Travis and Steve will dive into some of the most important trends shaping the future of manufacturing, including insights from Hexagon’s 2025 State of Manufacturing Survey, technology adoption, automation and AI, and workforce development. They’ll also explore real-world examples of how manufacturers are modernizing operations, attracting skilled talent, and leveraging technology to stay competitive.
The Tech Friends recover from their long Memorial Day weekend, share what they did, and rejoice that the band is finally back together. Elissa reports that, of all companies, Chuck E. Cheese has a growing involvement in the STEM field before she introduces guest, Chris Luecke. He passes on his insights into the workforce, career fulfillment in engineering, and what technologies manufacturers are getting value from, as well as his takeaways from interviewing AI agents.
"Steve and Ben bring back a classic Tech Trends podcast banter topic: home automation and how to avoid doing yard work. Ramia introduces Travis, the MC of Hexagon live, while Steve introduces Jim Mayer, manufacturing influencer and Steve's sim racing bitter rival. Jim covers the rapid changes sweeping through industry and the top four technologies manufacturers are adopting, including the invaluable new tool that is AI."
Episode 136 of Tech Trends, Ramia Lloyd and Benjamin Moses welcome Nikki Gonzales (Automation Ladies, Wintec HMI) and Travis Egan (AMT) for a fast-paced chat on AI, digital twins, and leadership in modern manufacturing. Plus, a sneak peek at what's ahead at Hexagon Live Global 2025.
Episode 134: Steve and Ben share their observations, insights, and takeaways from ProMat2025. Stephen provides a testbed update and a realization that robot programming is easy… until you have to program the robot to physically interact with another thing. Ben shines a light on the disconnect between executives and AI versus regular staff and AI. Steve closes with good news: US manufacturing output accelerated in February.
Episode 133: Elissa dives straight in with 3D printing 4D materials. The team voices their loathing of daylight savings. Steve wonders how it’s 2025 and hot dogs are still not the appropriate length with respect to the buns. Ben shares his excitement for machine/robot programming becoming literally more hands-on. Steve closes with actual AI in gaming.
Episode 132: The Tech Friends open with older movies they’d like to see remade with some of the same actors and producers. Steve then goes on a long tangent waxing poetic about cars while desperately trying to relate it back to manufacturing technology… and failing. Elissa reports on the implementation of AI in 911 dispatch. Ben closes with somehow employing additive manufacturing for subtractive toolpath optimization.
Episode 131: Ben and Steve report back on their trip to SHOT Show 2025. Ben hard transitions to asking about Steve’s first experience with Pilates. Elissa announces that the AMT Tech Trends podcast has been placed as the #14 podcast in the manufacturing industry. Steve takes a stab at the difference between generative versus agentic AI. Elissa says the Army is getting into barracks 3D printing. Benjamin closes with more humanoid robots. Like a lot.
Episode 130: Steve kicks things off, blabbing about headphones and the latest audiophile nonsense to come out of CES, then goes on about some testbed developments. Ben talks about OpenAI’s humanoid robotics triggering Stephen sparking a discussion about the overhype of humanoids and how we should really be looking at exoskeletons. Elissa closes us out with a call for accountability.
Episode 129: Steve shares some updates with the testbed’s vision system. The Tech Friends discuss how to handle the snow and their 2025 goals. Elissa reports Italy’s efforts in 3D printing using marble waste. Stephen is sad about Crucible going out of business. Benjamin is excited about Nvidia’s latest evolutionary silicon.
Episode 128: The Tech Friends discuss their favorite holiday movies and shows. Elissa is hopeful for the future of space travel… once heat shields are squared away. Benjamin reports on video generation powered by AI LLMs. Stephen raises concerns over excessive energy consumption by AI.
Episode 127: Ben and Steve both have some interesting testbed updates and conclude that having a solid in-house IT team on hand is vital for implementing new OT (operational technology) systems. The tech friends lighten things up by reflecting on their Thanksgiving and what they did with their leftovers. Afterward, Benjamin talks about interleaved hybrid manufacturing processes and beam shaping. Stephen closes with China’s export ban of superhard materials to the US.
Episode 126: Steve immediately kicks it off with a listicle regarding the ten most disruptive 3D printers in history. The tech friends then discuss sandwiches and augmented reality glasses. Steve also reports that Georgia Tech has a replica of the AMT testbed to co-develop automation solutions with/for AMT. Benjamin shares that the Perplexity CEO offers to replace the NYTs striking workers with AI. Elissa closes with Apple’s offer of $1M to whoever can hack them.
Episode 125: The testbed has a new computer, and it was built in-house! The tech friends discuss and the death of door-to-door trick-or-treating. Elissa reports on Hershey’s multi-million dollar investment in supply chain development. Steve shares some numbers from the 2024 IFR World Robotics report. Ben closes with his hot take on the new McLaren W1 hypercar.
Episode 124: It’s been a minute since IMTS 2024 and the last formal episode, so the Tech Friends kick things off with a lively discussion over… wait, Steve kicks things off with a testbed update! Then a lively discussion breaks out with topics ranging from corporate lingo that needs to die to a new derogatory term for robots and then feelings on autonomous passenger vehicles. Steve then attempts to explain NPUs. Ben talks about inspection. Elissa closes by listing the top 15 countries in 3D printing.
Episode 123: The Tech Friends kick things off with a lively discussion over EVs versus hybrids and battery alternatives such as capacitors, flywheels, and hydrogen. Steve announces his first two successful and reliable robot arm programs. Elissa says NASA is sending gardeners to space. Ben thinks mobile robots need more computers. Stephen closes with what happened to Craftsman tools.
Episode 122: The Tech Friends are ready for IMTS 2024 and can’t wait to be back in Chicago. Stephen has evolved into a roboticist, at least he thinks he has. Elissa reports that Wall Street doesn’t think AI will ever make money. Benjamin and Steve discuss the full speed ahead popularity in humanoid robotics. Elissa closes with why AI will never be sentient.
Episode 121: The Tech Friends are wrapping up their pre-IMTS vacations. Stephen announces a few testbed updates before handing it off to Ben who emphasizes the importance of data architecture in manufacturing. Steve then geeks out about Kawasaki’s steaming hot hydrogen-powered and supercharged motorcycle. Elissa closes with her fascination with the AI-powered surveillance and security implemented at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Episode 119: The Tech Friends miss bread garages and want them back! Stephen is excited about 3D-printed flow-through suppressors… for leaf blowers! Steve also has testbed updates! Ben has some disagreements regarding the U.S. robot roadmap. Elissa reports on some metal 3D printing IN SPACE aboard the ISS. Finally, Stephen closes with an announcement that he’s got word on a manufacturing domain-specific LLM on the way!
Episode 118: Ramia is back from her travels in Japan, and the tech friends pick her brain about the trip and, most importantly, the culinary experience. Steve has testbed updates: things are happening slowly but surely. Ben shares some insights from a recently published government report on the 2023 U.S. manufacturing industry. Stephen didn’t appreciate a clickbaity title from a NASA article. Lastly, Elissa reports that NASA has a new Chief AI Officer.