EP 203 - Scaling AI: Revolutionizing Manufacturing Operations

In today's episode, we're joined by Nikunj Mehta, Founder and CEO of Falkonry, a company revolutionizing plant operations with AI-driven insights. We explore the evolution of AI from project-based work to scalable software solutions, discussing the role of generative AI in automating data processing and simplifying output delivery. Nikunj shares insights on building trust in AI systems and leveraging wearables for real-time insights on the shop floor. Key Discussion Points: Falkonry's platform analyzes industrial equipment data to identify issues and trends. Software-based AI reduces implementation time and resources for companies. Challenges in AI adoption include building trust in AI systems and integrating diverse data sources. To learn more about our guest, you can find him at: Website: https://falkonry.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nrmehta/   

In this podcast, Erik hosts Ron Konezny from Digi, a company with a long-standing history in providing reliable hardware but has evolved to become a solutions provider focusing on IoT. Ron details his journey from his initial steps in the wireless communications industry to his role in integrating technology and business models at Digi, aiming to transform it into a solutions provider with a significant portion of its revenue being recurring. They discuss how IoT has evolved, the importance of considering a holistic system rather than fragmented pieces, and the challenges of managing IoT solutions. Ron emphasizes the shift towards hardware-enabled recurring revenue models and the integration of software and services to create more resilient and adaptable solutions. The conversation covers the role of AI in refining IoT data analysis, the potential and limitations of technologies like 5G and LoRa, and the strategic movement towards offering more comprehensive IoT solutions that allow customers to focus on leveraging data insights. Additionally, Ron reflects on Digi's venture into vertical integration with SmartSense, offering a turnkey IoT solution for condition monitoring, underlining the importance of domain expertise in developing impactful IoT applications. 00:11 The Evolution of IoT and Digi's Journey 01:32 The Transformation from Hardware to Solutions Provider 02:29 Navigating the IoT Landscape: Challenges and Opportunities 04:30 The Role of Services in IoT Solutions 16:27 Exploring Use Cases and the Impact of IoT 31:53 The Future of IoT: Technologies and Trends 36:24 Digi's Strategic Focus and Vision for IoT

In this episode of the Industrial IoT Spotlight podcast, Erik Walenza of IoT ONE hosts Mike McCamon from the NFC Forum to explore the future of NFC technology. We explore how IoT device manufacturers are collaborating to drive the rapid development of NFC standards and technical capabilities. These efforts led to the NFC Forum’s recent release of its next gen technology development roadmap, which includes power harvesting, range extension, device-to- device connectivity, multi-tap use cases, and digital product passports for sustainability. Mike shares his vision for the potential of NFC beyond payments, such as in access control for building and data sharing between IoT devices. He also shares critical challenges yet to overcome, such as the need for improved user experience and range to simplify the design process for OEMs.   Five elements of the NFC Forum's technology development roadmap: power harvesting, range extension, device-to-device connectivity, multi-tap use cases, and digital product passports Potential applications of NFC technology beyond payment transactions, including access control, digital keys, and business card exchanges NFC's role in car connectivity and potential use in tracking high-value items through blockchain technology Disruption of QR code-based payment systems by NFC technology in retail environments   About Mike McCamon   Mike McCamon is a seasoned technology executive with over 30 years of experience in the tech industry. He is currently the Executive Director of the NFC Forum, an industry association dedicated to advancing NFC, standards and use cases. Under his leadership, the NFC Forum has grown to include over 300 member companies from all over the world.  Demonstrating a wide range of skills and passions he has been both the inaugural executive director of the Bluetooth Special Interest Group and later on the executive team that launched Water.org. He also led high-growth teams at Apple, Iomega, Intel and several startups. He is a frequent speaker and author on technology and social impact topics.   About the NFC Forum The NFC Forum, established in 2004, is a non-profit industry association comprised of leading mobile communications, semiconductor, and consumer electronics companies. Its mission is to advance the use of Near Field Communication technology by developing specifications, ensuring interoperability, and educating the market about NFC technology. The NFC Forum's global member companies share skills, technical expertise and industry knowledge to develop specifications and protocols for interoperable data exchange, device-independent service delivery, and device capability. Forum’s supporting certification program and user marks enhance and promote a consistent, reliable, seamless and secure NFC user experience. To learn more about joining the Forum, visit https://nfc-forum.org/

In this episode of the Industrial IoT Spotlight podcast, Kenta Yasukawa, CTO of Soracom, and Erik Walenza, CEO of IoT ONE, discuss the integration of generative AI with IoT. Kenta highlights how gen AI lowers the barrier to entry for AI and IoT solutions, enabling a broader audience to leverage machine learning without extensive data collection or model building. He outlines Soracom's platform capabilities, including secure connectivity and application integration, and its role in facilitating innovation for diverse organizations. They explore the value of IoT data in various applications and the importance of human involvement in AI decision-making. The episode emphasizes Soracom's commitment to customer-driven platform evolution and the potential of AI and IoT to revolutionize industrial connectivity.   Tune in to learn: •      Potential applications of generative AI (gen AI) in IoT •      Soracom's efforts in incorporating gen AI into its IoT platform •      Challenges and opportunities in the collaboration between humans and AI in IoT scenarios •      Use of gen AI to streamline processes and aid in logo design •      Potential value of IoT data and its incremental value to different stakeholders •      Bottom-up nature of AI solutions and its potential for driving innovation and connectivity in the industrial IoT space      

