Catalyst Connection: Digital Bridge

Learn how Peakboard can turn your factory into a smart factory practically overnight. Peakboard's Paul Sudar joins Matt Holjes and Jonathan Kersting on the Digital Bridge to detail this powerful technology that is helping manufacturers large and small make their factory floor's data actionable. Paul details how Peakboard collects data from a wide variety of data sources, evaluates it and visualizes it quickly and flexibly in real time anywhere on whatever screen is available. So you always have your most important KPIs in view. Peakboard not only allows you to read, combine, process, and visualize your data. You can also write it back to the source system or share it with your machines. If your data is not yet available digitally, Peakboard also lets you digitize various analog data. For example, to avoid losing your CE certification you can easily retrofit your existing machines without modifying the system control. Listen, learn and make your factory smart!

NASA has a long history of finding new, innovative uses for its space and aeronautics technologies. In fact, many of today's commercial products like memory foam, baby formula, invisible braces and the dust buster started with NASA technology. Listen and learn how Catalyst Connection is partnering with the NASA Glenn Research Center to sponsor the NASA T2X Program. On Sept. 29, Thomas Doehne from NASA's Office of Technology Incubation and Innovation will discuss the process of how local organizations can access the wealth of NASA's technology for commercial and research applications. During this event, you will learn about NASA's various technical core competencies and various partnership opportunities that are available to universities, entrepreneurs and manufacturers. These opportunities include not only technology licensing, but also funding, procurement, and accessing NASA's facilities, equipment and expertise. There is no cost to attend; however registration is required  and the benefits are invaluable. Register here.

The Pittsburgh Robotics Network (PRN) represents the companies and leaders who make up the Pittsburgh robotics ecosystem, which is anchored by Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) and driven by 100+ robotics organizations, including the worldwide leaders in autonomous vehicle development.  Executive Director Joel Reed tell us about the PRN's mission to accelerate the adoption of robotic solutions by bridging this large and dynamic community to the world. We do this by making connections, expanding our collective knowledge, and positively influencing the development and adoption of robotic and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies.  The Pittsburgh Robotics Network brings enhanced visibility to Southwestern Pennsylvania's robotics community, distinguishing it as the Robotics Capital of the World and a recognized leader in equal opportunity and economic development. Pittsburgh is one of the few cities where robotics leaders can meet face-to-face to influence the direction of the industry. We facilitate connections between members and stakeholders, further accelerating opportunities for business growth and development. Our organization provides exclusive access to member-only events and programs centered on knowledge-sharing and collaboration.  Learn More at https://robopgh.org/.

Scott Imblum and his wife Emily founded Peelz in 2011 to help people with diabetes live with more confidence by turning insecurities associated with wearing a medical device into a form of individual self-expression. Scott tells the story of how the company has evolved to provide a number of products for highly personalized, fun, and artistic medical accessories for individuals, hospital systems, and care givers. Learn more at https://pumppeelz.com/

In this episode, Digital Bridge's Matt Holjes and Jonathan Kersting talk to Andy Chan of Vigilant Technologies about his technology solutions that promote, track and predict safety on the manufacturing floor. Find out how Vigilant prevents injuries and illnesses before they happen. Plus Andy will detail how its technology is being used in the COVID-19 Pandemic.

In this episode, the Digital Bridge's Matt Holjes and Jonathan Kersting talk to Craig Waller of Rewyndr about its unique technology platform that helps manufacturers train workers. Rewyndr software uses images in a novel way to present instructions to workers at the time of need. With remarkable clarity workers have access to up-to-the minute detailed guidance on specific processes on specific machines. Authoring SOPs, executing operations, and reviewing performance all occurs separately eliminating risks of infection. Safety icons alert workers of known hazards and can be updated dynamically as conditions change.   Rewyndr features a simple, intuitive UI that workers and management love, and drives efficient and accurate execution of tasks. One client reports that the training-to-competency time has been reduced 6X by using Rewyndr.

Premier Automation is an engineered solutions company that specializes in providing automation, drive and electrical control solutions and services to industrial markets. Find out how Premier Automation offers cost effective, industry specific technology solutions to help its customers increase their industrial productivity, efficiency and overall systems performance. Show hosts Matt Holjes and Jonathan Kersting talk to Eli Evankovich and Brent Bregar about success strategies and pitfalls to avoid when manufacturers deploy automation on the shop floor.

Catalyst Connection's Matt Minner joins Matt Holjes and Jonathan Kersting to talk about robotic and automation in manufacturing. As the Senior Consultant, Matt Minner provides project management across various project areas, as well as provides consulting services on technology projects including Roadmap to Growth, Technology Selection, Strategic Planning, Automation and Robotics Implementation, and more. In addition, he manages the team’s third party relationships on projects.

Simwell's Jon Santavy goes into detail around all aspects of the Digital Twin Technology. Discover how it takes simulations to a whole new level and can save manufacturers time and money across the board from product development to shop floor setup. 

Mike Holtkamp, Digital Enterprise Account Executive at Siemens, talks about the company's commitment to Industry 4.0 Discover what it expects out of its suppliers, the introduction of AR/VR technologies and more!

Discover how Lojic makes software for manufacturers. Lojic is a full service software development and services company geared towards the manufacturing industry. Manufacturers concentrate on making their business processes as lean as possible but often their software and systems are the one thing that is holding them back. Learn more at https://lojic.us.

KCF Technologies develops and commercializes products and solutions for industry and the military. The company specializes in wireless sensors, energy harvesting, underwater navigation and smart material devices. Its vision is to be a leader in the development of federally-funded technologies and bridge the gap to successful commercial products by establishing strategic partnerships. Learn more at www.kcftech.com. 

Catalyst Connection's Matt Holjes and TechVibe Radio's Jonathan Kersting talk about the basics of cybersecurity with Leia Shilobod of InTech Solutions. Leia saves small businesses and mid-market firms from hackers and keeps them compliant by delivering enterprise-class IT security solutions. She is also author of "Cyber Warfare: Protecting Your Business From Total Annihilation."

Catalyst Connection's Matt Holjes teams up with TechVibe Radio's Jonathan Kersting to explore augmented and virtual reality in the manufacturing setting. They talk to Karen Alexander of XR Connected, one of the most respected authorities on the technologies. She will detail how they are being used in everything from assembly to training.

Kevin Kelly of Rhabit overviews his company's powerful technology that makes it easy to build a culture of feedback. Rhabit combines the latest research in organizational psychology with human-centered software to unlock the power of continuous employee feedback. Find out how manufacturers can use this technology to better manage their workforces.

Livia Macedo of DDI talks about top strategies for manufacturers to build and maintain their workforces. She also details how a manufacturer can begin building a talent supply chain. Macedo will also address the importance of having manufacturing leaders focused on Industry 4.0