Join us live on LinkedIn or YouTube @ 3 pm CST today (April 25th, 2024)!

We talk to Dr. Nicole Schra-Martin, a seasoned pro who’s climbed the ladder from entry-level technician to managing multi-billion dollar projects! She has over 25 years in the automation industry & currently leads a team at OptiMIM as their Maintenance & Facilities Manager.

We’ll discuss semiconductor manufacturing facilities, managing large-scale automation projects, & the skills required to lead a team of specialists in a high-stakes environment. She will also share her passion for educating the next generation, using tools from Lego Education to real-world industrial components!

Plus…a new podcast episode release at 2 pm CST!

We sat down with Andy Stump from Rockwell Automation to discuss the increasing adoption of smart manufacturing technology (cloud technology, AI, & other software), the challenges of integrating it with people & processes, & the need for continuous cybersecurity training in this rapidly evolving field.

We also discussed the lack of awareness & understanding of mechatronics as a career path & the need to make manufacturing more attractive to young talent!

Find the episode on our website, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify!

Upcoming IRL Events

NEXT WEEK — May 1-2, 2024 — See you in Nashville!?

We'll be doing something new & exciting with the Automation Ladies Lounge right next to the ASSEMBLY Magazine booth….Live broadcasting of the Automation Ladies Podcast from the floor, booth 1527! Come play with a robot we'll demo with our friends at Kinova Robotics. Plus, you can get trained by the one & only Courtney Fernandez with FAST One Solutions!

Use code AUTOLADIES to register for FREE!

IN TWO WEEKS — May 6-9, 2024 — We’ll be at A3’s Automate Show!

We’re excited to be on the Automate Show LIVE stage once again this year!

Tune in or come to booth #3650 at McCormick Place during the show!

July 25-26, 2024 — First ever OT SCADA CON in Houston!

Get tickets here before they sell out! (limited to 50 seats)

It's a two-day training & networking event surrounding Operational Technology.

Each Section is 30 minutes long & covers Theory, Hardware, Software, Procurement, & Industry Examples!

There will be hardware giveaways, swag, & sponsored food.

Sections & Speakers:

1. IO types - Nikki Gonzales

2. PLCs Programable Logic Controllers - Suprise Deluxe

3. HMIs Human Machine Interfaces - Scott Chapman

4. VFDs Variable Frequency Drives - Andreea Pineda Romero

5. Servo Drives - Courtney Fernandez

6. Machine Safety - Juan Pino

7. Machine Vision - Nikki Gonzales

8. Industrial Robots and EOAT - Courtney Fernandez

9. Process Instrumentation - Alicia Gilpin (Ali G)

10. Process Equipment - Alicia Gilpin (Ali G)

11. Discrete Machinery - Andreea Pineda Romero

12. Server Hardware - Albert Fernandez

13. Virtualization - Albert & Brandon R.

14. SCADA Screens - Kaleb Travis

15. Historians - Brandon R. Peters

16. Industrial Alarm Notification - Juan Pino

17. Trending Visualization - Alex Marcy

18. Remote Access - Kaleb Travis

19. Predictive Maintenance - Scott Chapman

20. IIOT & Industry 4.0 - Alex Marcy

21. Networking - Josh Varghese

22. Wireshark - Josh Varghese

23. Distributed Control Systems (DCS) - Brandon R. Peters

24. Agriculture Automation - Vinny Endres

25. Oil & Gas Automation - Marathon

26. OT Cybersec - Ashley Van Hoesen

Optional Activities:

• Karaoke

• Shooting Range

• Off-roading in Kaleb’s Jeep

Learn more & get tickets before they sell out…

From Our Partners

RESEARCH REPORT - 9th Annual State of Smart Manufacturing

Get highlights about the GenAI revolution, empowering your workforce, & combating cyber threats.

Hear from manufacturers across the globe about harnessing emergent technology to maximize workforce potential, reduce risk, increase quality, & deliver sustainable growth!

Download this exclusive report…

Follow Rockwell Automation on LinkedIn & visit their website!

Last Week’s Episodes

• Courtney & Ali talked with Steve Feamster, serial entrepreneur & owner of Sanitary Welding, about welding & vision systems! We talked about his company & their work in the food, beverage, & pharmaceutical industries, particularly in passivation & cleaning of stainless steel equipment. They also shared stories of mistakes made & lessons learned in the field. Check out the replay on YouTube!

• Nikki, Ali, & Quotebeam CEO Roman Piszcz talked about the importance of the Association for High Technology Distribution (AHTD) & why others in the industry should join! They introduced SalesPilot, an intelligent online platform that enhances customer experience & increases engagement. They also touched on the role of AI in customer interactions & the value of personal connections in the industry. Check out the replays on LinkedIn or YouTube!

• We talked to Dale Parker, Design Engineering Manager at Keystone Gas Services, about “The Importance of Patience”! We covered the need for flexibility in workspaces & to improve processes & documentation. We also highlighted the importance of sharing knowledge & mentoring the next generation of automation professionals. Dale told us about the innovative Keystone Gas Services’ Power Bank & their work in automating solar systems…very exciting! Listen to the podcast!

Love,

P.S. - Please support the show💰or buy us a coffee ☕️ to fuel our mission to unite people with unique perspectives in automation. Help us grow!