Robert Schoenberger

3 weeks ago | plantservices.com | Robert Schoenberger

Key takeawaysAI adoption is surging, but real-world applications—not just hype—are key to proving its value on the factory floor. Simulation is evolving from concept to core tool, enabling better design and predictive maintenance in manufacturing. Integration speed and accessible automation now cater more to small- and mid-sized manufacturers, not just large enterprises. Open architectures and interoperability are breaking down silos, allowing seamless collaboration across industrial systems.

3 weeks ago | industryweek.com | Robert Schoenberger

Robots typically excel at structured, repeatable tasks such as welding body panels together for cars or painting those vehicles. They've long struggled with more variable, less-structured work such as putting the final trim and finish pieces on finished cars and trucks. Automakers have been chasing that target since at least the early 1980s when General Motors launched its Saturn brand in hopes of creating fully automated assembly.

1 month ago | industryweek.com | Robert Schoenberger

Joining Homkes on the panel were Chuck Orzechowski, CEO of the Chief Operating Officer Business Forum (COO Forum) and Chris Azur, president of Warwood Tool, a West Virginia manufacturer of hammers, axes, crowbars and other industrial hand tools. During the hourlong session, panelists discussed communications strategies, planning options, inventory management and motivating teams. A few key pieces of advice emerged.

1 month ago | industryweek.com | Robert Schoenberger |Anna Smith |Jill Jusko |Geert De Lombaerde

Making products and selling them is so 20th Century. It’s as backwards as manufacturing your goods in your own facilities instead of sourcing everything to sometimes-unreliable global supply chains. No, smart, modern companies know that as-a-service is where it’s at. Why own anything when you can shift all capital expenditures to operating line items?

1 month ago | industryweek.com | Robert Schoenberger

Part of the Slate philosophy is to not install on the car what customers can bring themselves. Instead of installing the complex wiring and equipment needed for a sound system, it comes with a universal cell-phone mount for the dashboard, and users can put wireless Bluetooth speakers in the glove compartment.