Tomoya Takahashi

FA-Radio: The Factory Automation Podcast with Chris & Takahashi

Welcome to The Factory Automation of future , a podcast by two engineers covering the latest in factory automation. About Takahashi and Chris share insights and news from the FA industry, aiming to build an open and engaging community beyond corporate walls. HostsTomoya Takahashi: A control-design engineer based in Toyota city who also runs FA study groups (https://fa-study.connpass.com/)Chris: Hong Kong–born FA professional and tech-guide blogger (http://soup01.com/ja/), believer in “knowledge is free for everyone,” ConnectNote: https://note.com/fulhauseX:@fulhause

Author

Tomoya Takahashi

Category

Technology

Podcast website

podcasters.spotify.com

Latest episode

Sep 21, 2025

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Episodes

Unlock Trade Show Secrets: Effective Info Gathering Strategies | Takahashi vs. Chris 12.05.2025

How do you tackle information gathering at trade shows and exhibitions? In this episode, Takahashi and Chris dive deep into effective strategies for making the most out of your trade show visits. Discover their contrasting approaches: Chris emphasizes efficiency through thorough advance preparation , planned routes, and specific questions . Takahashi, on the other hand, prefers a more spontaneous...

IPC and PLC Convergence 11.05.2025

Note: This episode is originally a Japanese-language podcast translated into English with Notebook LM. Listen to the original show here: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lsWTSSeaOJCGriCS9O8O4

Importance of FactoryAutomation Documentation 10.05.2025

Note: This episode is originally a Japanese-language podcast translated into English with Notebook LM. Listen to the original show here: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lsWTSSeaOJCGriCS9O8O4

Factory Automation Engineer Anecdotes 09.05.2025

Note: This episode is originally a Japanese-language podcast translated into English with Notebook LM. Listen to the original show here: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lsWTSSeaOJCGriCS9O8O4

Manufacturing Superstitions and Personal Quirks 08.05.2025

Note: This episode is originally a Japanese-language podcast translated into English with Notebook LM. Listen to the original show here: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lsWTSSeaOJCGriCS9O8O4

Strategies for Information Gathering in Automation 07.05.2025

Note: This episode is originally a Japanese-language podcast translated into English with Notebook LM. Listen to the original show here: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lsWTSSeaOJCGriCS9O8O4

Exploring Factory Wireless Communication Benefits and Challenges 06.05.2025

Note: This episode is originally a Japanese-language podcast translated into English with Notebook LM. Listen to the original show here: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lsWTSSeaOJCGriCS9O8O4

PLC Documentation Deep Dive: Specs, Code & the Future of Factory Automation 05.05.2025

Why isn't auto-generating documentation from code comments standard practice in Factory Automation (FA) like it often is in IT? We tackle this listener question head-on, exploring the unique challenges of documenting PLC programs, especially ladder logic. Join us as we dissect the "spec is king" vs. "code is king" debate in the context of industrial automation. Discover why...

The Reality of PLC Software: From Ruler Tricks to Bad Variable Names 04.05.2025

Dive into the real-world challenges and triumphs of factory automation (FA) in this translated deep dive from Japanese industry professionals. Explore ingenious, low-budget problem-solving, like using a high-speed camera and a ruler to analyze machine vibration when expensive sensors aren't an option. Then, confront the common frustrations faced by automation engineers: deciphering uncommented...

FA Software Complexity: Version Control & Team Development 03.05.2025

Welcome to the Future of Factory Automation ! Is your FA software becoming unmanageably complex? Are outdated manual backups and solo programming hindering your team? This episode dives deep into the growing complexity of industrial automation software and highlights the critical need for modern version control and team development tools . We explore why Git and similar VCS are essential for colla...

Factory Automation Rituals: The Human Side of Work & Tech 02.05.2025

Welcome to the Future of Factory Automation ! This episode dives into the fascinating, often-unseen human side of the industry, inspired by a listener's question about workplace rituals and habits. We explore the diverse customs and routines FA professionals adopt – from personal checks (like finger-pointing confirmation) to cultural practices across India, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Japan related...

