at the ready, but how close are we really? Well, it’s a little more complicated than simply getting them on a production line. If we want robots to make an appearance not just in the manufacturing space…

1
The Future of Industrial Control: Decoding IEC 61499 20:55

4M ago20:55

20:55

The Future of Industrial Control: Decoding IEC 61499Source: https://github.com/eclipse-4diac/4diac-documentation/blob/main/src/intro/iec61499.adoc"Dive into the evolving landscape of industrial automation with 'The Future of Industrial Control: Decoding IEC 61499.' In this episode, we break down the foundational IEC 61131-3 standard for PLC program…

1
From Pyramid to Plug-and-Play: The Rise of Self-Configurable Industrial Automation 11:25

4M ago11:25

11:25

From Pyramid to Plug-and-Play: The Rise of Self-Configurable Industrial Automation Eclipse Insight: Self-Configurable Automation Systems

1
Eclipse 4diac: Revolutionizing Industrial Control with Open-Source Cyber-Physical Systems 12:57

4M ago12:57

12:57

Eclipse 4diac: Revolutionizing Industrial Control with Open-Source Cyber-Physical Systems

1
Eclipse 4diac and FORTE: Unlocking Next-Gen Industrial Automation with Open-Source Power 9:29

4M ago9:29

9:29

Eclipse 4diac and FORTE: Unlocking Next-Gen Industrial Automation with Open-Source Power

1
Simplifying Industrial Control: Your Deep Dive into Eclipse 4diac and IEC 61499 10:02

4M ago10:02

10:02

Simplifying Industrial Control: Your Deep Dive into Eclipse 4diac and IEC 61499

1
248: Reindustrialization and Building in the Midwest with Chris Nolte, Co-Founder of Bloom 55:14

4M ago55:14

55:14

The reindustrialization movement is fully underway, and cities like Detroit are leading the charge. But how do we accelerate the timescale it takes to get America back to the ‘golden days’ of manufacturing? The key, as you’ll hear in this episode, isn’t to keep looking back at the past. It’s to use the tools and resources we have today with a healt…

1
247: Lessons from a Serial Entrepreneur: Mark DeSantis on Startups, Robotics, and Commercializing Tech 1:05:19

5M ago1:05:19

1:05:19

What if accepting failure was the key to entrepreneurial success? Mark DeSantis has built and sold multiple companies over the years and like any entrepreneurial journey, it’s been a mixture of ups and downs, failures and successes. But in this episode, we hear that acknowledging the possibility of failure is what gave him the courage to keep on go…

1
246: automatica 2025: Exploring Innovation, Robotics, and Startups Across Bavaria, Germany, and Europe 1:24:30

5M ago1:24:30

1:24:30

You’ll want to grab yourself a pilsner for this episode. Manufacturing Happy Hour heads overseas to sample some fine German beer in the city of Munich…and we also headed to automatica 2025 while we were there. Europe’s biggest AI and automation event is a must-visit if you can get over there. But if not, this episode has you covered. Between event …

1
245: A Grassroots Approach to Shaping the Future of American Industry with Bret Boyd, CEO of Sustainment 56:14

5M ago56:14

56:14

You might be surprised to learn what the biggest challenge manufacturers say they’re facing right now. The talent gap comes up a lot on this podcast, but early survey findings from the New American Industrial Alliance (NAIA), show that “access to capital” is really what holds most mid-market manufacturers back. In this episode, we sit down with the…

1
244: Automate LIVE 2025: Warehousing Innovations, AI at the Edge, and Interoperability 42:09

5M ago42:09

42:09

“The hardest part of robotics isn't actually doing robotics. It's providing a solution that solves a real customer problem.” Melonee Wise’s quote from this episode is a good summary of what we talk about in this episode – practical, real-world applications of the technology we see hyped. Robotics, AMRs, humanoid robots, automation, AI – all of thes…

1
243: Inside Automate 2025: Robotics, Automation Trends, and Expert Insights from Automate LIVE 41:44

5M ago41:44

41:44

Welcome to Part 1 of our two-part Automate 2025 recap series. In this episode, we dive into current trends in automation and robotics, including cobots, open operating systems, and more. The interviews were recorded as part of A3's Automate LIVE series of interviews and include insights from the following industry leaders: Jerry Perez, FANUC Americ…

1
242: Industrial History and the Low-Carbon Economy of the Future with Ted Fertik, VP of Manufacturing & Industrial Policy at BlueGreen Alliance 50:57

