AI, 'Glocal' Manufacturing, and the Infinite Industrial Revolution
Barbara Humpton, CEO of Siemens USA
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What does the future of manufacturing look like? Just ask the U.S. CEO of the #1 automation provider in the world.
In this high-profile episode, Barbara Humpton, CEO of Siemens USA, joins us to discuss the latest innovations shaping global manufacturing. Siemens, a leader in automation and digital technologies, is driving advancements through digital twins, AI, and more. Barbara shares how these technologies are revolutionizing industries today—not tomorrow—and making manufacturing more accessible and efficient.
We also dive into "Glocal" innovation, where global tech is applied locally to help small and mid-sized manufacturers thrive. Barbara offers key insights on workforce challenges, including the gender gap and the importance of flexible work. Her leadership vision for the future is clear: a more connected, innovative, and inclusive manufacturing world.
Sneak peak into this episode:
- How Siemens is using digital twins and AI to not only predict problems but solve them before they happen—no more guesswork.
- "Glocal" innovation: The game-changing approach that’s helping even small manufacturers access cutting-edge tech.
- Want to close the gender gap in manufacturing? Flexible work is the secret weapon.
- AI in manufacturing: Beyond buzzwords, discover how it’s making complex processes simpler, smarter, and faster.
- From “not executive material” to CEO: Barbara’s journey proves why leadership is about breaking the mold.
- If you want to work in tech, come to manufacturing. Discover why Microsoft, NVIDIA, Sony, Salesforce and other tech giants want to partner with manufacturing as the next big opportunity.
Quotable Moments:
"The cool thing about AI is we're using it to actually make the technology more approachable. It’s making us all more capable. That’s where AI is a game changer."
"If we just closed the gender gap, we would close the talent gap across the industry."
"If you’ve got curiosity and initiative, the world is yours."
3 Big Takeaways from this Episode:
- Digital twins and AI are transforming manufacturing today.
Siemens’ digital twins allow manufacturers to simulate entire production lines, identify bottlenecks, and perfect processes—all before they’re built. Barbara highlights that this tech can prevent costly errors, like a battery manufacturer’s $1M mistake, by catching issues in the digital world first. - “Glocal” innovation is giving small manufacturers access to big technology.
Barbara shares how Siemens is combining global-scale technologies like automation and AI with local implementation, empowering smaller manufacturers to compete on a new level. Through flexible models like automation-as-a-service and cloud-based platforms, they can adopt advanced tools without the heavy capital investment. - Closing the gender gap could solve the manufacturing talent shortage.
Barbara believes attracting more women could fill the projected 3.8 million open manufacturing roles by 2033. Flexible work arrangements, such as asynchronous shifts enabled by Industry 4.0, could attract more women by making manufacturing careers fit their lives.
Resources in this Episode:
To learn more about Siemens USA, visit: www.siemens.com/
Listen to Barbara's podcast, Optimistic Outlook
Connect with Siemens Online:
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