Explore the freshest and most trending topics currently making waves in manufacturing. Dive into the latest buzz, timely insights, and noteworthy content that's driving our industry forward. https://www.assemblymag.com/rss/3549-manufacturing-industry-top-stories en-us moorej@bnpmedia.com (JJ Moore) AI promises major gains for manufacturers, but decades of inconsistent factory data, disconnected systems and delayed quality information often stand in the way. Jon Sobel, co-founder and CEO of Sight Machine, explains why organizing and contextualizing production data is the critical first step before AI can deliver meaningful insights. AI promises major gains for manufacturers, but decades of inconsistent factory data, disconnected systems and delayed quality information often stand in the way. Jon Sobel, co-founder and CEO of Sight Machine, explains why organizing and contextualizing production data is the critical first step before AI can deliver meaningful insights.

]]> http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100237 Tue, 21 Jul 2026 14:30:00 -0400 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100237-video-why-manufacturing-data-breaks-ai-jon-sobel-explains-the-challenge moorej@bnpmedia.com (JJ Moore) New joining and inspection technologies continue to improve manufacturing quality, process control and production efficiency. New joining and inspection technologies continue to improve manufacturing quality, process control and production efficiency.

]]> http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100235 Tue, 21 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100235-laser-welder-joins-two-light-absorbing-plastics moorej@bnpmedia.com (JJ Moore) Manufacturing leadership advice often sounds great — until the line goes down at 2 a.m. Julian M. Allen, Jr., manufacturing veteran and author of Operational Leadership Uncensored: Real Talk for Burgeoning Manufacturing Leaders, explains why so many new leaders struggle on the plant floor and what actually earns trust from frontline crews. Manufacturing leadership advice often sounds great — until the line goes down at 2 a.m. Julian M. Allen, Jr., manufacturing veteran and author of Operational Leadership Uncensored: Real Talk for Burgeoning Manufacturing Leaders, explains why so many new leaders struggle on the plant floor and what actually earns trust from frontline crews.

]]> http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100224 Thu, 16 Jul 2026 09:30:00 -0400 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100224-podcast-manufacturing-leadership-advice-that-actually-works-on-the-plant-floor webera@bnpmedia.com (Austin Weber) As the Industry 5.0 era transforms manufacturing, academic curriculums and research initiatives must evolve to meet new challenges, demands and opportunities. As the Industry 5.0 era transforms manufacturing, academic curriculums and research initiatives must evolve to meet new challenges, demands and opportunities.

]]> http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100227 Wed, 15 Jul 2026 14:00:00 -0400 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100227-university-of-michigan-tackles-industry-50-transformation moorej@bnpmedia.com (JJ Moore) Joe Teague, owner and organizer of the Advanced Manufacturing Expo, explains how AME’s Industry 4.0 Tech Hall will help manufacturers evaluate AI-driven data and production technologies. Joe Teague, owner and organizer of the Advanced Manufacturing Expo, explains how AME’s Industry 4.0 Tech Hall will help manufacturers evaluate AI-driven data and production technologies.

]]> http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100217 Wed, 15 Jul 2026 09:30:00 -0400 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100217-video-how-ame-helps-manufacturers-navigate-ai-on-the-factory-floor moorej@bnpmedia.com (JJ Moore) In this episode of ASSEMBLY Audible, Alex Wirth of Rhino Tool House discusses the operational challenges that inspired the RhiKnows platform and why manufacturers are increasingly focused on turning disconnected plant-floor data into actionable production intelligence. In this episode of ASSEMBLY Audible, Alex Wirth of Rhino Tool House discusses the operational challenges that inspired the RhiKnows platform and why manufacturers are increasingly focused on turning disconnected plant-floor data into actionable production intelligence.

]]> http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100216 Tue, 14 Jul 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100216-video-rhiknows-targets-production-visibility-with-ai-powered-manufacturing-intelligence-platform moorej@bnpmedia.com (JJ Moore) Georgia Tech’s Advanced Manufacturing Pilot Facility is using AI, robotics and autonomous experimentation to accelerate manufacturing development. Dr. Tom Kurfess explains how the self-driving lab is helping manufacturers test and de-risk new technologies before they reach production. Georgia Tech’s Advanced Manufacturing Pilot Facility is using AI, robotics and autonomous experimentation to accelerate manufacturing development. Dr. Tom Kurfess explains how the self-driving lab is helping manufacturers test and de-risk new technologies before they reach production.