6M ago50:57

50:57

When we talk about building a more productive and competitive manufacturing industry, talk of AI, automation, and other new tech usually crops up. But let’s not forget the basics – the way we power, staff, and build sustainable practices. That stuff’s also important. We’re in an era of transformation right now, but it’s definitely not the first tim…

1
BONUS: Automatica 2025 Preview: Inside Germany’s Premier Automation & Robotics Showcase 15:07

6M ago15:07

15:07

Get ready for a front-row seat to Europe’s biggest automation event! In this bonus episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour, host Chris Luecke and Jake Hall – The Manufacturing Millennial – share their excitement and preview what’s ahead at Automatica 2025, taking place June 24–27 in Munich, Germany. Chris and Jake discuss: What makes German manufacturi…

1
241: How NVIDIA and AI Agents Are Transforming Industrial Automation with Alvin Clark 36:06

6M ago36:06

36:06

We’re seeing a huge leap in potential when it comes to what AI can accomplish in industrial settings. Not only can it catch errors, it can provide intelligent insights to prevent them in the first place, reduce waste, save costs, and improve processes. Recorded live from Automate 2025, we sat down with Alvin Clark, Senior AI Engineer at NVIDIA, to …

1
240: How AI Agents are Revolutionizing Safety and Operations in Manufacturing with Dunchadhn Lyons of Spot AI 24:04

6M ago24:04

24:04

Imagine having a tireless teammate watching your back 24/7, never missing a beat when it comes to keeping you safe. That’s exactly what AI agents in manufacturing are capable of today. Spot AI uses cameras and AI agents to spot safety issues, send alerts, and collect data that can improve safety training in the future. Yes, a human could do all tha…

1
239: How to Build a "Customer Advisory Board" and Create a Frictionless Customer Experience with Mandy Dwight (Dwight & Co.) and Anthony Leo (IPR Robotics) 50:14

6M ago50:14

50:14

Without customer buy-in, even the most innovative robotics automation products can fall flat. But the approach most manufacturers take with new products is to build them first, then get feedback. In this episode, you’ll hear how one company flipped the script and did robotics product development the other way around. Joining this episode is Anthony…

1
238: Scaling Smart: Warehouse Automation and Calculated Growth at Startups with Adi Dalvi, VP of Sales at OSARO 39:45

7M ago39:45

39:45

How does a startup scale? It all starts with a great product that solves a real problem. And sometimes that means taking the slow and steady road to startup success. Recorded at Trillium Brewing in Boston, we sit down with Adi Dalvi, the VP of Sales at OSARO, a company that specializes in robot piece-picking and machine learning solutions to automa…

1
237: How Higher Education Is Shaping the Future of Manufacturing with MIT's Dr. John Liu 52:47

7M ago52:47

52:47

What role does higher ed play in making sure manufacturing thrives? Universities and other higher ed hubs are playing a leading role in shaping the future of this industry. And MIT is a prime example of this, with specialist courses to help graduates and professionals get the skills they need to bring new innovations to life. We’re joined by the Pr…

1
236: The Power of Decisive Leadership in Modern Manufacturing with Paperless Parts' Co-Founder & CEO Jason T. Ray 59:47

7M ago59:47

59:47

Sometimes indecision costs more than a wrong decision. Making decisions is a leader’s bread and butter, but during times of uncertainty or crisis, they often become more cautious and hesitant. The danger here is getting left behind while more confident, proactive leaders charge ahead. Jason T. Ray, Co-Founder and CEO of Paperless Parts, is a regula…

1
235: How to Find Automation Talent Anywhere with Kyle Mahan, VP & GM of Wauseon Machine 30:02

7M ago30:02

30:02

What does it take to find the best talent in the manufacturing industry these days? When it comes to automation, you can use location (or lack of location) to your advantage. In this episode, Kyle Mahan of Ohio-based Wauseon Machine takes us through their approach to securing the best automation talent. We'll also hear some history on the organizat…

1
234: From Pro Football to Craft Beer with Katie and Brandon Fields of Inside the Five Brewing Co. 28:56

7M ago28:56

28:56

It’s not every day that a former NFL player joins the podcast. And it’s not every day you see one make such a dramatic career pivot from pro football to craft brewing and small business ownership. But that’s exactly what Brandon Fields did. When he was winding down his football career, he found his passion in brewing, starting out with a home brewi…