AI, 'Glocal' Manufacturing, and the Infinite Industrial Revolution - Barbara Humpton, CEO of Siemens USA

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What does the future of manufacturing look like? Just ask the U.S. CEO of the #1 automation provider in the world.

In this high-profile episode, Barbara Humpton, CEO of Siemens USA, joins us to discuss the latest innovations shaping global manufacturing. Siemens, a leader in automation and digital technologies, is driving advancements through digital twins, AI, and more. Barbara shares how these technologies are revolutionizing industries today—not tomorrow—and making manufacturing more accessible and efficient.

We also dive into "Glocal" innovation, where global tech is applied locally to help small and mid-sized manufacturers thrive. Barbara offers key insights on workforce challenges, including the gender gap and the importance of flexible work. Her leadership vision for the future is clear: a more connected, innovative, and inclusive manufacturing world.

Sneak peak into this episode:

• How Siemens is using digital twins and AI in manufacturing
• "Glocal" manufacturing: global innovation; local implementation
• Want to close the gender gap in manufacturing? Here's how.
• From “not executive material” to CEO: Barbara’s journey proves why leadership is about breaking the mold.
• If you want to work in tech, come to manufacturing. Discover why Microsoft, NVIDIA, Sony, Salesforce and other tech giants want to partner with manufacturing as the next big opportunity.

Quotable Moments:

"If you’ve got curiosity and initiative, the world is yours."

3 Big Takeaways from this Episode:

1. Digital twins and AI are transforming manufacturing today.
   Siemens’ digital twins allow manufacturers to simulate entire production lines, identify bottlenecks, and perfect processes—all before they’re built. Barbara highlights that this tech can prevent costly errors, like a battery manufacturer’s $1M mistake, by catching issues in the digital world first.
2. “Glocal” innovation is giving small manufacturers access to big technology.
   Barbara shares how Siemens is combining global-scale technologies like automation and AI with local implementation, empowering smaller manufacturers to compete on a new level. Through flexible models like automation-as-a-service and cloud-based platforms, they can adopt advanced tools without the heavy capital investment.
3. Closing the gender gap could solve the manufacturing talent shortage.
   Barbara believes attracting more women could fill the projected 3.8 million open manufacturing roles by 2033. Flexible work arrangements, such as asynchronous shifts enabled by Industry 4.0, could attract more women by making manufacturing careers fit their lives.

Resources in this Episode:

To learn more about Siemens USA, visit: www.siemens.com/

Listen to Barbara's podcast, Optimistic Outlook

Connect with Siemens Online:

LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook |

Instagram - Facebook - YouTube - TikTok - Twitter - LinkedIn

Fejezetek

1. Introduction (00:00:00)

2. The Evolution of Siemens and Manufacturing (00:01:11)

3. Industry 4.0 and the IT/OT Convergence (00:02:41)

4. What is a Digital Twin? (00:04:07)

5. Digital Twin in Action: Real-World Examples (00:07:31)

6. Glocal Manufacturing: Global Innovation, Local Implementation (00:09:23)

7. Personalization in Manufacturing (00:12:15)

8. AI's Role in Manufacturing & Workforce Challenges (00:16:44)

9. Solving the Workforce Shortage: Public Policy, Gender Gap, and Education (00:21:53)

10. Leadership and Women in Manufacturing (00:28:40)

11. Manufacturing as the New Tech Sector (00:35:04)

12. The Infinite Industrial Revolution (00:41:03)

13. The Future of Distributed Manufacturing (00:46:42)

14. Advice to 15-year-old self (00:48:56)