The Buzz: How Smarter Automation is Reshaping Manufacturing

AI, robotics, and automation are advancing quickly, but successful transformation takes more than adopting the latest technology. It requires the right strategy, the right people, and a clear understanding of the business outcomes you're trying to achieve. In this episode of The Buzz, powered by MFG.inc, Scott Luton is joined by guest co-host Dr. Muddassir Ahmed and Christine Bush, Director of the Robotic and Motion Center of Excellence at Schneider Electric, to explore how AI and robotics are changing manufacturing and the workforce. They discuss the growing debate around AI safety and speed, why companies should focus on augmenting people rather than simply replacing them, and how manufacturers are using robotics to address skilled labor shortages and create more flexible operations. Christine also shares insights into IT/OT convergence, open software-defined automation, and what separates organizations that successfully scale automation from those that remain stuck in pilot mode. Key Takeaways Why organizations need a clear AI strategy that balances speed, safety, and business outcomes How AI can augment engineers, operators, and maintenance teams rather than simply replace them Why labor shortages are accelerating investments in robotics and advanced automation How manufacturers can build greater flexibility into production by making robotics part of the process from the start The role of IT/OT convergence, IoT, and open software-defined architectures in the future of manufacturing Why successful automation projects require the right mix of people, perspectives, and technology to move beyond pilot mode AI and robotics offer enormous potential, but technology alone won't transform manufacturing. Tune in to hear practical perspectives on how manufacturers can combine human expertise with smarter automation, build more adaptable operations, and turn promising technology investments into real business value. Additional Resources & Links: MFG.inc: https://mfg.inc/ With That Said: https://bit.ly/WTS-19SEP2026 The Buzz APAC Edition: https://bit.ly/The-Buzz-APAC-Edition-Sept2026 SCM Sensei AI: https://www.scmsensei.ai/ U.S. Bank Strategic Alliance Leader page: www.supplychainnow.com/us-bank U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index: freight.usbank.com AI rivals found rare agreement on safety. Putting it into practice is harder: https://bit.ly/AI-Slowdown-Discussion One-third of AI-replaced workers will be rehired by 2029: Gartner: https://bit.ly/AI-And-The-Workforce Toyota estimates factory automation could cost $6.4 billion per year from 2028: https://reut.rs/4hpMtPc MFG.inc Leadership Training: https://reut.rs/4hpMtPc Celonis Ebook: https://bit.ly/Physical-AI-Explained-in-7-Robots Supply Chain Now Resource Hub: https://supplychainnow.com/resource-hub/ Schneider Electric: https://www.se.com/us/en/ Christine on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-bush-22568818/ Dr. Muddassir Ahmed on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/muddassirism/ Upcoming Live Programming: https://supplychainnow.com/upcoming-live-programming/ Supply Chain Now Resource Hub: https://supplychainnow.com/resource-hub/ Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/about Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVk Learn more about Blue Yonder Cognitive Solutions: http://blueyonder.com/cognitive WEBINAR- Demand Volatility Isn't a Forecasting Problem: How One FMCG Distributor Released Capacity Without Capital: https://bit.ly/4r94YM6 WEBINAR- You Can't Manage What You Can't See: Using Visibility, KPIs, and AI to Optimize Logistics Operations: https://bit.ly/4ql6iem WEBINAR- The Four Eras of Freight Audit: How we got here, and why the Control Era (finally) changes everything: https://bit.ly/4yVXPBx WEBINAR- The Real ROI of AI Analytics in the Supply Chain: Better Answers When Everyone Starts Asking: https://bit.ly/3TpCX6u WEBINAR- How to Stop Losing Margin After a Package Ships: https://bit.ly/4An41Ux WEBINAR- Rethinking the Supply Chain Management Classroom: https://bit.ly/4xJIkM2 This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and Dr. Muddassir Ahmed, and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. 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