Celebrating Manufacturing Day: Interviews with Bright Machines' Talented Team October 3, 2024 | 5 min read Keren Kagan, VP HR The first Friday of every October marks Manufacturing Day, a day dedicated to recognizing the critical role the manufacturing industry plays in our everyday lives. As a company driven by the mission to transform manufacturing, we at Bright Machines are proud to celebrate this day. While the manufacturing industry continues to evolve with engineers and manufacturers at the forefront of driving new technologies and solutions, there is a talent shortage that remains a pressing concern. Industry growth is increasing the demand for workers at every level, from entry-level associates to highly skilled production workers and engineers. As the field advances, so do the necessary skill sets, which now require a blend of traditional technical manufacturing expertise, digital skills, and essential soft skills to keep pace with innovation. Manufacturing Day offers an opportunity for us to highlight our talented team members. This year, we continue our tradition of interviewing team members across our U.S. and Mexico offices, asking them about the challenges they’ve overcome, the innovations that inspire them, and their advice for those considering a career in manufacturing. Below are responses from Manfred Kao, Software Engineer; Veronica Sanchez Arroyo, Supply Chain Manager; Salvador Ginori, Regional Service Manager; and Ben Naseath, Site Automation Engineer. What drew you to working in manufacturing? Manfred: What drew me to manufacturing is the critical role it plays in producing the products we rely on every day, often taken for granted. I see a huge opportunity to transform this frequently outdated and inefficient space. I’m passionate about bringing cutting-edge software technologies to improve manufacturing processes, making them more streamlined and effective. The chance to innovate and create impactful software solutions in this industry motivates me every day. Veronica: Curiosity about how things are made and understanding everything from the point of origin. Salvador: The manufacturing industry is at the forefront of innovation, development, and the implementation of new technologies. Ben: I love all mechanical things, from bicycles to trophy trucks. I like to design and build machines. I enjoy getting my hands dirty and fixing things myself. Manufacturing uses the most complex machines, and I get to play with them all day as an engineer. What’s an innovation in manufacturing that you’re personally excited about? Manfred: I’m really excited about Bright Machines’ intelligent software-driven capabilities that leverage AI and data analysis. This approach goes beyond traditional automation, enabling smarter decision-making and optimizing processes in real-time. What’s particularly impressive is our ability to deliver high-quality products faster, better, and more consistently. This innovation not only enhances efficiency but also allows for greater flexibility and responsiveness in manufacturing. The potential for predictive maintenance and personalized production makes it an exciting time for the industry. Veronica: Automation has always caught my attention, and I believe that if we can achieve standardization and the right costs, we could go very far in the world of technology and innovation. Salvador: Real-time data collection and analytics for decision-making and continuous improvement of processes for customers. Ben: I am excited to see the fast-food industry become more automated. It will be fun to see how they figure out how to assemble a hamburger or a burrito. The vision system and grippers needed to handle food products will be difficult. Designing a fully automated machine that needs to be cleaned and maintained while covered in ketchup and mustard will be uniquely challenging. Although, I will admit that I am not excited to eat a hamburger built by a robot. Maybe someday Bright Machines will branch into the food industry. What is a challenge you have been working on at Bright Machines this year? Manfred: A challenge I’ve been working on at Bright Machines this year involves developing software solutions to ensure quick and precise cable management and connector insertions. As I recently joined the team, this project has provided an excellent opportunity for me to learn rapidly while making a meaningful contribution. It’s been rewarding to see the potential impact this can have on our operations. Veronica: Managing six simultaneous projects with an impeccable level of excellence for each one. On the soft skills side, working with team members whose ideas and personalities differ from mine has provided valuable opportunities for growth and collaboration. Salvador: One of the challenges I worked on this year was developing multidisciplinary teams to address the unique challenges of each project. Ben: One of my main challenges is keeping the status light on top of the BRC green. I am in the field, solving any problems that arise, whether they are mechanical, electrical, software-related, or even human-related. I collaborate with all our teams to run experiments and continuously implement improvements. I work daily with the customer and contract manufacturers to ensure production runs smoothly. All this effort is just to keep a little light green. What advice would you give to young engineers entering the world of manufacturing today? Manfred: For young engineers entering the world of manufacturing today, my advice would be to embrace a mindset of continuous learning and adaptability. While the industry can sometimes feel stagnant, there are many opportunities for innovation and improvement. Focus on developing your skills in software, while also recognizing the importance of hardware, as both are essential for driving meaningful change. Veronica: Do not be afraid to put on paper what is in your mind but be fully aware that what you do should be done very well. Salvador: Prepare to face the greatest technological challenges that will help us create a simpler and better world. Ben: Work on as many projects as you can—at school, at work, and at home. You will build hands-on experience that is far more valuable in the real world than a few words on your resume. Plus, you will have more fun. A huge thank you to our incredible team and everyone in manufacturing. Your hard work, creativity, and brilliant ideas are shaping the future of the industry! To learn more about our capabilities in building the backbone of AI, visit Bright Machines. Share by Twitter LinkedIn Email See all blog