AEM Thinking Forward Podcast—Advancing the Equipment Manufacturing Industry

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Make sure your business is prepared to adapt in a changing market. The AEM Thinking Forward Podcast is where leaders in the equipment manufacturing industry hear about the latest developments and disruptions in construction and agriculture. Listen regularly for insightful interviews with technology…

Association of Equipment Manufacturers


    • Dec 18, 2019 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 35m AVG DURATION
    • 25 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from AEM Thinking Forward Podcast—Advancing the Equipment Manufacturing Industry

    Ep. 25 – Bracing for Economic Uncertainty in 2020 and Beyond, with Harvard’s Dr. Vikram Mansharamani

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2019 40:33


    With a new decade upon us, a lot of people in the construction and agriculture business world are marking this milestone with some uncertainty about what the future may hold. While the last decade was one of slow but uninterrupted economic growth, global trade skirmishes and political instability have given business leaders pause as the calendar turns to 2020.  So what do the experts expect to happen, and how can the heavy equipment industry be prepared for it? On this edition of the podcast, Harvard lecturer and economist Dr. Vikram Mansharamani weighs in with his take on the future. He’s a global trend hunter, author and equity investor, and his approach to managing risk and recognizing opportunities is the counsel you need as you plan for the next decade.

    Ep. 24 – Micro-Generations in Your Workforce, with Courtney Scharf from Trend Hunter

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 20, 2019 35:25


    As more Baby Boomers are reaching retirement age, equipment manufacturers who want to stay competitive are going to need to attract and retain younger workers. But many companies don’t have a plan for appealing to Gen X, Millennials and Gen Z. And those that do might be basing it on false notions about generational thinking and mindsets. So in this edition of the podcast, Trend Hunter’s Senior Vice President of Research Services Courtney Scharf outlines their new, more precise framework of micro-generations, and shares some best practices that construction and agriculture equipment manufacturers can use to build an inter-generational workforce.

    Ep. 23 – Transportation Infrastructure That Multi-Tasks, with Allie Kelly from the Ray

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 23, 2019 36:36


    In the U.S., around 13 million acres of land are used as roads and rights-of-way in the interstate highway system. That’s a lot of real estate, and all it does is provide a surface on which to operate cars and trucks. But a pioneering new experiment in Georgia, known as The Ray, is reimagining what roads could look like if they multi-tasked. Allie Kelly, the executive director of The Ray, says their 18-mile stretch of highway is using IoT technology to communicate with smart cars, generating solar power, and even growing crops. And in this edition of the podcast, she explains how their project could mean new opportunities for the manufacturers of construction and agriculture equipment.

    Ep. 22 – Ford Futurist Sheryl Connelly: 7 Trends Reshaping Business in 2020 and Beyond

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 25, 2019 37:49


    What does the future hold for equipment manufacturers? We asked one of the world’s most well-known experts in future trends in technology, Sheryl Connelly. Connelly holds the title of Chief Futurist at the Ford Motor Company, and publishes the Annual “Looking Further with Ford” trends report. For more than 20 years, she’s been tasked with helping company executives prepare for what’s on the third horizon. In this episode, she talks about the importance of applying a futurist mindset to the heavy equipment industry and seven trends that are reshaping the business world on a global scale. Music by Little Glass Men / CC BY 4.0

    Ep. 21 – Cat® Safety VR: Caterpillar’s New Virtual Reality Training Solution for Contractors, with Justin Ganschow

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2019 30:48


    Statistics show that up to 90% of job site accidents are caused by unsafe behavior, not conditions. And Justin Ganschow of Caterpillar Safety Services believes that worksite rookies and veterans alike can benefit from learning critical safety lessons in a controlled, VR environment. In this episode, Ganschow takes AEM inside the Cat® Safety VR program, including a memorable hands-on demo, and explains the lessons that other equipment manufacturers can take away from the program’s success—like why workers who are trained on VR systems are more likely to remember their training than those who learn in a traditional classroom setting. Music by Little Glass Men / CC BY 4.0

    Ep. 20 – Self-Driving Tech and the Future of Road-Building, with Forbes, May Mobility & Waymo's Autonomous Car

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2019 40:30


    Just about every major player in Silicon Valley and the auto industry has efforts underway to develop autonomous car technology. Not only will self-driving cars change the way the construction industry builds roads, but some of that same tech will power the autonomous heavy equipment of the future. In this episode, an update on who’s leading the autonomous charge from Alan Ohnsman, a senior editor at Forbes. Then, Ellice Perez from Waymo, formerly the Google self-driving car project, explains how equipment manufacturers can put LiDAR technology to work. And finally, what the advent of autonomous vehicles will mean for the roadbuilders of the future with Steve Vozar, the CTO of May Mobility.

