Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast

Understanding Agentic AI: Innovation Exec and Ford Scientists Share Tips

The generative AI trend based on large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT has for years dominated the conversation about artificial intelligence. When something like agentic AI enters the conversation it’s easy to conflate terms, confuse agentic with generative, and not get the full picture.
On this episode of Production Pulse we spoke with Ron Norris, former Director of Innovation at Georgia Pacific, and Nagadithya Nookala, product manager for data analytics and AI-related products and Sanjay Ahire, data scientist, both from Ford Motor Company.
AI Agents Versus Agentic AI
Nookala explains the difference between AI agents and agentic AI using the metaphor of a Google search. If you ask Google about a topic it provides you with links and materials, after which you’re on your own. Agentic AI would not only identify the links and materials but also digest the material to provide summaries, recommendations, essentially do the research and draw the appropriate conclusions for you.
Ahire uses the metaphor of GPS systems used for navigation. Google maps provides directions on how to get somewhere. Agentic AI would not only identify the best route, it would also drive the car itself, using multiple data streams for guidance and navigation.
Norris says the ability to learn differentiates agentic AI from regular agents. Agentic AI not only suggests action but also understands cause and effect and can therefore explain why to take an action.
Are You Ready for Agentic?
Companies that adopted generative AI have already purchased software, on-prem or cloud servers and other infrastructure to serve the new technology. Do those investments also prepare companies to adopt agentic AI tools?
The answer, thankfully, is yes you’ve invested in compute and software to support generative AI you have a leg up on adopting agentic AI. Agent development kits can integrate with existing systems and applications. You may need more stringent guardrails, however, to make sure humans always provide final authority before giving agentic AI permission to act.

April Editor's Picks: 5 Industrial Products Worth Watching

This month, New Equipment Digest Editor-in-Chief Laura Davis shares her April picks—five products that caught her attention for solving real problems in manufacturing and industrial environments. On the list: the RUN coordinate measuring machine for shopfloor inspection, the MasterMover MasterHandler electric tugger for moving heavy wheeled loads in tight spaces, the Tormach 770MX CNC mill with upgraded motion control, the Goodwell Technologies VAC-DIV2-CAMKIT overhead inspection camera, and the RDI Technologies Iris aiOne motion amplification and vibration analysis platform. Learn more about the products in this episode:
RUN CMMs: https://newequipment.com/55338529
770MX CNC Mill: https://www.newequipment.com/55352795
MasterHandler electric tugger: https://www.newequipment.com/55353154
VAC-DIV2-CAMKIT: https://www.newequipment.com/55343245
Iris aiOne platform: https://www.newequipment.com/55353288

The Future of System Integration in Data Centers, Defense, and Manufacturing (Plant Services)

In this episode of Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast, Plant Services chief editor Thomas Wilk talks with Adrienne Meyer, CEO of the Control System Integrators Association (CSIA), about the evolving role of system integrators and the growing importance of automation in today’s manufacturing landscape. They explore how the ongoing skills gap is accelerating the adoption of automation, shifting its purpose from cost savings to maintaining operational continuity. Meyer also shares insights into how system integration is transitioning toward long-term partnerships and lifecycle services to better support digital transformation.

Building a Sustainable Future: Strategies for Environmental and Social Responsibility (Talking EHS)

In this episode of Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast, EHS Today's Nicole Stempak talks with experts from BSI (www.bsigroup.com) about the current landscape of ESG, sustainability, and environmental regulations, emphasizing practical strategies for businesses to navigate complex compliance and leverage sustainability for business value.

How a Small Manufacturer Joined the Artemis II Space Mission (IndustryWeek)

In this episode of Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast, IndustryWeek's Jill Jusko speaks with Bryan Croft about how a small, family-run business unexpectedly became part of the Artemis II space mission. They explore how HC Brands’ Simply Stamps division was discovered through digital marketing efforts and tasked with engineering a highly specialized product to meet strict aerospace requirements. The conversation highlights the challenges of rapid prototyping, lightweight design, and meeting precise specifications under tight timelines. Along the way, they also reflect on the broader themes of innovation, company culture, and how even niche manufacturers can play a role in groundbreaking projects.

Why Is Manufacturing Such a Huge Target for Cyberattacks? (Smart Industry)

In this episode of Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast, Jennifer Szkatulski of Immersive Labs talks with Smart Industry's Sarah Mattalian about why manufacturers are prime targets for cyberattacks, particularly ransomware, and the far-reaching impact on operations and supply chains. She breaks down how attacks occur—from phishing and credential theft to system infiltration—and how even IT breaches can disrupt production environments. The conversation also highlights emerging risks tied to AI, insider vulnerabilities, and interconnected supplier networks.

How to Spot Fake Reliability Programs (Ask A Plant Manager)

Joe Kuhn, CMRP, former plant manager, engineer, and global reliability consultant, is now president of Lean Driven Reliability LLC. He is the author of the book “Zero to Hero: How to Jumpstart Your Reliability Journey Given Today’s Business Challenges” and the creator of the Joe Kuhn YouTube Channel, which offers content on starting your reliability journey and achieving financial independence. In our monthly podcast miniseries, Ask a Plant Manager, Joe considers a commonplace scenario facing the industry and offers his advice, as well as actions that you can take to get on track tomorrow. This episode explores how to spot a fake reliability program.

Innovations in Safety and Sustainability: Insights from Southern Glazer (Talking EHS)

Kay Yoder of Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits describes the evolution of EHS into a people-centered, technology-enabled discipline, emphasizing inclusive leadership, employee engagement, sustainability, and continuous learning as key drivers of safer, more proactive workplace cultures.

How One U.S. Heavy-Truck Components Manufacturer Is Navigating Tariffs and USMCA uncertainty

In this episode of Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast, Laura Putre speaks with Richard Demirjian of heavy-truck components manufacturer TCCI about the impact of Section 232 tariffs and the USMCA on his business. They explore how Section 232 tariff rebates are influencing sourcing decisions, sometimes favoring overseas production over domestic manufacturing. The conversation also examines supply chain localization challenges, uncertainty around USMCA, and the evolving mix of ICE, electric, and hybrid vehicles. Additionally, they discuss innovation investments, workforce development, and the impact of refrigerant regulations on future product design.

Podcast: How Bush Brothers & Company Deployed a Three-Phase PM Optimization Strategy (Plant Services)

In this episode of Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast, Thomas Wilk speaks with Tony Peterson and Jeff Shiver about a three-phase approach to preventive maintenance optimization and its impact on manufacturing performance. The conversation explores how improving PM accuracy, leveraging tools like P&IDs and CMMS data, and engaging technicians can shift operations from reactive to proactive maintenance. They also discuss common pitfalls in PM programs, including low-value tasks and scheduling challenges, along with strategies to improve compliance and efficiency.