Future FA Skills: Network, Safety & Japan's Edge in Automation 02.05.2025

Welcome to the Future of Factory Automation ! What are the essential skills for FA engineers in a dynamic industry? Can Japan maintain its strong position? This episode dives into a critical listener question, highlighting two crucial areas: Network Technology and Safety Technology . Explore why a deep understanding of industrial networks (like Fieldbus, EtherCAT, PROFINET, MQTT, OPC UA) is shifti...

FA Equipment Manufacturer Insights: A Japanese Expert Review 02.05.2025

Welcome to the Future of Factory Automation ! Get rare, candid insights from Japanese FA professionals in this translated podcast episode. We dive deep into their real opinions on various FA equipment manufacturers and automation vendors . What makes a manufacturer great (or frustrating) in the real world? We explore their perspectives on: Documentation quality and accessibility (HTML manuals vs....

Automation Deep Dive: Buffer Capacity, Soft PLCs, and Knowledge Transfer 02.05.2025

はい、承知いたしました。提供された日本語のポッドキャストスクリプトの内容に基づいて、英語のSpotify説明欄とタイトルをSEO対策を施して作成し、その後日本語で解説します。 以下の3案は、いずれもSEOキーワードを含みつつ、エピソードの異なる側面に焦点を当てています。 Factory Automation Practicalities: Equipment Buffer, Training & New Tech Adoption (工場自動化の実践: 設備バッファ、トレーニング、新技術導入)...

Digital Twins in Factory Automation: Beyond Simulation & Operational Data 02.05.2025

Okay, here is a Spotify description for the digital twin episode, including SEO optimization. Spotify Description (SEO Optimized): Welcome to the Future of Factory Automation! Digital Twins are more than just simulation. This episode dives deep into data-driven Digital Twins in Factory Automation , focusing on leveraging actual operational data for deeper insights. We explore how analyzing histori...

Future of Factory Automation and AI 02.05.2025

AI is here in Factory Automation . What skills do Automation Engineers and Controls Engineers need now ? We discuss ChatGPT 's impact, the shift from coding to requirements , the challenge of verification , and the importance of human skills like articulation ability for troubleshooting and maintenance . Essential upskilling insights for Industrial Automation .

Entry into the Automation Industry 02.05.2025

What does it take to be a successful Automation Engineer or Controls Engineer today? Beyond PLC and Ladder Logic programming, what valuable skills are in demand? In this episode, we tackle a listener's question about upskilling and the value of practical experience vs. formal education in Industrial Automation . Discover why understanding simple design , mastering troubleshooting , and the fun...

Understanding _Normal_ in Control System Design. 02.05.2025

Welcome to the Future of Factory Automation! In this episode, we answer a listener's question about upskilling as a Controls Engineer. We dive into valuable skills for Industrial Automation, discussing the importance of practical experience (PLC, Ladder Logic), career paths, and skill development in the automation field. Learn how to enhance your automation skills and navigate your career.

How PLC Software Designers Master Industrial Communication: Essential PLC Networking Strategies 02.05.2025

Note: This episode is a translated English version of a Japanese podcast using Notebook LM. In this installment of The Factory Automation of Tomorrow , hosts Takahashi and Chris tackle one of the most common hurdles in smart manufacturing: PLC-to-PC communication and the broader IT/OT convergence challenge. Whether you’re a mechanical engineer stepping into the world of industrial networks or a co...

Debating the Future of Ladder Logic: PLC Programming 02.05.2025

Keywords: factory automation, ladder logic, PLC programming, Industry 4.0, IoT, digital twin, smart manufacturing, automation podcast Note: This episode is originally a Japanese podcast translated into English using Notebook LM. Listen to the original here: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lsWTSSeaOJCGriCS9O8O4 Description: Factory Automation Podcast: Ladder Logic vs. Next-Gen PLC Programming — a cl...

Digital Twins in Factory Automation: Revolutionizing Manufacturing 02.05.2025

Note: This episode is originally a Japanese-language podcast translated into English with Notebook LM. Listen to the original show here: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lsWTSSeaOJCGriCS9O8O4 In this episode of The Factory Automation of Tomorrow , hosts Takahashi and Chris explore the cutting-edge trends shaping the future of factory automation. We begin with a deep dive into Industry 4.0 , unpackin...

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