Episodes

Many factories struggle with unexpected equipment failure, resulting in costly downtime hits without warning. How can you avoid this with predictive maintenance strategies? Join us as we welcome special guest Ryan Treece from FreeWave Technologies for a discussion covering many industry insights. Discover how implementing predictive maintenance using vibration sensors can alert you in advance, minimizing surprise breakdowns. Huge thank you to Automate.org for sponsoring this episode! The bigge...

We’re back! In this special solo kickoff to Season 6, Nikki shares what’s new with Automation Ladies — including her new role at Weintek USA, a big media partnership, and all the exciting things ahead for the show and community. In this episode: •Why Nikki joined the team at Weintek USA •The big announcement: Automation Ladies is now part of Industry Sage Media •Behind-the-scenes of producing the podcast (and a heartfelt goodbye to our amazing producer, Laura 💜) •What’s coming in Season 5 (and h...

While reviewing one of our older episodes, we revisited a powerful conversation centered on innovation in industrial automation and the future of engineering efficiency.In this episode, the Automation Ladies host experts from Schneider Electric to explore EcoStruxure Automation Expert, an open, vendor-agnostic automation platform designed to decouple software from hardware. The discussion highlights how this approach can dramatically reduce engineering time, simplify system deployment, and improve scalability across industries such as water/wastewater, oil & gas, energy, and chemicals.Guest Celita Clemente shares her journey from Brazil to North America and her passion for innovation, while the panel reflects on major technological shifts — from natural gas processing to fiber internet — emphasizing the importance of challenging traditional methods.A live demo showcases how quickly engineers can deploy new pumping stations using drag-and-drop configuration, standardized li…

How can the collaboration between AI and cultural understanding create optimal performance in projects? Join us with Solutions Architect, Dylan DuFresne , as we navigate the complex landscape of digital transformation, shedding light on the often-overlooked human elements that can make or break technology implementations. We reflect on the evolving intersection of electrical engineering and software, and how the collaboration of AI and cultural understanding are keys to unlocking the full potent...

OT, IT, and Cybersecurity - how are they different, related, and are you protected? Join us with Leah Dodson & Ashley Van Hoesen , as we master the distinctions between OT, IT, and Cybersecurity roles in the manufacturing industry. Gain insider knowledge on governance, risk, compliance, and the psychological tactics of scammers and hackers. Discover best use practices to safeguard operations, mitigate risk, and avoid theft digitally. Huge thank you to Wolfe Evolution for sponsoring this episode!...

Dive into the world of boiler technologies, the growing role of automation, and the power of training and development. Join us with, Eric Johnson , CEO of Boilearn, as we enthusiastically tackle the pivotal topic of training and development in the mechanical and boiler industries. We emphasize the value of a diverse skill set, allowing technicians to collaborate effectively with professionals across various trades. We later explore the necessity of structured training programs that cater to the ...

What are the essential skills for a leader to create a supportive work culture? With retic and humor, our conversation with Alicia Lomas uncovers the nuances of leadership, exploring invaluable lesson on emotional regulation, the art of providing and receiving feedback, and the distinction between mentoring and managing-all essential skills for any leader striving to create a supportive work culture. The conversation also delves into celebrating the joy and camaraderie found at industry events s...

What if passion, resilience, and community could lead you to unexpected heights in a career? Join us along with Alex Pool from Masked Owl Technologies as we discuss how achievements, setbacks, fervor, and maintaining strong industry connections can pave the way for long-term personal and career success. We delve into the complexities of transitioning from technical roles to management and the significance of safety, both physical and emotional, in ensuring a balanced work-life dynamic in an ever...

Discover how optimizing often-overlooked compressed air systems can revolutionize industrial efficiency. Nikki, Ali, Courtney, and Senior Compressed Air Technician, Rob Michael , share practical wisdom on avoiding design mistakes by consulting with domain experts, delving into technical insights and real-life experiences in working with air compressors. Uncover the common pitfalls in compressed air systems that can lead to inefficiencies and equipment failures, and how working with experienced p...

Challenging existing norms and community are the keys to navigating the ever-evolving realm of industrial automation Join us in addressing the changing landscape of remote work, the intricate gender dynamics, and the urgent demand for inventive solutions to the engineering skill gap in the industrial automation sector. Through humor and reflections, Christine Lee and Mara Pillott from Inductive Automation shine a light on the vital role of mentorship, role models, inclusive cultures, and strong ...

Attending industry events are crucial in extending your professional network and growing professionally. Join us with Brandon Peters , CEO of Shockwave Automation, as we highlight how short, focused sessions and face-to-face interactions at industry events can offer practical insights and foster meaningful connections. Gain insights into the importance of staying ahead of industry trends and technologies, even when there's no immediate impact on revenue. Learn the long-term benefits of engaging...

Balancing work, life, and personal growth with cultural experiences and collaborative mindsets. Join us for a hearty conversation with Jakob Sagatowski , Software Engineer & CEO Sagatowski, involving traditions and career transitions, blending personal stories into an engaging narrative with nostalgic items symbolizing pride, success, and good fortune in adulthood. Reflecting on experiences within the automation industry, they address the need to embrace the benefits of openness in fostering gro...

