In a recent conversation with IIoT World, Christian Piechnick, CEO and Co-Founder of Wandelbots, shared his perspective on the evolving role of robotics in industrial environments—and the major shift that must occur for widespread adoption to take hold.Despite decades of use, robots remain underutilized compared to their potential. With roughly 3.5 to 4 million units […]
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At the Automate Show in Detroit, Christine Bush, Director of the Robotic Center of Excellence at Schneider Electric, shared a forward-looking perspective on how industrial robotics is evolving to meet the needs of a changing manufacturing landscape. The conversation focused not on futuristic hype but on practical shifts that are already redefining how manufacturers deploy […]
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For many industrial organizations, the edge has long been treated as a fixed, isolated part of operations. But as digital transformation initiatives scale—and artificial intelligence, analytics, and cybersecurity concerns intensify—this view is rapidly becoming outdated.Erik Nordmark, Co-founder and CTO at ZEDEDA, emphasizes that today’s industrial edge must be dynamic and software-defined. In his view, the […]
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Access to the correct assets, equipment, and raw materials at the right time is vital for maintaining production schedules in a busy factory. Workers can spend up to 20% of their time searching for missing tools, leading to delays, frustration, and increased safety risks. These inefficiencies can cause significant downtime, especially in high-value manufacturing environments. […]
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Data is more than a byproduct in today’s industrial landscape—it’s the backbone of smart operations. From sensors and Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) to building management systems (BMS) and cloud platforms, manufacturers generate an enormous amount of data every second. But data alone doesn’t drive performance. The real value lies in how that data is structured, […]
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As manufacturers continue to navigate evolving demands, supply chain complexity, and fast-paced technological change, the need for scalable, intelligent, and resilient systems is front and center. The MESI 4.0 Summit 2025, hosted by Critical Manufacturing, offers a platform for manufacturing and technology leaders to explore how MES and Industry 4.0 technologies are being applied to meet these […]
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At the Automate Show in Detroit, Gregory Tink, Digital Transformation Consulting Director at Schneider Electric, shared a clear and actionable approach to industrial digital transformation—one that moves beyond buzzwords and into scalable, measurable progress.Start with Strategy, Not TechnologyToo many manufacturers jump straight into pilots or advanced technologies like AI and digital twins, bypassing the foundational work […]
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The U.S. manufacturing sector is undergoing a renaissance, driven by a wave of digital transformation that separates leaders from laggards. Speaking from the floor of the Automate Show in Detroit, Andre Marino, SVP of Industrial Automation for Schneider Electric North America, shared practical insights on how forward-thinking manufacturers are overcoming common roadblocks and driving scalable innovation.Strategic […]
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What Are We Talking About?Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs) represent a pivotal advancement in global communications, designed to extend connectivity far beyond the limits of ground-based infrastructure. By leveraging spaceborne and airborne assets—such as Low Earth Orbit (LEO), Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), and Geostationary (GEO) satellites, as well as High-Altitude Platform Stations (HAPS) and UAVs—NTNs enable seamless […]
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AI agents are rapidly transforming industries, and manufacturing is no exception. While initial applications focused on optimizing HR, finance, legal, and claims management, AI agents are now driving significant improvements in core manufacturing operations.These intelligent systems generally take two forms: Independent AI agents that operate autonomously, handling complex, end-to-end tasks with minimal human input. Collaborative […]
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In my 15 years in Industry, I haven’t seen a technology move as quickly as AI. The timeline from writing funny Haikus to showing up on the factory floor was a lot shorter than I expected.AI is exciting, but what’s hype versus what’s real? Where is it being used today? How could it be used […]
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In the age of digital transformation, data is more than a byproduct—it’s a powerful asset. But most manufacturers are sitting on untapped potential. This white paper from Critical Manufacturing explores how modern data platforms, combined with MES systems, are reshaping industrial operations—from the shop floor to executive decision-making.Readers will gain a clear understanding of how “dark data”—the 60–90% […]
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