People B4 Machines, powered by Eclipse

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...

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 re...

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...

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 fo...

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 impor...

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...

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...

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 rol...

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...

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...

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.

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.