]]> http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100215 Thu, 09 Jul 2026 12:31:00 -0400 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100215-podcast-inside-the-self-driving-manufacturing-lab In this episode of ASSEMBLY News Now, we look at how Tesla stacks up against Toyota and BYD, and what the numbers suggest about manufacturing efficiency, workforce scale and the changing competitive landscape in the global auto industry. In this episode of ASSEMBLY News Now, we look at how Tesla stacks up against Toyota and BYD, and what the numbers suggest about manufacturing efficiency, workforce scale and the changing competitive landscape in the global auto industry.

]]> http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100174 Mon, 06 Jul 2026 08:00:00 -0400 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100174-teslas-efficiency-edge-faces-a-toyota-reality-check moorej@bnpmedia.com (JJ Moore) Manufacturers are investing heavily in AI and automation, but many still can’t access or organize the data needed to make those systems useful. Aron Semle, CTO of HighByte, explains how fragmented factory systems and proprietary data structures are limiting smart manufacturing—and why initiatives such as i3X are becoming critical to making industrial AI practical on the plant floor. Manufacturers are investing heavily in AI and automation, but many still can’t access or organize the data needed to make those systems useful. Aron Semle, CTO of HighByte, explains how fragmented factory systems and proprietary data structures are limiting smart manufacturing—and why initiatives such as i3X are becoming critical to making industrial AI practical on the plant floor.

]]> http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100197 Thu, 02 Jul 2026 12:31:00 -0400 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100197-podcast-why-ai-in-manufacturing-depends-on-fixing-factory-data sprovierij@bnpmedia.com (John Sprovieri) BYD might produce and sell more EVs than Tesla, but Tesla operates with significantly fewer employees and generates higher revenue per worker model. BYD might produce and sell more EVs than Tesla, but Tesla operates with significantly fewer employees and generates higher revenue per worker model.

]]> http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100196 Thu, 02 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100196-toyota-tesla-and-byd-rank-among-worlds-best-for-revenue-and-profit-per-employee moorej@bnpmedia.com (JJ Moore) What happens when assembly systems, process control, motion tracking and production data all operate in separate silos? In this episode of ASSEMBLY Audible, Russ Hughes of Desoutter Industrial Tools discusses the manufacturing challenges that inspired the Desoutter Ecosystem and why manufacturers are increasingly focused on connecting fragmented assembly operations across the factory floor. What happens when assembly systems, process control, motion tracking and production data all operate in separate silos? In this episode of ASSEMBLY Audible, Russ Hughes of Desoutter Industrial Tools discusses the manufacturing challenges that inspired the Desoutter Ecosystem and why manufacturers are increasingly focused on connecting fragmented assembly operations across the factory floor.

]]> http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100180 Wed, 01 Jul 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100180-video-desoutter-targets-production-complexity-with-connected-manufacturing-ecosystem webera@bnpmedia.com (Austin Weber) In honor of the country’s 250th birthday, here’s a brief look at 25 people who were responsible for breakthroughs and innovations that helped U.S. manufacturers grow and thrive. In honor of the country’s 250th birthday, here’s a brief look at 25 people who were responsible for breakthroughs and innovations that helped U.S. manufacturers grow and thrive.

]]> http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100191 Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100191-25-people-who-shaped-american-manufacturing sprovierij@bnpmedia.com (John Sprovieri) Ford is shifting its focus to hybrid vehicles and conventional gas-powered models, and it’s repurposing two new assembly plants that suddenly have nothing to make. Ford is shifting its focus to hybrid vehicles and conventional gas-powered models, and it’s repurposing two new assembly plants that suddenly have nothing to make.

]]> http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100188 Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100188-ford-pivots-from-evs-to-energy-storage-systems moorej@bnpmedia.com (JJ Moore) Joe Teague, owner and organizer of the Advanced Manufacturing Expo, says humanoid robots will be a major part of this year’s event in Grand Rapids. DOBOT will bring Atom, its humanoid robot, for a keynote and live demonstration. Joe Teague, owner and organizer of the Advanced Manufacturing Expo, says humanoid robots will be a major part of this year’s event in Grand Rapids. DOBOT will bring Atom, its humanoid robot, for a keynote and live demonstration. 

]]> http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100177 Fri, 26 Jun 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100177-video-humanoid-robot-shows-off-its-moves-at-ame moorej@bnpmedia.com (JJ Moore) Unlike one-part adhesives, which are ready to use straight from the container, two-part systems require precise metering and mixing before they can be applied. Unlike one-part adhesives, which are ready to use straight from the container, two-part systems require precise metering and mixing before they can be applied.

