We spent time in the Black Forest, where innovation met inspiration at our latest industrial AI gathering. In this episode, we share stories—from empowering autistic talent in data annotation to the technical leaps in foundation models for time series. You’ll hear from leading minds like Jakub Tomczak, who flew in from San Francisco to challenge what’s possible in generative AI, and explore how the landscape is shifting from traditional machine learning to adaptive, context-rich automation.
Join us as we question what makes AI truly intelligent, debate the role of human factors, and look ahead to the next wave of industrial transformation. If you’re curious about how AI is evolving in real factories, how new job profiles are emerging, or why continuous learning and time series matter more than ever, this conversation is for you.
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49:26
AI and spot welding inspection: Reinventing Quality Control
In this episode, I dive into the fascinating world of non-destructive material testing with Christian Wagner from Vogt Ultrasonics and Jan Koutnik from Evoptima. Together, we explore how AI is revolutionizing spot weld inspection in the automotive industry, making quality control smarter and more precise than ever before.
We discuss the challenges of processing massive ultrasonic datasets, adapting AI models to real-world manufacturing, and the journey from legacy systems to cutting-edge solutions. If you’re curious about how collaborative robots, vision systems, and robust AI are reshaping factory floors—and what it takes for mid-sized companies to lead the charge—this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
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The Welding World Model
In this episode, we dive into the realities behind industrial AI adoption—both the successes and the setbacks. We share candid conversations with engineers frustrated by unreliable AI and explore why real-world robustness remains the central challenge. Then, I sit down with Andy from Path Robotics, who reveals how their AI-driven welding robots are redefining adaptability and reliability on the shop floor. We unpack what makes their approach unique, from multi-modal sensors to reinforcement learning and massive real-world datasets. If you care about the future of manufacturing, data-driven automation, and the evolution of industrial roles, you won’t want to miss this discussion. Join us as we look ahead to what’s possible when AI finally delivers on its industrial promise.
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The OPC UA MCP Server
In this episode, I sit down with Armin Hadzalic to tackle the burning question: will the Model Context Protocol (MCP) truly transform industrial AI? We dive deep into how MCP connects large language models and agents to real-world data, what makes it different from protocols like OPC UA and MQTT, and why the biggest players in tech are rallying behind it. Armin shares practical examples, addresses skeptics, and explains what MCP means for engineers, technicians, and anyone working in industrial automation. If you're curious about the rise of agents, the future of dashboards, and what it takes to stay ahead in the evolving world of industrial AI, you won't want to miss this conversation. Join me as we explore where MCP is headed and what it could mean for your job and your factory.
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From parades to protocols and AI literacy
In this episode, we dive into the evolving landscape of industrial AI, starting with a lively Oktoberfest recap before shifting gears to the latest breakthroughs in physics-informed neural networks and user interfaces. We discuss the real-world impact of Europe's AI Act, featuring insights from industry leaders and an in-depth interview with Sampo Leino of MinnaLearn on building AI literacy for enterprises. As we unpack strategic investments, robotics trends, and the challenges of compliance, we question what it means to use AI safely and competitively. Throughout the conversation, we keep it grounded in everyday experience—how regulation, technology, and practical learning are shaping the factories and workplaces of tomorrow. Tune in to hear how we’re navigating this complex, fast-moving frontier and what it means for anyone working with AI today.
The Industrial AI Podcast reports weekly on the latest developments in AI and machine learning for the engineering, robotics, automotive, process and automation industries. The podcast features industrial users, scientists, vendors and startups in the field of Industrial AI and machine learning. The podcast is hosted by Peter Seeberg, Industrial AI consultant and Robert Weber, tech journalist.Their mission: Demystify Industrial AI and machine learning, inspire industrial users.
The hosts:
Peter Seeberg is an Industrial AI and machine learning expert for the manufacturing industry. He worked over 25 years in IT (Intel) and 10 years in Automation. He co-initiated the Industrial Data Intelligence Startup (Softing) where he was responsible for managing machine learning projects in industrial environments. Today he advises companies when it comes to Industrial AI and machine learning. Together with Robert Weber, journalist for industrial topics, he discusses AI and ML applications, standards, and education topics, make or buy decisions as well as regulation for AI in manufacturing.