Lexmark and BCD iLabs Host Groundbreaking
Webinar on AI and Smart Manufacturing

Chicago, December 4, 2024 – Lexmark and BCD iLabs successfully hosted their landmark webinar, “Transforming the Future: AI and Smart Manufacturing,”. This innovative event convened industry leaders to discuss the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on manufacturing processes.

The webinar featured a distinguished panel of experts, including Larry Megan, Head of Digital at Baldwin Richardson Foods; Charles Enrique Arizmendi, AI Industrial Transformation Lead for the Americas at Microsoft; Brant Nystrom, Optra Edge Portfolio Manager at Lexmark; and Michael Walton, President of BCD iLabs and Author of “AI for Food Movement.” The session was moderated by Vinay Indraganti, Founder and CEO of BCD iLabs.

Brant Nystrom opened the discussion by highlighting the role of Vision AI and edge computing in enhancing manufacturing efficiency. He stated, “Vision AI and Edge Computing in smart manufacturing enhance efficiency by processing data locally, reducing latency, and enabling real-time decision-making. It supports transportation ops, quality control, and process automation, leading to increased productivity, reduced downtime, and cost savings.”

Larry Megan emphasized the competitive necessity of AI in manufacturing: “Leveraging AI for manufacturing is quickly becoming a table stake to have cost-competitive operations. But the companies employing AI to transform new product development and create faster speed to market are the ones that will create true competitive advantage.”

Charles Enrique Arizmendi underscored the growing importance of generative AI in business: “Generative AI is becoming increasingly essential in business. CEOs recognize its lasting importance, and companies that haven’t adopted it are falling behind. To stay competitive, businesses need to understand AI’s impact, identify beneficial areas, and create a roadmap for integrating AI.”

Michael Walton captured the essence of this technological revolution: “AI is ushering in a new era of intelligent manufacturing, where machines learn, adapt, and optimize in real-time. By harnessing the power of AI, we can unlock unprecedented levels of efficiency, quality, and innovation.” Vinay Indraganti pointed out how AI can revolutionize food manufacturing: “By harnessing the power of AI, food manufacturers can transform their operations from reactive to proactive, ensuring that every ingredient is optimized for quality and every process is streamlined for efficiency.”

The webinar provided attendees with valuable insights into how AI is reshaping industrial processes—from real-time decision-making to optimizing product development. The event highlighted that AI is not just a futuristic concept but a present-day necessity for businesses aiming to stay competitive in an increasingly digital landscape. Ravi Karkara, co-founder of the AI for Food Global Initiative, in conclusion emphasized the critical need for skills development, upskilling, and reskilling in the context of AI for food manufacturing, particularly with the “Make in America” opportunity. He stressed that AI is not just transforming the industry but creating new avenues for growth and innovation.

For those interested in exploring the intersection of AI and food production further, speakers recommended the book “AI for Food Movement” by Vinay Indraganti, Ravi Karkara, and Michael Walton. Detail: https://lnkd.in/g58WdBpE