    Ep. 19 – Ag Data: Helping Farmers Reap New Value, with Trimble’s Clint Dotterer and Frank Fidanza

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2019 42:44


    Using farm data to improve operating margins is perhaps more important than ever, in a year where weak commodity prices, international trade uncertainty and abysmal planting conditions are putting farmers under serious pressure. But how can equipment manufacturers help growers reap the benefits of digital technology? In this episode, two experts from AEM member Trimble share their insights. Director of Strategy for Trimble Ag Business Solutions Clint Dotterer outlines how and why data can create value for farmers. And Program Marketing Manager Frank Fidanza explains how he’s putting the technology to use on his family farm in New York. Plus, AEM VP of Government and Industry Relations Kip Eideberg provides an update on the association’s advocacy efforts opposing tariffs.

    Ep. 18 - Electrification and Autonomy: Volvo CE’s Electric Quarry Test Site, with Dr. Fares Beainy

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2019 26:32


    Electromobility and automation are two of the hottest topics in leading edge technology right now. And at a test site in Sweden, Volvo CE has proved that these technologies can be combined to run a quarry that's virtually emission-free. In this episode, Volvo CE's Dr. Fares Beainy parses the benefits and challenges of an all-electric fleet of construction equipment and charts the future of autonomy for the construction industry.  Overall, the project achieved a 98% reduction in carbon emissions, 70% reduction in energy cost, and a 40% reduction in operator cost. Learn more about the potential for autonomy in the equipment industry, or subscribe to the AEM Industry Advisor for regular updates in your email about industry news and insights.  Music by Little Glass Men / CC BY 4.0

    Ep. 17 - 3D Printed Concrete: How Oshkosh and Oak Ridge Are Developing a New Construction Technique, with Dr. Brian Post

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2019 30:28


    Additive manufacturing, or 3D printing, shows growing potential as a technique for fabricating parts out of plastic or metal. But what about building structures out of concrete?  AEM member Oshkosh Corp. and Oak Ridge National Laboratory have teamed up to develop new 3D printed concrete technology, and the early results show the potential to reshape segments of the construction industry.  In this episode, Oak Ridge's Dr. Brian Post provides an update on the project's status and explores the possibilities that 3D printed concrete could unlock, while AEM members speculate on what it means to them.  Learn more about AEM's previous partnership with ORNL to build the world's first 3D printed excavator, or subscribe to the AEM Industry Advisor for regular updates in your email about industry news and insights.  Music by Little Glass Men / CC BY 4.0

    Ep. 16 - NASA Technology in Heavy Equipment and Inspiring the Mars Generation, with “Astronaut Abby” Harrison and Steven Gonzalez

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2019 39:44


    Space may be the final frontier, but the technologies being developed to land the first humans on Mars can also be leveraged by tech-savvy OEMs in the heavy equipment industry. In this episode, NASA technologist Steven Gonzalez explains the space agency's technology transfer program, which makes cutting-edge tech available to U.S. enterprises. And 21-year-old "Astronaut Abby," Abigail Harrison, discusses her goal to be the first human to walk on Mars, and how manufacturers can inspire the next-generation workforce to pursue careers in STEM.  Learn more about AEM's workforce development efforts, or subscribe to the AEM Industry Advisor for regular updates in your email about industry news and insights.  Music by Little Glass Men / CC BY 4.0

    Ep. 15 - How Electrification, IoT and Other Trends Could Hit Heavy Equipment, with JLG’s Guru Bandekar and Singularity’s Andre Wegner

