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People B4 Machines, powered by Eclipse
People B4 Machines, powered by Eclipse, cuts through the noise—and calls BS on factory automation hype. This isn't your typical tech-first podcast. It's a wake-up call for B2B leaders who are done with buzzwords and ready to lead with a human-first edge. Each episode dives straight into what engineers and plant leaders are actually dealing with on Monday mornings—real problems, real pressures—while also looking 1 to 3 years ahead at the future of factory automation. It's not about eliminating machines—it's about redefining their role to empower the people who keep operations running. No fluff, no echo chambers. Just raw stories, bold questions, and sharp insights. If you're ready to rethink what the factory of the future should be, this is your podcast. This is People B4 Machines!
Finding certainty in uncertainty in manufacturing in North America
In this episode of People B4 Machines, Amanda Cupido speaks with Kevin Bowers, Vice President of Research at the Association for Manufacturing Technology, about navigating uncertainty in North American manufacturing. Kevin shares insights on building resiliency through automation, AI, and workforce ...
Rethinking the course to manufacturing's future with the Software Defined Factory (SDF) as the North Star
In this episode of People B4 Machines, Amanda Cupido speaks with Prasad Satyavolu, Accenture's Americas Lead for Industry X Digital Manufacturing and Operations, about the transformative potential of the Software Defined Factory (SDF). Prasad explores how SDFs, powered by digital twins, physical AI,...
Still a man’s world, but under construction
In this episode of People B4 Machines, Amanda Cupido speaks with Stephanie Hun, Director of Business Development for Flatiron Dragados Canada, about the evolving role of women in the construction industry. Stephanie shares her journey, offering insights on overcoming biases, embracing stretch assign...
Is the real factory bottleneck human or digital? Or are humans the weakest link in Industry 4.0
Host Amanda Cupido explores the root causes of factory bottlenecks with Industry 4.0 expert Mike Nager, Solutions Center Director at Festo Didactic. Together, they discuss whether humans or digital systems are to blame, emphasizing the importance of integrating technology with a skilled and adaptabl...
Top floor to shop floor: Why is it taking so long to connect these floors?
Host Amanda Cupido dives into the persistent disconnect between the top floor and the shop floor in factory automation. Joined by Jeff Burnstein, President of the Association for Advancing Automation, they explore strategies for bridging this gap through effective communication, smart automation imp...