Is AI taking manufacturing jobs, or is it actually extending careers and eliminating physical burnout?

In this episode of People Before Machines, Amanda Cupido sits down with Greg Summers, CEO of Orion Talent, to break down what the modern manufacturing worker actually looks like today—and where the industry is heading over the next five years.

With over 30 years of talent acquisition experience, Greg brings a grounded perspective to the AI hype. Together, they explore how automation is shifting work from physical labor to technical problem-solving, why the traditional resume is broken, and how leaders can foster curiosity and confidence as humans and digital coworkers learn to operate side-by-side.

For more bold questions and sharp insights, visit www.peopleb4machines.com. Remember, the future isn’t fully automated—it’s people-powered.

What happens when robots stop following rigid instructions and start understanding the world around them?

In this episode of People B4 Machines, Amanda Cupido sits down with robotics evangelist, angel investor, and content creator Lukas M. Ziegler to explore the rise of physical AI and what it means for the future of manufacturing.

Lukas explains world models, the technology helping robots reason, adapt, and interact with the physical world, and introduces the concept of the neo-integrator: a new approach to deploying robotics that relies more on AI-driven reasoning, teleoperation, and autonomy than traditional programming.

The conversation moves beyond technology to explore trust, safety, surveillance concerns, and the human impact of working alongside increasingly capable machines. Lukas shares why communication, education, and transparency will be just as important as engineering in the next wave of automation.

As an active robotics investor, he also reveals how he evaluates startups, separates innovation from hype, and identifies solutions that solve real-world problems.

The episode concludes with a look at the future of work, where robots take on more routine tasks, freeing people to focus on creativity, communication, and the things they enjoy most.

For more bold questions and sharp insights, visit www.peopleb4machines.com. Remember, the future isn’t fully automated—it’s people-powered.

In this episode of People B4 Machines, host Amanda Cupido dives into the transformative world of factory automation with guest Adam Dorr, Director of Research at RethinkX. Together, they explore the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, the rise of humanoid robots, and the challenges and opportunities these technologies bring to industries and society. Adam shares insights on the balance between automation and human adaptability, offering a glimpse into the future of work and production. Tune in for thought-provoking discussions on how we can navigate this revolutionary era while keeping people at the heart of progress.

For more bold questions and sharp insights, visit www.peopleb4machines.com. Remember, the future isn’t fully automated—it’s people-powered.

In this episode of People B4 Machines, Amanda Cupido sits down with The Manufacturing Millennial, Jake Hall, to debunk the myth that automation is a "job killer." Jake shares why now is the critical time to deploy technology to stay ahead of competitors and how machines actually create higher-value opportunities for the human workforce.

They dive into practical strategies for employee retention, including the surprising success of the four-day work week in factories. From building community presence to leveraging social media for recruitment, Jake offers a masterclass on balancing high-tech tools with a people-first culture.

For more bold questions and sharp insights, visit www.peopleb4machines.com. Remember, the future isn’t fully automated—it’s people-powered.

In this episode of People Before Machines, Amanda Cupido sits down with The Robot Queen, Vanessa Loiola, Founder and CEO of Valoy Automation, to explore human-first robotics. Vanessa debunks the myth that robots replace workers, arguing instead that they replace repetitive, grueling tasks to free up human potential. They discuss her journey as a leading woman in a male-dominated field, the reality behind "collaborative" applications, and the critical need for empowering operators through training. Learn why Vanessa believes programming robots is actually about programming a better future—one where technology gives us back our time to focus on life.

For more bold questions and sharp insights, visit www.peopleb4machines.com. Remember, the future isn’t fully automated—it’s people-powered.

In this episode of People Before Machines, Amanda Cupido sits down with Ujjwal Kumar, former Group President of Teradyne Robotics, to explore the ROI of robotics and the cultural shift needed to embrace automation on the factory floor. Ujjwal shares insights on how robotics can enhance human-machine synergy, improve workplace safety, and address labor shortages while creating new opportunities for workers. They discuss the misconceptions surrounding robots replacing humans, the importance of responsible deployment, and the global race to adopt advanced robotics. Tune in for an engaging conversation on how robotics is shaping the future of manufacturing and redefining the role of humans in Industry 5.0.

For more bold questions and sharp insights, visit www.peopleb4machines.com. Remember, the future isn’t fully automated—it’s people-powered.

In this episode of People B4 Machines, Amanda Cupido speaks with Kevin Bowers, Vice President of Research at the Association for Manufacturing Technology, about navigating uncertainty in North American manufacturing. Kevin shares insights on building resiliency through automation, AI, and workforce enablement, while addressing the challenges of technical debt and reshoring. They discuss the importance of a top-down cultural shift, connecting equipment to the cloud, and leveraging disruptions as opportunities for growth. Tune in for actionable strategies to future-proof manufacturing operations and embrace innovation in uncertain times.

For more bold questions and sharp insights, visit www.peopleb4machines.com. Remember, the future isn’t fully automated—it’s people-powered.

In this episode of People B4 Machines, Amanda Cupido speaks with Prasad Satyavolu, Accenture's Americas Lead for Industry X Digital Manufacturing and Operations, about the transformative potential of the Software Defined Factory (SDF). Prasad explores how SDFs, powered by digital twins, physical AI, and data-driven orchestration, can redefine manufacturing processes while addressing cultural and technical challenges. He shares insights on balancing human augmentation with intelligent automation, fostering workforce transformation, and creating a roadmap for future growth. Tune in for a forward-thinking discussion on how manufacturers can embrace innovation to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving industry.

For more bold questions and sharp insights, visit www.peopleb4machines.com. Remember, the future isn’t fully automated—it’s people-powered.