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2019 39:27


    They say, “We’ve Always Done It That Way” are the six most destructive words in the business world. That’s truer than ever in an era of disruptive technology. So what are the assumptions that define the heavy equipment manufacturing industry, and how could they be disrupted? On this episode, AEM Futures Council chair Guru Bandekar from JLG Industries outlines some of those potential turning points, exploring electrification, IoT and other trends. And, fresh off his latest TED talk, Singularity University’s Digital Manufacturing Chair Andre Wegner explains why our industry shouldn’t fear technological disruption. Learn more about how to stay ahead of tech disruption, or subscribe to the AEM Industry Advisor for regular updates in your email about industry news and insights.  Music by Little Glass Men / CC BY 4.0

    Ep. 14 - Embracing A.I. in the Heavy Equipment Industry, with Amber Mac and Neil Jacobstein

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 23, 2019 25:14


    Artificial intelligence is a technology that is poised to begin disrupting every industry it touches--including heavy construction and agriculture equipment. And according to digital strategist and TV host Amber Mac, the sooner manufacturers accept the inevitable roles of A.I. in their business models, the better off they will be.  Plus, Singularity University’s A.I. Chair Neil Jacobstein outlines the real perils posed by the rise of the machines--and they're not what you think.  Learn more about how A.I. is changing the way manufacturers innovate, or subscribe to the AEM Industry Advisor for regular updates in your email about industry news and insights.  Music by Little Glass Men / CC BY 4.0

    Ep. 13 - Penske Racing’s Machine Data and How to Optimize Performance, with Carlos Gutierrez and Al Cervero

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2018 31:21


    In the world of racing, Team Penske stands as an unrivaled success. But it turns out that they’ve got a lot to teach equipment manufacturers about collecting and analyzing IoT data off high-performance machines. In this episode, Team Penske's Carlos Gutierrez explains why, from an engineer’s perspective, there’s a lot of crossover between racing and the fields of construction and agriculture. Also, AEM VP of Construction, Mining and Utilities Al Cervero, Link-Belt's Casey Watts and Wacker Neuson's Jake Gaylord share their perspectives.  You can also read Carlos Gutierrez's four tips for optimizing performance with machine data, or subscribe to the AEM Industry Advisor for regular updates in your email about industry news and insights.  Music by Little Glass Men / CC BY 4.0

    Ep. 12 - The Netflix-ification of Manufacturing Business Models, with Robbie Kellman Baxter

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 28, 2018 31:30


    The "Membership Economy" is a hot topic among business leaders, and Robbie Kellman Baxter literally wrote the book on it. In this episode, she explains how heavy equipment manufacturers can use “forever promises” like Netflix does to move from an ownership business model to a membership model. That can mean new sources of revenue, ongoing customer relationships and constant feedback. Read more about the membership economy, and subscribe to the AEM Industry Advisor for regular updates in your email about industry news and insights.  Music by Little Glass Men / CC BY 4.0

    Ep. 11 - The Future of Agriculture: New Technology & Macro Trends, with Doug Griffin, Curt Blades and Dr. Dennis Buckmaster

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 24, 2018 52:37


    For the manufacturers who build agriculture equipment, understanding the Internet of Things, digital service business models and consolidating farm ownership is more crucial than ever before. Together with the Context Network, the Association of Equipment Manufacturers prepared "The Future of Agriculture," a comprehensive report on the trends that will impact manufacturers over the next 25 years. In this episode, Context's Doug Griffin and AEM VP of Ag Services Curt Blades flesh out key takeaways. Plus, learn about the test beds where these technologies are being pioneered from Dr. Dennis Buckmaster, Dean's Fellow for Digital Agriculture at Purdue University.  Learn more about the future of agriculture, view webinars with the Context Network, and subscribe to the AEM Industry Advisor for regular updates in your email about industry news and insights.  Music by Little Glass Men / CC BY 4.0

    Ep. 10 - How A.I. is Changing the Way Manufacturers Innovate, with Bryce Heventhal

