Automation World Gets Your Questions Answered
Episodes
How Toyota and MTNA Cut Operations Data Complexity with MQTT Sparkplug and Unified Namespace Architecture
09 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Learn how these manufacturers eliminated hours of wasted time by unifying data from fragmented systems using MQTT Sparkplug, with Toyota leveraging In...
Manufacturing Tech Update: Industrial GenAI and HMI/MES Collaborations, Automated Storage Success and IoT ROI
18 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Get Automation World’s insights on four key news items showcasing automation hardware and software successes: a game-changing industrial AI partner...
Does the Cable Connecting Your VFD and Motor Really Matter?
04 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we connect with Steve Wetzel, a member of IEEE and principal applications engineer with Southwire Company, one of North America's lar...
AI in Manufacturing: What’s Working, What Isn’t and Why
21 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast episode, we've assembled insights from three articles recently published on automationworld.com that paint a picture of where AI is su...
Are Smart Sensors Changing Manufacturing?
07 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Learn how smart sensors enable predictive maintenance, AI-powered manufacturing, and revolutionary ADAR technology that's changing industrial automati...
Why MES Software Has Become Central to Smart Factory Operations
23 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we explain how IT/OT convergence, the need for digital thread traceability and agentic AI have extended MES software beyond its produc...
Will Tariffs Force a Revision of Automation Plans and Sourcing Strategies?
09 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we'll look at the impact of the recently imposed U.S. tariffs on industrial automation technologies, with insights from Endress+Hauser...
Robot News Update
26 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The summer of 2025 has shaped up to be very eventful for the robotics industry, with A3 reporting significant growth for both robots and cobots, key m...
How Are Manufacturers Addressing the Workforce Shortage with Technology?
12 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Tim Gaus from Deloitte Consulting joins us again — this time to discuss how automation technologies, particularly those aided by AI are helping manu...
How to Use Digitization and Automation for More Efficient Panel Building
29 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we connect with Sanu Warrier, product director for software at nVent, to get insights on Industry 4.0's ROI for panel builders, how de...
How Does AI Software Impact Robotics in Manufacturing?
09 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we connect with Kristi Martindale, chief commercial officer at Palladyne AI, to explore the use of low-code software and associated c...
What Should Manufacturers Understand About the New ISO Robot Standard?
25 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we connect with Devin Murray of Schmersal USA to learn about the new ISO 10218 robot standard, how it interacts with other parts of th...
Why Are Digital Twins Considered Better than Simulations for Supply Chain Optimization?
10 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We connect with Jason Hehman, leader of Industry 4.0 at TXI, to understand the use of digital twins in supply chains operations — how they help manu...
Where Artificial Intelligence and the Industrial Metaverse Converge with Robotics
27 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we connect with Alex Greenberg, director of robotics 4.0 simulation at Siemens Digital Industries Software, to learn how immersive vir...
Can ERP Software Improve Manufacturing Productivity?
20 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we connect with Dusty Alexander, CEO of Global Shop Solutions to explain ERP’s role in the digitization of manufacturing production...
Developing an MES and Industrial Internet of Things Data Platform Strategy
13 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we connect with Critical Manufacturing's CEO Francisco Almada Lobo to understand how MES and industrial data platforms enable legacy e...
How Digital Twins and Cybersecurity Impact Safety Risk Assessments
06 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Andrew Harris with system integrator ACS explains how cybersecurity fits in with equipment safety as part of a risk assessment, and the use of digital...
What IT Developments Are Having the Most Impact on Operations?
29 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Kevin McClusky, chief technology architect at Inductive Automation, explains why and how IT technologies such as containers, DevOps, application manag...
Agentic AI Use in Industry
15 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Tim Gaus, smart manufacturing business leader at Deloitte Consulting, explains agentic AI and how it differs from AI data analytics and AI chatbots, h...
What Should Manufacturers Understand About Open Control Systems?
08 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We connect with Ken Crawford, senior director of automation at Weidmuller, to explore the differences between open control systems and proprietary con...
Inside PLZ Corp.'s Digital Transformation
25 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We connect with Brett Finley, CEO of PLZ Corp., to get first-hand insights into PLZ’s digital transformation efforts that range from the plant floor...
How Does PLC Data Polling via Ethernet Impact PLC Cycle Time?
11 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Evan Novakowski with system integrator Actemium Avanceon explains the primary factors that influence how data polling over Ethernet impacts PLC cycle ...