Cybersecurity has become one of the fastest-growing fields, offering a wealth of job opportunities. Join us as we discuss the challenges and advancements in cybersecurity in industrial automation with Michael Grollmus , CEO of Grollmus, highlighting the crossroads of tradition and innovation in this evolving sector. Together we investigate the mesh of cybersecurity into industrial automation and the dire need for improved practices and the shortage of skilled professionals, showcasing the field’...

If you know us ladies, you know we love to network, both in-person and online, especially through social media. Join us, as we delve into the wonders and the transformations of social media with Susan Wilson from Inductive Automation. Sparked by her husband's career as a toolmaker machinist, hear how Susan discovered a passion for digital strategy, taking on a unique role that focuses exclusively on social media in a traditionally broad marketing field. We also take a nostalgic trip back with S...

Nikki & Ali, sit down with Vinny Endres, owner of Bitmasked Automation & a trailblazer in dairy farm automation. Vinny shares his journey from growing up on a dairy farm to becoming a diesel mechanic, then discovering his passion for electrical engineering & automation. He shares his unique perspective integrating robotic technologies in dairy farming, the potential of teleoperation, the promise of autonomous milling systems, & reconfiguring traditional farming processes to be more automation-fr...

What happens when a young troublemaker with a love for computers and cars finds himself at the forefront of the robotics and machine vision industries? Nikki and Courtney chat with Erick Collins, owner of Rockport Integration and Automation. Through a significant change in career direction and the influence of pivotal figures, Erick's path was anything but ordinary. Discover how a friend's advice led him from auto mechanics to computer science and ultimately into the captivating world of automat...

Ali and Nikki sit down with Kathy Rinne, the Conveyor Cougar from Flex-Line Automation, and Ed Garstkiewicz, Sr. Industry Segment Manager of Automation and Robotics from HARTING. They touch on how in the ever-evolving landscape of industrial automation and marketing, collaborating with experts is more important than ever. And ever wondered how a 12-year-old can transform a Gen Xer's approach to B2B marketing? Kathy shares how their TikTok skyrocketed Flex-Line Automation's web traffic by a whopp...

Join the Automation Ladies once again at Automate 2024 as they chat with Corey Jenkins from HARTING and Ale Walker from Gray Solutions. Corey dives into the engineering magic behind HARTING's plug-and-play solutions, while Ale brings a personal touch, giving a heartfelt shout-out to her mom, Kathy Walker, the CEO of eCami. They share how these connections aren't just mechanical but deeply personal, enhancing the efficiency and flexibility of modern automation systems. Explore the future of autom...

Join the Automation Ladies as they chat with Casey Spitz, the VP of Development and Innovation at HARTING. She takes us through setting up product development teams in the US, all things connectors, and customer engagement strategies. Discover the role of connectors in transforming data centers and AI technologies, and learn how these small components continue to drive technology forward. Support the Show. Co-Hosts are Alicia Gilpin Director of Engineering at Process and Controls Engineering LLC...

Join us as the Automation Ladies sit down with McKenzie Reed, President of Single Paired Ether Standards Development / CLN of South Florida, and Ed Garskowitz, Business Development Manager at HARTING. Mckenzie shares his journey from working at Harting to acquiring his own industrial machinery company. Alongside McKenzie, Ed reflects on their collaborative history, and their innovative office. They talk all about SPE's, their IoT integration, and empowering smaller systems. Send us a text with q...

Ali and Nikki speak with Chris Luecke from Manufacturing Happy Hour and Amanda Marx, Senior VP of Marketing Digital Strategy & IT at HARTING. This minisode goes from casual LinkedIn conversations to establishing a dynamic community for women in industrial automation. They uncover the secrets of building niche communities, the importance of multi-generational workforces and the unique approaches younger generations bring to learning and collaboration. Send us a text with questions or comments! S...

Ready to revolutionize your approach to automation and connectivity? Join us on the show floor at Automate, where Nikki and Ali sit down with two industry powerhouses, Sandro Quintero from Festo and Lucas Knapp from Harding. You'll uncover the secrets behind Festo's groundbreaking transition from traditional pneumatics to state-of-the-art electric automation solutions. Sandro delves into his fascinating background in mechatronics engineering and the rapid growth of educational programs in this f...

In this second "minisode" from the floor of Automate 2024, Nikki and Ali sit down with Ed Garstkiewicz , Senior Industry Segment Manager at HARTING , and Luis Narvaez , Automation & Marketing Specialist at Siemens . We unpack the modernization trends reshaping the landscape of PLCs, automation, and manufacturing — the move to decentralized automation, the rise of modular connectors, the shift to virtual PLCs and digital twins, and hardware-agnostic solutions! Send us a text with questions or com...

Send us a Text Message. In this first "minisode" from Automate, Nikki and Ali sit down with Srna Okukua , Head of Marketing at OTTO by Rockwell Automation , and Edmund Garstkiewicz , Senior Industry Segment Manager at HARTING . We'll explore how AMRs are making waves in industries ranging from automotive to consumer goods, offering unparalleled flexibility and efficiency over older AGV systems. Srna shares insights on the evolution of AMRs, capable of handling payloads from 300 to 4,000 pounds,...