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 26, 2018 23:00


    What if, instead of prototyping two or three different design concepts, your engineers could try thousands? By putting artificial intelligence and cloud computing to work for heavy equipment manufacturers, the innovators at Autodesk say their new software effectively lets you do just that.  The process is known as Generative Design, and it is already producing some eyebrow-raising results for the companies that have experimented with it. In this episode, learn how it works from Autodesk's Bryce Heventhal, hear case studies including the one-of-a-kind collaboration with Lightning Motorcycles, and engage in a discussion with engineering experts from AEM member companies that stand to benefit from the technology.  Learn more about generative design and see photos of the concepts discussed in this episode, and subscribe to the AEM Industry Advisor for regular updates in your email about industry news and insights.  Music by Little Glass Men / CC BY 4.0

    Ep. 09 - Still Standing: Vermeer's Diverse Workforce Culture Weathers the Storm, with Mary Andringa & Nicole Hallada

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 22, 2018 43:16


    Renowned for its creative approach to workforce development, Vermeer Corporation was tested like never before when its manufacturing campus in Pella, Iowa was struck by a tornado on July 19. In the weeks since this near-disaster, the employees of this company have rallied around the concept of #VermeerStrong, picked up the pieces and begun the process of rebuilding.  In this episode, former Vermeer President Mary Andringa discusses the recovery effort, Vermeer's workforce culture, and her rise as one of the first women to exert herself as a top leader in the industry. Andringa is interviewed by AEM VP of Marketing and Communications Nicole Hallada. And, AEM's Kate Fox Wood presents a new initiative to help members develop their own workforce development plans. Learn more about AEM's workforce development initiative, and subscribe to the AEM Industry Advisor for regular updates in your email about industry news and insights.  Music by Little Glass Men / CC BY 4.0

    Ep. 08 - Lessons from 3M: How Manufacturers Can Encourage Innovation, with Terry Ceulemans, Jason Campagna & Rich Goldsbury

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 25, 2018 30:18


    "If you put fences around people, you get sheep." The McKnight Principles, penned by former 3M President William McKnight, define the corporate culture at this $32 billion a year company. But, from its start as a failed mining operation, 3M has never stopped reinventing itself. And by giving employees permission to experiment, and even to fail, 3M continues to pioneer innovative solutions to modern manufacturing challenges.  In this episode, tour the 3M Innovation Center and learn lessons from 3M's history that can help you create a culture of innovation in your own company. Guests include 3M's Global Technical Director for Automotive and Aerospace Solutions Terry Ceulemans, 3M Innovation Center Manager Jason Campagna, Doosan Bobcat President Rich Goldsbury and many more.  Learn more about 3M's Innovation Culture, and subscribe to the AEM Industry Advisor for regular updates in your email about industry news and insights. Music by Little Glass Men / CC BY 4.0

    Ep. 07 - Bringing Silicon Valley to the Equipment Manufacturing Industry, with Dr. Timothy Chou

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 27, 2018 38:15


    The digital revolution is opening up new sources of revenue to companies that know how to tap into it. And as the construction and agriculture equipment industry incorporates more software into the products it sells, there are valuable lessons manufacturers can learn from Silicon Valley.  In this episode, former Oracle on Demand CEO, Stanford lecturer and IoT technology pioneer Dr. Timothy Chou discusses how OEMs can capture new revenue from digital services and attract the talent they need to make this corporate transformation. Dr. Chou will present a free AEM members-only executive-level workshop on Aug. 9. Sign up today to reserve your spot, and subscribe to the AEM Industry Advisor for regular updates in your email about industry news and insights. Music by Little Glass Men / CC BY 4.0

    Ep. 06 - Makerspaces & Incubators: Plugging Manufacturers Into Tech Talent, with Bill Fienup and Jeff Garascia

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2018 31:54


    Innovative technology talent is tough to come by for manufacturers looking to make their equipment "smarter." But the business incubator and makerspace mHub in Chicago is turning the talent model upside down, enabling companies like the Marmon Group to contract out fresh solutions to industry challenges by tapping into mHub's deep pool of IoT talent.  In this episode, learn how this unique partnership works from mHub co-founder Bill Fienup and Marmon Chief Innovation Officer Jeff Garascia. Meet mHub members Henry Africano and Katya Iwanik, and hear from AEM members Scott Radtke of the United Group and Noah Oken-Berg from Pop Art.  Learn more about the Maker Movement, and subscribe to the AEM Industry Advisor for regular updates in your email about industry news and insights. Music by Little Glass Men / CC BY 4.0