How Are Robotics and AI Impacting Manufacturing Workforce Issues?
25 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Lisa Masciantonio, chief workforce officer at the Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing Institute, shares her insights into how robotics and AI have cha...
Are Enclosures Adapting to Manufacturing’s Digital Transformation?
11 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As the manufacturing industries advance, and control technologies are increasingly built to withstand harsh industrial environments for direct placeme...
Automation Tech Trends to Watch
28 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode features input from several industrial technology experts about the automation technologies they expect to be of primary interest to manu...
The Impact of Industrial Business Trends on Automation in 2025
14 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we connect with Robert Schoenberger, editor-in-chief at Industry Week, to get his insights on manufacturing business issues most like...
Machine Safety Risk Assessment Considerations
07 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Do you know the machine safety basics to keep workers safe and machinery operating at its peak? In this episode, we feature insights from Joe Carson, ...
How the Merger of IT and OT Can Influence Manufacturing
10 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Referencing decisions made around IT and OT convergence at Entegris in 2008, we look at how those decisions helped the company scale its operations te...
Understanding Key Industrial AI Tech Differences
26 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Clearing up some of the confusion about different artificial intelligence technologies—specifically generative AI and AI for data analytics—and ho...
Can Humanoid Robots Be Effective in Manufacturing?
12 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We connect with Karthee Madasamay of MFV partners, a deep tech VC firm that was an early investor in Agility Robotics (one of the largest manufacturer...
Are Robots Losing Steam in Manufacturing?
22 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we’ll be looking at a recent report from A3 that indicates a significant drop in robot orders in the first half of 2024 and what tha...
What is Software-Defined Automation?
08 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we connect with G Brooks-Zak of Outlier Automation to get insights on software-defined automation and how it can impact manufacturing,...
Understanding Power over Ethernet
24 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Now that Power over Ethernet (PoE) systems can deliver up to 90W of power per port, which is enough to operate the most power-hungry IoT sensors, devi...
How Does Edge Computing Benefit Manufacturing?
10 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Get insights on the issues associated with integrating edge computing into a legacy manufacturing environment, as well as how edge computing aids pred...
How to Improve Production Accountability in Manufacturing
27 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Production monitors provide real-time data visibility, enabling operators and managers to track and improve performance, identify issues and make info...
Why Choose a Repositionable Motor?
20 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Repositionable motors are designed for precise and variable motion control applications and differ from fixed-position motors in that they can easily ...
How to Determine the Right Power Supply for Your Application
06 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Learn about the main factors behind the difference in cost between industrial power supplies, what the Power Boost feature is, the value of a power su...
What Should Manufacturers Know About Snowflake?
23 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast, we talk with Tim Long, global head of manufacturing at Snowflake, Â to understand what the company's data cloud services offer to the...
Where AI is Proving Its Value and What's Coming Next
09 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Research from Fluke Reliability and insights from Rockwell Automation show how artificial intelligence is changing predictive maintenance spending and...
Is Low-Code Software Practical for General Manufacturing Use?
18 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this discussion with Ray Kok, CEO of Mendix, he explains how the development of common-use templates make it easier for manufacturing operations ma...
Can Internet of Things Technology Improve Safety?
01 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We connect with Devin Murray of Schmersal USA to learn how IoT technologies can be used with safety applications—from e-stops to safety controllers ...
How Automation Can Increase Industrial Job Satisfaction
21 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This episode looks at how automation technologies are improving industrial workers' satisfaction with their jobs and how employers can help their work...
What Are LiDAR Sensors?
07 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we connect with Aaron Rothmeyer from Sick USA to learn about LiDAR sensors, how they differ from other sensors commonly used in the m...
What is a Smart Factory?
23 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Automation World connects with Heather Cykoski, senior vice president of industrial and process automation at Schneider Electric, to learn more about ...
Why Are Industrial Automation Companies Embracing Nvidia Technologies?
09 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we’ll be looking at how Nvidia’s graphics and artificial intelligence technologies are impacting industrial automation on a large...
What is FDT?
26 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we connect with Steve Biegacki of the FDT Group to get a better understanding of the FDT open standard industrial device communicatio...
Cloud Computing Isn’t as Dependent on Cloud Platforms as You Might Think
12 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we look at the growing use of cloud computing in industry and the surprising, but erroneous post from Microsoft that it was planning t...
How to Apply OEE for Maximum Effect
20 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we connect with Jim Toman of system integrator Grantek to explain the overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) formula, how to calculate...