]]> http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100163 Fri, 26 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100163-real-time-monitoring-brings-process-control-to-two-part-adhesive-dispensing moorej@bnpmedia.com (JJ Moore) Tariffs have reduced direct imports from China, but that doesn't mean manufacturing is coming back to the United States. Patrick Van den Bossche of Kearney explains why companies are building supply chain flexibility instead of committing to reshoring — and why much of the production leaving China is simply moving somewhere else. Tariffs have reduced direct imports from China, but that doesn't mean manufacturing is coming back to the United States. Patrick Van den Bossche of Kearney explains why companies are building supply chain flexibility instead of committing to reshoring — and why much of the production leaving China is simply moving somewhere else.

]]> http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100173 Thu, 25 Jun 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100173-podcast-why-manufacturers-are-choosing-flexibility-instead-of-reshoring moorej@bnpmedia.com (JJ Moore) Aron Semle, CTO of HighByte, explains the “Diet Coke problem” — a real example of tribal manufacturing knowledge that often exists only inside the heads of experienced operators and how manufacturers can solve this issue before workers leave for good. Aron Semle, CTO of HighByte, explains the “Diet Coke problem” — a real example of tribal manufacturing knowledge that often exists only inside the heads of experienced operators and how manufacturers can solve this issue before workers leave for good. 

]]> http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100161 Mon, 22 Jun 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100161-the-diet-coke-problem-as-manufacturers-face-experts-retiring webera@bnpmedia.com (Austin Weber) Panasonic uses AI-powered robots to automatically disassemble appliances, enabling recycling, material recovery, and circular-economy sustainability. Panasonic uses AI-powered robots to automatically disassemble appliances, enabling recycling, material recovery, and circular-economy sustainability.

]]> http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100156 Mon, 22 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100156-appliance-manufacturer-uses-robots-and-ai-to-disassemble-products moorej@bnpmedia.com (JJ Moore) Manufacturers are rapidly adopting AI, but most deployments remain limited to small-scale pilots. In this episode, Mike Sabin, CEO of Revalize, explains why scaling AI across the enterprise is proving far more difficult than expected. Manufacturers are rapidly adopting AI, but most deployments remain limited to small-scale pilots. In this episode, Mike Sabin, CEO of Revalize, explains why scaling AI across the enterprise is proving far more difficult than expected.

]]> http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100152 Thu, 18 Jun 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100152-podcast-ai-in-manufacturing-a-force-multiplier-still-stuck-in-pilot-mode moorej@bnpmedia.com (JJ Moore) Jon Sobel, CEO and co-founder of Sight Machine, discusses how the company’s updated AI platform is designed to help process experts turn plant-floor signals, equipment data and operational knowledge into recommendations that can improve production performance. Jon Sobel, CEO and co-founder of Sight Machine, discusses how the company’s updated AI platform is designed to help process experts turn plant-floor signals, equipment data and operational knowledge into recommendations that can improve production performance.

]]> http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100151 Wed, 17 Jun 2026 12:00:00 -0400 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100151-video-sight-machine-expands-ai-platform-for-factory-operations moorej@bnpmedia.com (JJ Moore) Mexico has become one of the biggest beneficiaries of recent supply chain shifts, but much of the value in those products still comes from components sourced in Asia. Patrick Van den Bossche explains how upcoming USMCA discussions could reshape nearshoring strategies, regional content rules and the future economics of North American manufacturing. Mexico has become one of the biggest beneficiaries of recent supply chain shifts, but much of the value in those products still comes from components sourced in Asia. Patrick Van den Bossche explains how upcoming USMCA discussions could reshape nearshoring strategies, regional content rules and the future economics of North American manufacturing.

]]> http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100141 Mon, 15 Jun 2026 09:30:00 -0400 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100141-video-usmca-review-could-reshape-nearshoring-economics moorej@bnpmedia.com (JJ Moore) AI is changing machine vision, but not in the way many manufacturers expect. Matt Moschner, CEO of Cognex, explains where AI vision systems outperform traditional tools, where they don’t and why most real-world applications rely on a hybrid approach. AI is changing machine vision, but not in the way many manufacturers expect. Matt Moschner, CEO of Cognex, explains where AI vision systems outperform traditional tools, where they don’t and why most real-world applications rely on a hybrid approach. 

]]> http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100135 Thu, 11 Jun 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100135-podcast-ai-vision-on-the-plant-floor-where-it-works-and-where-it-doesnt moorej@bnpmedia.com (JJ Moore) What do factory robots and robot vacuums have in common? According to Aron Semle, CTO of HighByte: they both get stuck. In this clip from an upcoming episode of ASSEMBLY Audible, Semle explains how disconnected factory systems create what he calls the “Roomba problem” — and why standardized industrial data is becoming critical for AI and automation on the plant floor. What do factory robots and robot vacuums have in common? According to Aron Semle, CTO of HighByte: they both get stuck. In this clip from an upcoming episode of ASSEMBLY Audible, Semle explains how disconnected factory systems create what he calls the “Roomba problem” — and why standardized industrial data is becoming critical for AI and automation on the plant floor.

