Manufacturing Matters Episode 65

In this episode of the Manufacturing Matters podcast, Bryan DeBois, Director of Industrial AI at RoviSys, shares insights into the transformative potential of AI in manufacturing. As a system integrator focusing exclusively on manufacturing and industrial customers, Bryan emphasizes the importance of operational technology (OT) in driving Digital Transformation. He explains that AI is not a futuristic concept but a practical tool that can be implemented today to enhance efficiency and productivity. RoviSys, founded in 1989, has been at the forefront of integrating AI into industrial processes, helping companies navigate through the hype and focus on tangible, impactful projects. 

Bryan advocates for a pragmatic approach to AI adoption in manufacturing, urging companies to think in terms of continuous improvement rather than chasing the elusive "lights out factory" dream. He highlights the value of starting with specific use cases where AI can deliver measurable benefits, such as reducing scrap, improving yield, and optimizing energy utilization.

By leading with use cases rather than technology, manufacturers can achieve significant returns on investment. Bryan also discusses the importance of data readiness and infrastructure to support AI initiatives, stressing the need for clean, correlated data to train effective machine learning models. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the practical applications of AI in manufacturing and the future of smart factories.