Are Robots Taking Too Many Jobs?
06 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Automation World Editor in Chief David Greenfield was recently invited to appear on Southern California Public Radio's LAist AirTalk program to discus...
Are Open Systems Reliable Enough for Industrial Automation?
23 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we connect with Ken Crawford of WeidmĂĽller USA about the us elf open system tech in automation and more specifically about WeidmĂĽlle...
Industrial Safety Devices
09 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we look at some of the most common machine safety devices, such as light curtains, laser scanners, safety controllers and interlock s...
What is Industrial Data Ops?
26 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
With system integrator and technology supplier insights, we take a look at the rise of industrial data ops—how it differs from historical data stora...
How Do You Assess IoT Platform Software for Vertical Industry Applications?
12 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we connect with Steven Ward from Emerson to learn about IoT platforms, how they're applied across different industries, what operatio...
How Does the ARM Institute Help Manufacturers?
28 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we connect with Ira Moskowitz, CEO of the Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing Institute, to learn about its work supporting the use o...
AI in the OT
14 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
An update on two high-profile integrations of Microsoft's artificial intelligence with operations technology software from Aveva and Siemens.
How to Choose Multi-Axis Electric Motion Control Technology
19 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast featuring Anthony Leo of Norgren, we discuss how multi-axis electric motion control differs from general electric and pneumatic motion...
Do Collaborative Robots Need Safety Risk Assessments?
10 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Collaborative robots are known for their ability to operate safely near humans, but their operation should be assessed just like any other piece of au...
Industry Update: Pack Expo 2023
26 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Hear about some of the biggest automation news to come out of Pack Expo 2023 in Las Vegas, including new industrial cameras, lighting from Beckhoff, t...
Are Artificial Intelligence and Predictive Control Connected?
12 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Find out how analytics technologies, such as Model Predictive Control (MPC), are impacting production operations, not just in the continuous processin...
What is High-Performance HMI?
17 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Find out the difference between traditional and high-performance HMI screen styles, as well as which type manufacturers tend to use most and how diffi...
Is AI-Powered Vision Beneficial to Manufacturing?
15 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Artificial intelligence seems to be everywhere these days, but it’s been a part of machine vision technology for years now. Given those years of use...
Levitating Transport Systems
18 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we connect with Kristen Ballistrea of B&R Industrial Automation to learn about B&R's Acopos 6D levitating transport system. This trans...
Connectivity Trends for Automation Devices
05 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this discussion with Nazario Biala of Harting, we address how industry’s digital transformation is impacting the design of automation devices and...
Why Use Guide Wheels in Linear Motion Systems?
01 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we connect with Brian Burke of Bishop-Wisecarver to learn why guide wheels are often used as a component of linear motion systems...
Understanding Equipment Failures and How to Respond
09 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we connect with Stephen Lacey of Belden to learn about the high costs of reactive maintenance and how moving to more proactive—and ...
Determining Metrics for MES
13 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we connect with Sam Russem of system integrator Grantek to learn how MES software tracks key production metrics and how manufacturer...
How to Connect Sustainability and Automation
01 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Two of the biggest trends in automation over the past few years have been the trend away from closed, proprietary systems and toward open systems, and...
Choosing Robot Grippers
02 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we connect with Michael Guelker of Festo to learn about the different types of robot grippers—pneumatic, electric, vacuum, soft ada...
What’s the Difference Between Soft Starters and Variable Frequency Drives?
15 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we connect with Jacob Becker, system solution architect at system integrator Tri Tech Automation, to answer an Automation World reade...
How Does an Information Digital Twin Democratize Industrial Data?
19 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we connect with Sean Gregerson, vice president of asset management at Aveva, to learn about: Information Digital Twins; data democrat...
How to Select the Right Valve
20 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we connect with Ross Turbiville, senior director of global industry sales of flow control products at Emerson Automation Solutions, t...
Why Choose the Cloud for Engineering and Simulation Software?
29 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we connect with Chris Radebaugh of Emerson to learn how DeltaV Simulation Cloud is used to effectively train operators whenever engine...
Inside the Investing Surge in Automation
16 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we diverge a bit from our typical course of answering listener questions about automation technologies to explore the surge in intere...
What Is A Machine Risk Assessment?
20 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Learn the details of machine risk assessments, what types of equipment require them, who's responsible for them, when to begin the process, and how to...