]]> http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100131 Mon, 08 Jun 2026 10:00:00 -0400 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100131-podcast-the-roomba-problem-inside-modern-factories moorej@bnpmedia.com (JJ Moore) The U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, or USMCA, is heading toward its first formal review on July 1. Patrick Lozada, Senior Director of Global Policy at the National Electrical Manufacturers Association, explains how the USMCA supports manufacturing, regional supply chains, standards alignment and long-term investment certainty. The U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, or USMCA, is heading toward its first formal review on July 1. Patrick Lozada, Senior Director of Global Policy at the National Electrical Manufacturers Association, explains how the USMCA supports manufacturing, regional supply chains, standards alignment and long-term investment certainty.

]]> http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100124 Thu, 04 Jun 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100124-podcast-could-trade-deal-uncertainty-slow-americas-manufacturing-comeback webera@bnpmedia.com (Austin Weber) Adhesive bonding enables engineers to create strong joints. But industrial adhesives have several drawbacks, such as outgassing, which can cause problems in some applications. Adhesive bonding enables engineers to create strong joints. But industrial adhesives have several drawbacks, such as outgassing, which can cause problems in some applications.

]]> http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100121 Tue, 02 Jun 2026 11:30:00 -0400 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100121-best-practices-to-prevent-outgassing Volvo Cars has begun production of its new, fully electric EX60 SUV at its assembly plant in Torslanda, Sweden. The plant has been heavily upgraded in recent years in preparation for production of the EX60 and other EVs. Volvo Cars has begun production of its new, fully electric EX60 SUV at its assembly plant in Torslanda, Sweden. The plant has been heavily upgraded in recent years in preparation for production of the EX60 and other EVs.

]]> http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100095 Tue, 02 Jun 2026 08:00:00 -0400 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100095-volvo-redesigns-ev-manufacturing webera@bnpmedia.com (Austin Weber) In today’s age of artificial intelligence, smartphones, video games and virtual reality, pinball has undergone a resurgence. A handful of companies still make pinball machines in the United States. The largest of them all is Stern Pinball Inc. In today’s age of artificial intelligence, smartphones, video games and virtual reality, pinball has undergone a resurgence. A handful of companies still make pinball machines in the United States. The largest of them all is Stern Pinball Inc.

]]> http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100120 Mon, 01 Jun 2026 15:00:00 -0400 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100120-stern-pinball-keeps-old-school-fun-alive moorej@bnpmedia.com (JJ Moore) Despite tariffs, EV disruption and supply chain pressure, supplier relationships improved across all six major North American OEMs for the first time in 26 years. Dr. Angela Johnson explains what changed — and why communication and trust are becoming critical competitive advantages. Despite tariffs, EV disruption and supply chain pressure, supplier relationships improved across all six major North American OEMs for the first time in 26 years. Dr. Angela Johnson explains what changed — and why communication and trust are becoming critical competitive advantages.

]]> http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100098 Thu, 28 May 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100098-podcast-why-oem-supplier-relationships-improved-despite-tariffs-and-ev-uncertainty Shifting from a traditional process to a streamlined assembly line to a 30 percent increase in throughput and a 53 percent reduction in footprint. Shifting from a traditional process to a streamlined assembly line to a 30 percent increase in throughput and a 53 percent reduction in footprint.

]]> http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100103 Tue, 26 May 2026 14:00:00 -0400 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100103-knife-maker-redesigns-assembly-line assembly-line process Rather than one worker assembling a knife from start to finish, each worker handles a few operations in an assembly-line process. compact assembly line workstations Trays of parts are delivered to each workstation by the conveyor, which reduces the need for constant parts replenishment. moorej@bnpmedia.com (JJ Moore) Manufacturers need skilled workers now—but traditional training pathways often fall short. In this episode, Justin Brooks explains how short-duration programs are helping people enter manufacturing faster, build confidence on the shop floor and connect directly with employers. Manufacturers need skilled workers now—but traditional training pathways often fall short. In this episode, Justin Brooks explains how short-duration programs are helping people enter manufacturing faster, build confidence on the shop floor and connect directly with employers.

]]> http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100089 Thu, 21 May 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/100089-podcast-short-duration-training-programs-help-close-manufacturing-skills-gap