Episode 127 - AI Panel Discussion at 2026 A3 Business Forum

“If AI is overhyped, automation is completely underhyped. As automation advances and becomes more precise and durable and solves new challenges, AI is augmenting these systems by adding flexibility and autonomy.” While we’ve not quite moved past the hype curve, AI technology today is quickly reshaping how factories and warehouses operate. In this special episode of the Manufacturing Matters podcast, TECH B2B Marketing’s Jimmy Carroll is joined by Melonee Wise, chief product officer of software and AI at KUKA; Juan Aparicio, founder and CEO of Reshape Automation; and Adi Dalvi, vice president of sales at OSARO, to discusses how AI is adding value to automation today, as well as what to expect in the future and what issues still need to be addressed. Together, they explore how AI adds flexibility to automation systems, from pick-and-place to AI agents that support problem solving and beyond. The panel also covers physical AI, the importance of simulation and digital twins, the growing importance of data collection and alignment, and safety hurdles for humanoids and autonomous mobile robots. Additional topics include AI’s impact on jobs, why practical and well-defined use cases are winning over flashy demos, and major trends to expect over the next few years. Read the transcript: https://manufacturing-matters.com/episode-127-ai-panel-discussion-at-2026-a3-business-forum/Learn more about KUKA: https://www.kuka.com/ Learn more about Reshape Automation: https://www.reshapex.com/en Learn more about OSARO: https://www.osaro.com/ Learn more about TECH B2B Marketing: https://www.techb2b.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/manufacturing-matters/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/manufacturing_matterspodcast/#manufacturing #automation #manufacturingmatters #techb2b #AI #robotics #automation #physicalaiSupport the show