How to Evaluate PLC Programming Languages
19 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we connect with Doug Yerger of system integrator Grantek to discuss the differences among and preferences for Instruction List, Struc...
How Does a Digital Twin Work in Practice?
15 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we connect with Dan Riley of system integrator firm Interstates to learn how digital twins are used to represent specific pieces of ...
Using Remote I/O in the Main Control Enclosure
15 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the "Automation World Gets Your Questions Answered" podcast, we connect with Bryan Little of Avanceon to answer a reader question a...
Is SCADA IoT Control Too Risky?
18 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the "Automation World Gets Your Questions Answered" podcast, we connect with Ben Manlongat of system integrator Outbound Technologi...
How to Decide Whether to Use a PLC, a PAC or an Industrial PC?
14 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the "Automation World Gets Your Questions Answered" podcast series, we connect with Nate Kay of industrial control system integrato...
How to Connect Legacy Equipment for Data Acquisition and Analysis?
19 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Automation World Gets Your Questions Answered" podcast series, we connect with Luke Stephenson of Enterprise Automation to unde...
How Can New Material Handling Technologies Support Adaptive Manufacturing Concepts?
12 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we connect with Jeff Johnson, U.S. mechatronics product manager at Beckhoff, to learn more about how Beckhoff's XPlanar material hand...
What is MTTR and MTBF?
16 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we connect with Sam Russem of system integration firm Grantek to better understand Meantime to Repair (MTTR) and Meantime Before/Betw...
Can Operations Technology Be Secured and Managed With IT Tools?
27 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we connect with James Destro of ServiceNow and Carey Blunt of Fujitsu to explore how operations technology (OT) devices can be discov...
Is Fieldbus Technology Still Effective?
16 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the "Automation World Gets Your Questions Answered" podcast series, we connect with Duane Grob of system integration firm Avanceon ...
How to Train Workers for Automated Environments
14 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Modern industrial workforce training requires the ability to assess workers’ skills and deliver the training needed in bite-sized, memorable steps t...
Moving Control System Maintenance to a Proactive Strategy
10 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the "Automation World Gets Your Questions Answered" podcast series, we connect with Bart Winters of Honeywell Process Solutions to ...
Can MES Replace SCADA?
22 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we connect with Sam Russem, director of the smart manufacturing practice at Grantek (a system integration company), to answer a reade...
What Are Digital Workflows for Manufacturing?
26 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we connect with James Destro of ServiceNow to learn how digital workflow software can provide visibility into plant floor equipment a...
How to Effectively Implement Edge Computing
25 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we discuss how to successfully plan for and implement edge computing technologies at both OEM and manufacturing/processing facilities....
What’s the Difference Between Standard & Inverter Duty Motors?
15 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we connect with Brent Kooiman, senior project engineer and design manager at Interstates, to learn about the differences between ge...
Is the Cloud Beneficial for Small and Mid-Sized Manufacturers?
14 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Get a better understanding of how manufacturers are actually using cloud computing today and how it can be leveraged for optimal application by smalle...
What is the Advantage of Combining Vision and Control Technologies?
19 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we connect with Daymon Thompson, automation product manager for Beckhoff USA, to learn more about the trends around combining previou...
What Factors Are Influencing Automation Technology Today?
09 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we connect with Justin Kolbe of Henkel to learn how economic and technology factors are affecting the development and use of industri...
Beginning the Digital Transformation Process
15 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we connect with Bill Pollock, CEO of Optimation (a system integration company), to explore how industrial companies are moving forwar...
What is Industrial Single Pair Ethernet?
28 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the “Automation World Gets Your Questions Answered” podcast series, we connect with McKenzie Reed of Harting to learn about one...
What Affect Does Automation Have on Supply Chain Management?
15 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we connect with Matt Ruth, president of Avanceon (a system integration and engineering services company) to learn about the connectio...
How Much Cybersecurity Do I Really Need?
14 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we connect with Brandon Bohle of Interstates Control Systems to discuss industrial control system cybersecurity requirements in light...
Can Robots Help Restore Manufacturing During the Pandemic?
27 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we connect with Joe Campbell of Universal Robots to learn how manufacturers are deploying collaborative robots to help with social di...
COVID-19’s Impact on Industrial Automation
15 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we connect with Dan Malyszko of Malisko Engineering to get insights from the front lines of manufacturing about how industry is respo...
Does OEE Have A Role in the Digital Transformation?
15 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the "Automation World Gets Your Questions Answered" podcast series, we connect with Sam Russem of system integration company Grante...