
Episode 127 - AI Panel Discussion at 2026 A3 Business Forum
About this episode
“If AI is overhyped, automation is completely underhyped. As automation advances and becomes more precise and durable and solves new challenges, AI is augmenting these systems by adding flexibility and autonomy.”
While we’ve not quite moved past the hype curve, AI technology today is quickly reshaping how factories and warehouses operate. In this special episode of the Manufacturing Matters podcast, TECH B2B Marketing’s Jimmy Carroll is joined by Melonee Wise, chief product officer of software and AI at KUKA; Juan Aparicio, founder and CEO of Reshape Automation; and Adi Dalvi, vice president of sales at OSARO, to discusses how AI is adding value to automation today, as well as what to expect in the future and what issues still need to be addressed. Together, they explore how AI adds flexibility to automation systems, from pick-and-place to AI agents that support problem solving and beyond.
The panel also covers physical AI, the importance of simulation and digital twins, the growing importance of data collection and alignment, and safety hurdles for humanoids and autonomous mobile robots. Additional topics include AI’s impact on jobs, why practical and well-defined use cases are winning over flashy demos, and major trends to expect over the next few years.
Read the transcript: https://manufacturing-matters.com/episode-127-ai-panel-discussion-at-2026-a3-business-forum/
Learn more about KUKA: https://www.kuka.com/
Learn more about Reshape Automation: https://www.reshapex.com/en
Learn more about OSARO: https://www.osaro.com/
Learn more about TECH B2B Marketing: https://www.techb2b.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/manufacturing-matters/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/manufacturing_matterspodcast/
#manufacturing #automation #manufacturingmatters #techb2b #AI #robotics #automation #physicalai
Get every episode summarized
Each time Manufacturing Matters publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
Email me new episodesFree for 3 shows. No card needed.
Hosts & guests
No transcript yet
This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.
More episodes
More from Manufacturing Matters

Episode 135 - Clint Bundy, Managing Director at The Bundy Group
Manufacturing Matters

Episode 134 - Paul Osterhaus, Managing Partner at QOC Innovations
Manufacturing Matters

Episode 133 - Geoff Dawson, Director of Sales at FANUC
Manufacturing Matters

Episode 132 - Jim Anderson, Senior Business Development Manager at SICK
Manufacturing Matters