People B4 Machines, powered by Eclipse, cuts through the noise—and calls BS on factory automation hype. This isn't your typical tech-first podcast. It's a wake-up call for B2B leaders who are done with buzzwords and ready to lead with a human-first edge. Each episode dives straight into what engineers and plant leaders are actually dealing with on Monday mornings—real problems, real pressures—while also looking 1 to 3 years ahead at the future of factory automation. It's not about eliminating machines—it's about redefining their role to empower the people who keep operations running. No fluff, no echo chambers. Just raw stories, bold questions, and sharp insights. If you're ready to rethink what the factory of the future should be, this is your podcast. This is People B4 Machines!
In this episode of People B4 Machines, host Amanda Cupido dives into the transformative world of factory automation with guest Adam Dorr, Director of Research at RethinkX. Together, they explore the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, the rise of humanoid robots, and the challenges and opportunities these technologies bring to industries and society. Adam shares insights on the balance between automation and human adaptability, offering a glimpse into the future of work and product...
3 Mar 2026
Silicon soulmates: Maybe your most loyal teammates
In this episode of People B4 Machines, Amanda Cupido sits down with The Manufacturing Millennial, Jake Hall, to debunk the myth that automation is a "job killer." Jake shares why now is the critical time to deploy technology to stay ahead of competitors and how machines actually create higher-value opportunities for the human workforce. They dive into practical strategies for employee retention, including the surprising success of the four-day work week in factories. From building community p...
17 Feb 2026
Programming the future: Human-first automation
In this episode of People Before Machines, Amanda Cupido sits down with The Robot Queen, Vanessa Loiola, Founder and CEO of Valoy Automation, to explore human-first robotics. Vanessa debunks the myth that robots replace workers, arguing instead that they replace repetitive, grueling tasks to free up human potential. They discuss her journey as a leading woman in a male-dominated field, the reality behind "collaborative" applications, and the critical need for empowering operators through trai...
3 Feb 2026
Man vs. machine? The ROI of robotics & the cultural shift needed to embrace robotics on the factory floor
In this episode of People Before Machines, Amanda Cupido sits down with Ujjwal Kumar, former Group President of Teradyne Robotics, to explore the ROI of robotics and the cultural shift needed to embrace automation on the factory floor. Ujjwal shares insights on how robotics can enhance human-machine synergy, improve workplace safety, and address labor shortages while creating new opportunities for workers. They discuss the misconceptions surrounding robots replacing humans, the importance of ...
20 Jan 2026
Finding certainty in uncertainty in manufacturing in North America
In this episode of People B4 Machines, Amanda Cupido speaks with Kevin Bowers, Vice President of Research at the Association for Manufacturing Technology, about navigating uncertainty in North American manufacturing. Kevin shares insights on building resiliency through automation, AI, and workforce enablement, while addressing the challenges of technical debt and reshoring. They discuss the importance of a top-down cultural shift, connecting equipment to the cloud, and leveraging disruptions ...
6 Jan 2026
Rethinking the course to manufacturing's future with the Software Defined Factory (SDF) as the North Star
In this episode of People B4 Machines, Amanda Cupido speaks with Prasad Satyavolu, Accenture's Americas Lead for Industry X Digital Manufacturing and Operations, about the transformative potential of the Software Defined Factory (SDF). Prasad explores how SDFs, powered by digital twins, physical AI, and data-driven orchestration, can redefine manufacturing processes while addressing cultural and technical challenges. He shares insights on balancing human augmentation with intelligent automati...
16 Dec 2025
Still a man’s world, but under construction
In this episode of People B4 Machines, Amanda Cupido speaks with Stephanie Hun, Director of Business Development for Flatiron Dragados Canada, about the evolving role of women in the construction industry. Stephanie shares her journey, offering insights on overcoming biases, embracing stretch assignments, and leveraging emotional intelligence to lead effectively in a traditionally male-dominated field. They discuss the importance of allyship, mentorship, and fostering inclusive workplaces to ...
2 Dec 2025
Is the real factory bottleneck human or digital? Or are humans the weakest link in Industry 4.0
In this episode of People B4 Machines, Amanda Cupido explores the root causes of factory bottlenecks with Industry 4.0 expert Mike Nager, Solutions Center Director at Festo Didactic. Together, they discuss whether humans or digital systems are to blame, emphasizing the importance of integrating technology with a skilled and adaptable workforce. Mike shares insights on upskilling, the evolving role of soft (or "durable") skills, and the future of manufacturing in a rapidly changing technologic...
18 Nov 2025
Top floor to shop floor: Why is it taking so long to connect these floors?
In this episode of People B4 Machines, Amanda Cupido dives into the persistent disconnect between the top floor and the shop floor in factory automation. Joined by Jeff Burnstein, President of the Association for Advancing Automation, they explore strategies for bridging this gap through effective communication, smart automation implementation, and fostering collaboration across all levels of an organization. Jeff shares insights on overcoming workforce fears, starting small to build confiden...
4 Nov 2025
Beyond the numbers: The next wave of industrial evolution
In the debut episode of People B4 Machines, host Amanda Cupido dives into the evolution of Industry 4.0 and the emergence of Industry 5.0 with guest Jeff Winter, a globally recognized thought leader in industrial automation. Together, they explore the shift toward human-centric, sustainable, and resilient industrial models, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between people and technology. Jeff shares insights on the challenges of scaling digital transformation, the role of leadership...
28 Oct 2025
People B4 Machines - Season 1 Full Trailer
In this trailer, get a sneak peek of Season 1 as our guests share a tantalizing glimpse of what’s in store. Don’t miss the first episode featuring Jeff Winter, airing on November 4, 2025. For more bold questions and sharp insights, visit www.peopleb4machines.com. Remember, the future isn’t fully automated—it’s people-powered.
21 Oct 2025
People B4 Machines - Season 1 Trailer
In this trailer, you'll hear a quick taste of what's to come. First episode airs November 4, 2025. Conversations on the chaos of factory automation, from Monday morning to the very near future. For more bold questions and sharp insights, visit www.peopleb4machines.com. Remember, the future isn’t fully automated—it’s people-powered.
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