Today, we have Samuel Van de Velde, the Chief Technology Officer at Pozyx, as our guest. Pozyx stands out as a top-notch supplier of real-time location systems and cutting-edge tracking solutions designed to ensure the durability of asset tracking, both indoors and outdoors.  In this episode we discussed the utilization of ultra-wideband (UWB) technology, examining its role in enhancing scalability and adaptability within asset tracking scenarios. Additionally, we investigate the pivotal role of location tracking in supplying data to artificial intelligence algorithms, enabling detailed analytics on asset health and predictions of behavioral patterns. Key Discussion Points: What specific use cases does your solution address in tracking cows' locations in optimizing dairy production? How does Pozyx facilitate the large-scale deployment of tracking systems for its customers? What innovations we expect from your business in the near future? To learn more about our guest, you can find him at: Website: https://www.pozyx.io/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuelvandevelde

Today, we have Eric Daimler, the CEO and co-founder of Conexus AI. Conexus AI serves as a hybrid generative AI platform, facilitating reliable and rapid digital modernization, empowering enterprises to seamlessly migrate, integrate, and transform their IT systems. In this episode, we delve into the utilization of category algebra to implement a domain-driven approach to interoperability. This approach focuses on computing the optimal data model rather than relying on manual design. Additionally, we explore the common issue of architects misunderstanding the practical structure of databases, leading to the failure of IT programs, as opposed to adhering to their originally intended structures. Key Discussion Points: What key concepts, such as data mesh and strategies, should companies consider when building the right architecture to effectively leverage their data assets? How does Conexus AI help companies facing decentralized data challenges? What does the before-and-after scenario look like in terms of data usage and outcomes? To learn more about our guest, you can find him at: Website: https://conexus.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericdaimler/  

In this episode, we have Matt Kleiman, the CEO of Cumulus. Cumulus enhances the efficiency and safety of crucial tasks like bolt tightening, welding, and pressure testing by seamlessly incorporating sensors, digital tools, and other IoT devices.   During our conversation, we delved into the integration of a mobile application that provides workers with detailed, step-by-step instructions. This involves leveraging data collected by interconnected Bluetooth tools and sensors. Additionally, we examined the utilization of advanced digital tools, including AI for system analytics, aiming to bring about enduring improvements by automating and optimizing processes that reduce errors. Key Discussion Points: How can architecture be laid out to transform isolated silos into a cohesive system? How can organizations address the gap between pilot success and large-scale implementation of technology? How do you approach the integration of both traditional and generative AI technologies? To know more about our guest, you can find him at: Website: https://cumulusds.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kleimanmatthew/  

Today, we have Andrea Aranguren, the CEO of Minehub, as our guest. MineHub offers advanced digital solutions that establish connections among buyers, sellers, and financiers in physical commodities supply chains. These connections operate within a digitally integrated workflow, utilizing data that is both usable and shareable, with a focus on verifiability and incorruptibility. In this episode, we delved into the necessity for transparency in supply chains stemming from widespread disruptions, labor shortages, systemic fraud, and ESG reporting requirements. We also examined how the digitization of supply chain operations unlocked real-time visibility, highlighted risks, and improved the resilience of revenue and feedstock streams. Key Discussion Points: Who is currently driving the strongest push for the adoption of solutions that offer better visibility and management?   How does Minehub tailors  the needs of users from finance to operational teams for both buyers and sellers? With GPT being designed for handling messy communication, how do you see its role in enhancing communication within your solution at Minehub? To know more about our guest, you can find Andrea Aranguren on: Website: https://minehub.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-aranguren-454544a/

In this week’s episode, we have Brian Pawlowski, the Chief Development Officer at Quantum. Quantum helps organizations in harnessing the potential of their expanding unstructured data, offering an affordable solution for storing data for decades to come. During our conversation, we delved into the shifting data environment, driven by the exponential growth of unstructured data and the transformative capabilities of AI, empowering organizations to derive meaningful insights from this data abundance. Furthermore, we investigated the optimal combination of cloud and on-premises storage solutions, taking into account specific use case needs, budget constraints, and security considerations. Key Discussion Points: What fundamental changes in data usage and characteristics distinguish unstructured data from the past? Are the use cases of long-term data archiving, enterprise backup, surveillance and security all served by the same architecture? How do government regulations on data storage and handling of PII impact Quantum in countries like China, and India? You can find him on: Website: https://www.quantum.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianpawlowski

In this episode, we had Tony Nicolaidis, who served as the Chief Commercial Officer of Origin AI. Origin AI utilized Wi-Fi sensing along with AI analytics to empower businesses in monitoring presence, motion, and specific events like falls using existing Wi-Fi signals.  During our discussion, we explored how Wi-Fi signal sensing eliminates the necessity for specialized sensors, particularly in use cases like security systems and fall detection. We also delved into the potential business models for telecommunication providers when Wi-Fi signals had evolved into a valuable data source. Key Discussion Points: What enables Wi-Fi sensing technology to detect subtle actions, and what's the detection setup? In what ways does Origin AI's approach support end-user privacy and bandwidth How is Origin AI prepared for ongoing algorithm and data processing advancements? You can find him on: Website: https://www.originwirelessai.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-nicolaidis-9b5b236/