Modern Industrialist Podcast

In this episode Jason Hehman, Industry 4.0 Vertical Lead at TXI, sits down with Jim Pang, a senior technology executive and product innovator with decades of experience in freight transportation. Together, they uncover the surprising truth about rail's quiet leadership in AI and machine learning applications—innovations that have been transforming the industry for over two decades. From acoustic monitoring systems detecting anomalies across millions of wheels in real-time to computer vision applications in massive rail depots, the rail industry has been pioneering AI solutions long before they became mainstream. The conversation explores how rail's unique challenges—multiple handoff points, legacy systems, and complex stakeholder ecosystems—actually create profound opportunities for innovation. Jim shares his own evolution from operations skeptic to technology bridge-builder, offering insights on scaling AI from proof of concept to production, the critical role of product teams in bridging business and technology, and how cooperative competition models from the software industry could revolutionize rail logistics. This episode reveals how logistics digitization and data standardization are essential enablers for America's manufacturing renaissance.Resources:Connect with Jason Hehman on LinkedInConnect with Jim Pang on LinkedIn

Immersive technology is revolutionizing workforce training, and augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are leading the way. From reducing downtime in manufacturing to enhancing hands-on learning without real-world risks, AR/VR is shaping the future of industrial operations.In this live episode of the Modern Industrialist Podcast, Jason Hehman is joined by Ed LaFoy, Lead Engineer specializing in spatial computing and XR, and Patrick DeMichael, TXI’s Strategy Practice Lead.The conversation dives into real-world case studies, including how DHL increased efficiency with AR-enabled logistics and how HABCO Industries leveraged AR to streamline a time-consuming aerospace manufacturing process. The team also examines the role of Apple Vision Pro in industrial settings and what it will take for AR/VR hardware to reach mainstream adoption.Whether you're curious about the potential of AR/VR or actively considering it for workforce training, this episode unpacks the opportunities, challenges, and strategies that will define its role in Industry 4.0.Resources:Connect with Jason Hehman on LinkedInProduced by NOVA

What if you could optimize your manufacturing processes in real time, anticipate failures before they happen, and optimize processes with just a few key data points? That’s the power of digital twin solutions—an evolving technology that’s reshaping industries from smart manufacturing to logistics.Host Jason Hehman, Industry 4.0 Vertical Lead at TXI, is joined by Andrew Horner and Alan Gardner, principal engineers at TXI, for a deep dive into what digital twins iiot solutions really are and how companies can start using them today.We break down the common misconceptions surrounding digital twins, moving beyond simple simulations to explore how they function as assistive tools for data-driven decision-making. Along the way, we uncover unexpected insights digital twins can generate, from reducing downtime on offshore oil rigs to solving taxi shortages through data-driven visibility. We also discuss the future of AR and AI-powered digital twins, the role of shared data ecosystems, and why starting small with simple data collection can unlock massive value.Whether you’re an industrial leader looking to implement digital transformation or just curious about the technology driving Industry 4.0, this conversation offers a practical, engaging look at how digital twins are transforming the way we see, predict, and optimize our world.Resources:Connect with Jason Hehman on LinkedInConnect with Andrew Horner on LinkedInConnect with Alan Gardner on LinkedInProduced by NOVA

What does it take to lead a company at the forefront of innovation in highly regulated industries? Melissa Robbins, Chief Operating Officer at Mindr, joins the Modern Industrialist Podcast to share her approach to balancing cutting-edge technology with a people-first mindset. Mindr, a leader in substance detection and monitoring solutions, is reshaping public safety with products like Intoxalock and Keeper while maintaining a deep commitment to customer care.Melissa reveals how her values-based leadership philosophy, developed at Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management, drives Mindr's success. From automating compliance processes to building trust with regulators and customers alike, Melissa's strategies offer actionable insights for leaders navigating complex industries.The conversation also uncovers how Mindr leverages AI and data to enhance both employee efficiency and customer experience, all while maintaining a strong focus on innovation and public safety. We hope you find Melissa's journey and insights as inspiring and thought-provoking as we did.Resources:Learn more at mindrglobal.comConnect with Melissa on LinkedInRead Churchill on Leadership: Executive Success in the Face of Adversity by Steven F. HaywardHarry Kramer: harrykraemer.orgMel Robbins: melrobbins.comRead: How Netflix Reinvented HRProduced by NOVA

When you’re in high-mix, low-volume manufacturing, you have a unique perspective on efficiency and improvement processes. There aren’t a lot of iterations where you can implement improvements or amortize suboptimization. Brian Montanari is the President & CEO of HABCO Industries, a leader in high-mix, low-volume manufacturing. He joins us on the show today to bring his unique perspective to the conversation.We explore his fascinating case study of how his company identified and solved a critical business challenge using Microsoft's HoloLens technology. We also discuss how he has incorporated AI into his business-side processes. As Brian describes these change processes, he weaves in wisdom about leadership and team development. His take on workforce development should be heard across industries. We hope you enjoy the conversation as much as we did.Resources:Learn more about the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technologies: www.ccat.usProduced by NOVA