Automation is no longer optional, but where should manufacturers invest to see real returns?

In this episode of Ctrl+Alt+Mfg, we’re joined by Mark Hoske, editor-in-chief of Control Engineering, to break down the findings of the 2026 State of Industrial Automation Report. We discuss where automation is delivering measurable ROI, why advanced process controls continue to lead, how manufacturers are balancing efficiency with risk and what year-over-year data reveals about changing adoption trends.

The conversation also explores workforce challenges, skills gaps and how automation is being used to create higher-skill roles rather than replace workers. If you’re specifying, implementing or justifying automation investments, this data-driven episode cuts through the hype to focus on what’s actually happening on today’s plant floors.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Automation and Manufacturing Trends

08:58 Insights from the 2026 State of Automation Report

18:19 Key Findings and Surprises in Automation Investments

21:42 Emerging Technologies in Automation

23:41 Insights from the 2025 State of Automation Report

24:52 Looking Ahead: The 2026 Automation Report

27:25 The Importance of Community in Automation Research

28:53 Future Trends and Research in Automation

31:03 Connecting the Dots: Automation and Community Engagement

• (00:00:00) - Introduction to Automation and Manufacturing Trends
• (00:08:58) - Insights from the 2026 State of Automation Report
• (00:18:19) - Key Findings and Surprises in Automation Investments
• (00:21:42) - Emerging Technologies in Automation
• (00:23:41) - Insights from the 2025 State of Automation Report
• (00:24:52) - Looking Ahead: The 2026 Automation Report
• (00:27:25) - The Importance of Community in Automation Research
• (00:28:53) - Future Trends and Research in Automation
• (00:31:03) - Connecting the Dots: Automation and Community Engagement

What if you could test changes to your manufacturing process without risking downtime, scrap or costly mistakes?

In this episode of Ctrl+Alt+Mfg, hosts Gary Cohen and Stephanie Neal are joined by Matt Wise, CEO of E Tech Group, and Cole Switzer, principal full stack developer and head of advanced software, to break down the real-world impact of digital twins in modern manufacturing.

The conversation goes beyond buzzwords to explain what a digital twin actually is, the different types—from simulation and data twins to live visual twins—and how manufacturers are using them today across pharma, life sciences, food & beverage, CPG, energy and data centers.

Matt and Cole explore why a strong digital backbone and unified namespace are critical to success, how digital twins are enabling faster ROI and AI readiness and what it really takes to scale these technologies across multi-site, global operations. They also discuss the path toward remote monitoring, predictive optimization and even the long-debated lights-out factory.

Whether you’re early in your digital transformation journey or looking to take the next step, this episode offers practical insight into how digital twins are reshaping manufacturing—now and into the future.

• (00:00:00) - Introduction to Digital Twins in Manufacturing
• (00:04:47) - E Tech Group's Journey and Client Expectations
• (00:11:57) - Understanding Digital Twins: Definitions and Types
• (00:17:43) - Challenges in Scaling Digital Twins Across Multiple Sites
• (00:20:09) - Measuring ROI with Digital Twins
• (00:25:26) - Creating a Sustainable Digital Twin Model
• (00:26:55) - The Future of Lights Out Facilities
• (00:28:34) - The Role of Backgrounds in Digital Twin Development
• (00:31:08) - Company Culture and Continuous Learning at E Tech Group

As 2025 winds down, Ctrl+Alt+Mfg is taking stock of what actually mattered in manufacturing this year.

In this year-end special, hosts Gary Cohen and Stephanie Neil are joined by Mike Ouellette, senior editor at Engineering.com, to unpack the real state of digital transformation on the plant floor—beyond the buzzwords.

They dig into:

• Why digital transformation isn’t new, and how today’s wave differs from past eras of automation.

• Where AI is already delivering value in manufacturing (and why AI agents trained on your own data are such a big deal).

• How digital twins, robotics, cloud ERP/MES/PLM and edge devices are changing everyday operations.

• The skills engineers and operators need now that roles are shifting from “do the task” to “interpret the insights.”

• Why so many initiatives get stuck in “pilot purgatory” and how small wins can fund the next project.

• Underrated cybersecurity risks in smart factories, especially around legacy equipment and the IT/OT divide.

• The technologies Mike believes will really move the needle in the next 3–5 years.

If you’re trying to separate digital transformation hype from what’s actually working—and know where to focus in 2026—this episode is your year-end reality check.

More from us:
Control Engineering: ControlEng.com
Engineering.com: Engineering.com

CHAPTERS

00:00 Reflecting on Manufacturing Trends of 2025
06:37 Understanding Digital Transformation in Manufacturing
10:40 The Evolution of Technology in Manufacturing
15:08 Identifying Value in Digital Transformation
18:38 Skills for the Future of Manufacturing
22:01 AI's Role in Augmenting Human Work
24:50 Challenges in Digital Integration and ROI
25:07 Navigating Pilot Purgatory in Manufacturing
29:34 The Importance of Data in Digital Transformation
30:30 Capturing Tribal Knowledge for Future Success
31:57 Cybersecurity Challenges in Smart Factories
35:05 Emerging Technologies Shaping the Future
42:05 Evaluating the Promise of Digital Transformation

• (00:00:00) - Reflecting on Manufacturing Trends of 2025
• (00:06:37) - Understanding Digital Transformation in Manufacturing
• (00:10:40) - The Evolution of Technology in Manufacturing
• (00:15:08) - Identifying Value in Digital Transformation
• (00:18:38) - Skills for the Future of Manufacturing
• (00:22:01) - AI's Role in Augmenting Human Work
• (00:24:50) - Challenges in Digital Integration and ROI
• (00:25:07) - Navigating Pilot Purgatory in Manufacturing
• (00:29:34) - The Importance of Data in Digital Transformation
• (00:30:30) - Capturing Tribal Knowledge for Future Success
• (00:31:57) - Cybersecurity Challenges in Smart Factories
• (00:35:05) - Emerging Technologies Shaping the Future
• (00:42:05) - Evaluating the Promise of Digital Transformation