Welcome to a special episode of Workforce 4.0 as your host, Ann Wyatt shares conversations from behind the scenes of the 2025 Automate Show in Detroit, MI. This conversation explores the critical themes of workforce development in manufacturing, the impact of technology and automation, gender dynamics in STEM fields, and the future of work. Ann Wyatt meets this week's special guests to discuss the importance of training and education in bridging the skills gap, the role of technological innovations in enhancing manufacturing processes, and the need for greater female representation in engineering and technical roles. The dialogue emphasizes the shift towards a more human-centric approach in manufacturing, where robots handle dangerous and tedious tasks, allowing humans to focus on creativity and problem-solving.

In This Episode:

00:00 : Introduction to This Week's Episode

01:43 : Dirac's New Partnerships and Industry Focus

03:11 : Empowering the Frontline Workforce with Technology

07:20 : Introduction to Light Guide AR/VR Solution

07:46 : Demonstration of AR/VR in Manufacturing

11:56 : Benefits of AR/VR for Operators

12:16 : Introduction to Fanuc's Workforce Development Initiatives

14:19 : Opportunities in Manufacturing Careers

16:39 : The Importance of Hands-On Learning

19:38 : Gender Dynamics in STEM Fields

20:48 : The Future of Work and Automation

26:00 : Wrap-Up of Automate Show Interviews

26:51 : Looking Ahead to Season Nine

More About This Week's Guests:

Filip Aronshtein, Dirac: A previous Workforce 4.0 alum, Filip Aronshtein is an avid believer that the foundation of the West was forged upon its capacity to build. And as the Founder of Dirac, Fil is a firm believer that empowering engineers with digital tools and combining digital work instructions with CAD will get us closer to building. To learn more about Fil and his mission, connect with him here.

Marina Fietsam, LightGuide: Marina is currently serving as an Account Executive for LightGuide. LightGuide's CEO, Paul Ryznar was also featured on the podcast as part of Season 5 Episode 5. You can revisit Paul's full episode on his passion for people and technology here.

Joe Baldiga, Fanuc: Joe currently serves as the National Account Manager for CNC Education and Workforce Development with FANUC. To learn more about Joe and the educational solutions provided by Fanuc, connect with Joe here.

The Future of Work (and this Episode) Is Brought To You By Secchi:

Secchi is a revolutionary workforce engagement tool created for organizations to make data-driven frontline decisions in real-time. By measuring and combining multiple people-related lead indicators, Secchi provides in-the-moment visibility into individual frontline employee performance, team performance, engagement/turnover risks, and positive employee behaviors all while removing the traditional barriers of administrative burden on leaders. To learn more about Secchi, check them out here.