Can a normal guy learn engineering — not from textbooks, but from the people who live it?
That’s the challenge.
I’m Justin Schnor, and I’m setting out to learn how the world is actually built — one factory, one robot, and one engineer at a time.
I’m diving headfirst into the world of modern manufacturing — where technology, creativity, and human problem-solving collide.
Along the way, real engineers are teaching me their craft: how to think, design, and build like they do.
👊 Because learning how the world is built might just change the way you see it.
Host Nathan Pliska interviews manufacturing leaders on how pilot testing equipment prevents costly production mistakes and financial losses.
17 Jun 2026TRANSCRIPT
What a 10-Micron Aerospace Defect Taught Me About Manufacturing
Mechanical engineer and manufacturing expert Tessa Axsom shares how a 10-micron aerospace defect reveals critical lessons about manufacturing precision and system failure in this interview.
19 Apr 2026TRANSCRIPT
Industrial AI Isn’t What You Think — And It’s Not Replacing Workers
Everyone thinks AI is coming to replace workers.But according to one of the leaders building industrial AI systems today — that’s not what’s happening at all.In this episode of Manufacturing Runs The World, we sit down with Bryan DeBois, a veteran engineer and technology leader who has spent nearly 25 years helping manufacturers solve complex production challenges using automation, machine learning, and data-driven decision-making.Bryan explains why AI isn’t replacing people — and why the real problem in manufacturing is actually a labor shortage. Companies are turning to automation not to eliminate jobs, but to keep production running when skilled workers are hard to find.He also breaks down one of the most misunderstood truths about artificial intelligence:AI is incredibly powerful — but only within a narrow task. Move it slightly outside that task, and performance drops dramatically.This conversation reveals how modern factories are evolving, why reshoring is creating new opportunities, and what manufacturers must do today to prepare for the future of industrial AI.About the Guest Bryan DeBois is a recognized leader in applying artificial intelligence to manufacturing and industrial automation.He serves as the Director of Industrial AI at RoviSys, a global systems integrator specializing in:Industrial automationArtificial intelligenceMachine learningManufacturing data systemsDigital transformationBryan DeBois holds a degree in Computer Science from the University of Akron and has spent decades working directly with manufacturers to implement advanced technologies that improve productivity, reliability, and operational efficiency.His work focuses on solving real-world manufacturing problems using:Predictive analyticsIndustrial AI systemsData strategy and integrationWorkforce knowledge captureAutomation and roboticsToday, Bryan helps companies modernize their factories, improve production performance, and prepare for the next generation of manufacturing technology.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeThe biggest misconceptions about industrial AIWhy AI is not replacing manufacturing workersThe real reason companies invest in automationHow reshoring is changing manufacturingWhy data readiness is critical before AI adoptionHow modern factories are being redesignedThe future of workforce training in manufacturingWhat industrial AI can and cannot doWhy automation increases productivityHow manufacturers solve complex production problemsThe role of machine learning in factoriesWhat the future of manufacturing looks likeCHAPTERS 00:00 The Biggest Misconceptions About Industrial AI01:02 How Bryan DeBois Built a Career in Industrial AI02:24 Why Companies Started Investing in AI Before ChatGPT03:01 The Real Problems AI Solves in Manufacturing03:48 Why Workforce Shortages Are Driving Automation04:13 The Opportunity Created by Reshoring05:06 What Modern Factories Actually Look Like05:23 Why AI Is Not Skynet06:00 What AI Can Do — And What It Can’t06:39 The Truth About Robots Replacing Workers07:47 How Data Strategy Drives AI Success08:59 Why Clean Data Is the Foundation of AITHANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORSEllison TechnologiesEllison Technologies helps manufacturers stay competitive through advanced machining, automation, and engineering expertise.GSC – 3D & AutomationGSC supports engineers and manufacturers with design software, additive manufacturing, and technical expertise.Do you think AI will replace manufacturing jobs — or create new ones?
Inside a recent episode
The $250,000 Equipment Mistake Companies Make
Published 4 Aug 2026 · Transcript excerpt
[…] Does that happen often where a customer comes to you, they have a specific problem, and then you steer them down because you guys have lab processing, right, and lab testing? Yes. So we have a small lab that we can get some basic data from running some small batches. Very helpful for us because then we can do those, process the horsepower to torque requirements. It also gives the customer an opportunity to see is this the right piece of equipment for the job you know if it we've had a few tests where they're running it and it's like okay nothing happened okay well this is the definitely the wrong piece of equipment for you then yeah you know something's happening but it's not getting there as fast as we want it to what can we change in variables to improve the process time And I mean, we've had a customer that came in here and it was like grinding this, you know, recycled product up for them. […]
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