    Ep. 05 - How Serious Labs and Skyjack Reinvented VR Operator Training, with Jim Colvin and Brad Boehler

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 25, 2018 34:18


    When it comes to heavy equipment operator training, we've heard for years that there's no substitute for hands-on learning. But a new virtual reality training platform, developed by Serious Labs with the help of Skyjack, is allowing trainees to get that "hands-on" experience on aerial work platforms without ever having to leave the ground. In this episode, Serious CEO Jim Colvin and Skyjack President Brad Boehler discuss how this technology partnership could revolutionize the industry.  See a video of the system in action, and subscribe to the AEM Industry Advisor for regular updates in your email about industry news and insights. Music by Little Glass Men / CC BY 4.0

    Ep. 04 - What Your Customers Expect From New Tech, with Kevin Laczkowski, Asutosh Padhi & Dennis Slater

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2018 35:57


    Whether it’s predictive maintenance, GPS guidance or any other technology that's making heavy equipment smarter, the first step in continuing to meet your customers’ needs and expectations is understanding what those needs and expectations are. So AEM partnered with the consulting firm McKinsey & Co. to survey 1,409 construction contractors and farmers across North America. In this episode, Kevin Laczkowski and Asutosh Padhi, senior partners from McKinsey, share their insights from the research. Plus, AEM President Dennis Slater talks about other ways AEM is helping its members stay on the cutting edge of new and emerging trends and technology.  You can read the full report from McKinsey and Co. here. Learn more about McKinsey's recommendations for adopting Internet of Things technology, and subscribe to the AEM Industry Advisor for regular updates in your email about industry news and insights. Music by Little Glass Men / CC BY 4.0

    Ep. 03 - The Evolution of Precision Agriculture, with Eric Lescourret and Curt Blades

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 5, 2018 37:36


    "Every penny has to be maximized, every square inch of the field has to be optimized," in order for American agriculture to remain dominant on the global market, says Eric Lescourret from AGCO Corporation. With the growing suite of precision agriculture tools to make that happen, he discusses how equipment manufacturers can tailor these solutions to their customers' needs, and the mandate that the country faces to provide the broadband infrastructure needed to compete. Plus, AEM Vice President of Ag Services Curt Blades discusses the association's role in supporting such efforts. Learn more about the growing need for rural broadband, or subscribe to the AEM Industry Advisor for regular updates in your email about industry news. Music by Little Glass Men / CC BY 4.0

    Ep. 02 - Automating Data Collection with Drones and What Manufacturers Should Know, with Danny Ellis

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 26, 2018 30:29


    Several potentially disruptive trends are poised to make an impact on the heavy equipment manufacturing industry—drones, automation, predictive maintenance and the service-oriented business model. And where those trends intersect, technology pioneers like SkySpecs CEO Danny Ellis are reimagining an entire sector of the economy. In this edition of the AEM Thinking Forward Podcast, Danny explains how professionals are using automated drones to inspect infrastructure, and Dusty shares the embarrassing story of his first amateur drone flight, which you can watch here.  Learn more about how drones are playing a growing role in the industry, or subscribe to the AEM Industry Advisor for regular updates in your email about industry news. Music by Little Glass Men / CC BY 4.0

    Ep. 01 - What’s Next for 3D Printing in the Equipment Manufacturing Sector, with Dr. Lonnie Love

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 23, 2018 32:11


    Dr. Lonnie Love was the lynchpin that held together the massive effort to build the world's first additive manufactured excavator, Project AME. In this inaugural edition of the AEM Thinking Forward Podcast, we check in with Lonnie at the Oak Ridge National Lab to learn how the new 3D printing technology they develop is changing business models throughout the manufacturing sector.  Learn more about the world's first 3D printed excavator, Project AME, or subscribe to the AEM Industry Advisor for regular updates in your email about industry news. This episode is sponsored by the AEM Thinking Forward initiative, which presents AEM members with critical information about new and emerging trends and technologies that will impact their businesses.    Music by Little Glass Men / CC BY 4.0  

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