In this episode of Ctrl+Alt+Mfg, Josh Peeno, P.E., joins the conversation to explore why so many digital transformation and AI initiatives in manufacturing fall short. It’s not because the technology isn’t powerful; it’s because it often isn’t built for the realities of the plant floor. Drawing on his experience in heavy manufacturing and industrial AI, Peeno explains why successful transformation requires operator trust, practical deployment strategies and a deep understanding of how factories actually run.

Peeno also discusses the concept of “machine teaching,” using human expertise to train autonomous AI systems in a way that supports operators rather than replaces them. He shares lessons from applying AI in glass manufacturing, talks about the value of fractional technical leadership for mid-sized manufacturers and explains why the industry’s looming skills gap may be one of the biggest drivers for smarter automation.

• (00:00:00) - The Reality of AI in Manufacturing
• (00:04:55) - Understanding Digital Transformation Challenges
• (00:09:05) - Bridging the Gap in Manufacturing
• (00:14:36) - The Human Element in Digital Transformation
• (00:18:34) - AI: Fear and Resistance on the Plant Floor
• (00:21:23) - AI as the Apprentice in Manufacturing
• (00:30:43) - Fractional Leadership: A New Approach
• (00:33:35) - Teaching the Next Generation of Engineers
• (00:35:50) - Global Competitiveness in Manufacturing