Ctrl+Alt+Manufacturing: A New Podcast Exploring the Future of Smart Manufacturing
Ctrl+Alt+Mfg, a new podcast from WTWH Media’s Automation & Controls group, is launching its first episode with a mission to “reset and rethink” how products are made. Hosted by Gary Cohen and Stephanie Neil, the show takes a candid, conversational look at the technologies and people driving manufacturing’s digital transformation.
Exploring Automation’s Evolution
Each episode features interviews with industry leaders, system integrators and engineers redefining automation on the plant floor. Topics range from control systems and robotics to artificial intelligence and data analytics.
Cohen, a senior editor who covers cybersecurity and digital transformation, says the show is designed to connect the dots between technology and strategy.
“Our goal is to talk about manufacturing automation, but we’ll explore the people, technologies and strategies driving the digital transformation of manufacturing,” Cohen explains.
Neil, the editorial director for WTWH’s Automation and Controls brands, brings decades of experience covering industrial automation and packaging. She notes that manufacturers are entering a period of accelerated change.
“It’s an important time to have these conversations because it’s an industry in transition,” Neil says. “System integrators are trying to upgrade legacy systems and figure out how AI fits into their operations.”
Digital Transformation: Buzzword or Business Reality?
The debut episode examines the evolving definition of digital transformation — a term that, according to Cohen, “can mean everything and nothing at the same time.” While the phrase can feel overused, most manufacturers are already engaging with it by layering analytics, connectivity and AI into traditional automation.
Neil observes that many organizations are still focused on the basics — investing in PLCs, sensors and controllers that form the foundation for more advanced systems. Once those core elements are in place, companies are better positioned to explore machine learning, edge computing and data-driven optimization.
Insights from the 2025 State of Industrial Automation Report
The first episode draws from WTWH Media’s State of Industrial Automation Report – Spring 2025, which surveyed manufacturers on technology adoption, investment trends and barriers to implementation.
Key takeaways include:
- Foundational focus: Over half of respondents said their top spending priorities remain in core control technologies.
- Risk aversion: Many remain hesitant to invest in new tools without clear ROI.
- Integration challenges: Legacy systems continue to slow progress toward connected operations.
- Workforce strain: Skills shortages are limiting adoption of advanced automation and AI.
The hosts emphasize that progress toward smart manufacturing depends as much on people and processes as it does on technology. Simplified solutions, better training and clearer value propositions will be critical to closing the adoption gap.
From AI to Sustainability: Topics Ahead
Upcoming episodes will examine how artificial intelligence, sustainability initiatives and cybersecurity are reshaping industrial operations. The show aims to cut through hype to provide practical insight for engineers, system integrators and plant managers.
While sustainability isn’t yet the main driver behind most automation projects, Cohen and Neil agree it’s becoming a core business priority. As manufacturers seek efficiency and energy savings, automation will play a key role in achieving long-term goals.
Listen to the First Episode
Ctrl+Alt+Mfg publishes new episodes every two weeks and is available on ControlEng.com and major podcast platforms. The opening episode, “Resetting and Rethinking Manufacturing,” introduces the show’s themes and shares highlights from WTWH Media’s 2025 automation research.
