In this episode, Dr. Mike Hackney, an expert in organizational change and leadership, discusses his background in the military and his experience with robotics and AI in the food industry. He highlights the advancements in robotics and AI in manufacturing, particularly in warehousing and automotive assembly lines. Dr. Hackney also shares his research on the knowledge gap of managers and executives in the food industry regarding robotics and AI. He explores the opportunities for Veterans in the field, both in technical roles and as consultants for companies implementing new technologies. The impact of AI on the design and creation of new factories and assembly lines is also discussed.

In this conversation, Dr. Derek Wilson discusses the role of AI in manufacturing and automation, the importance of luck and self-efficacy for Veterans in employment, and his experiences in leadership and transitioning from the military. He also mentions his upcoming book on military leadership and shares insights on complacency and team dynamics.

Takeaways

Advancements in robotics and AI have revolutionized manufacturing, particularly in warehousing and automotive assembly lines.
There is a knowledge gap among managers and executives in the food industry regarding robotics and AI, creating opportunities for research and education.
Veterans with technical skills and expertise in robotics and AI can find opportunities in the field, both in technical roles and as consultants for companies implementing new technologies.
AI is impacting the design and creation of new factories and assembly lines, providing additional ways to streamline processes and improve efficiency. AI programs can help design layouts and optimize processes in manufacturing
Companies leading the way in AI automation for manufacturing include major industrial equipment manufacturers
Veterans have a unique perspective on risk management and can contribute to the development of new AI processes
Increasing luck involves taking on new experiences and talking to strangers
Veterans often have a better perspective on what is important and are more proactive in making things happen
Transitioning from the military to civilian employment can be challenging due to the lack of intrinsic teamwork
Creating your own teams and finding fulfillment in civilian jobs is possible
Awareness and tenacity are key in finding resources and support during the transition
Complacency is a common issue in all groups and can be addressed through awareness and proactive measures
Dr. Derek Wilson has written books on airplane safety, business leadership, and military fiction

Sound Bites

"Everything I became familiar with in 2017, 2018 is all left in the dust."
"That's a perfect example of how artificial intelligence and mechanicals at that level are going to do something that 20 years ago, anyone would have thought was impossible."
"We certainly looked at the background of veterans in a much more positive way than someone that had maybe had five or six jobs since high school."
"AI programs can help design layouts and optimize processes in manufacturing"
"Increasing luck involves taking on new experiences and talking to strangers"
"Veterans often have a better perspective on what is important and are more proactive in making things happen"

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background
03:01 Advancements in Robotics and AI in Manufacturing
11:10 The Knowledge Gap in the Food Industry
14:52 Hiring Veterans in the Food Industry
24:57 Dr. Hackney's Doctoral Research on Robotics and AI
28:02 Opportunities for Increased Veteran Entrepreneurship
33:46 The Impact of AI on Factory Design
35:54 AI Automation in Manufacturing
39:15 The Role of Luck and Self-Efficacy for Veterans
46:33 Leadership and Transitioning from the Military
51:16 Addressing Complacency in Teams
58:43 Creating Fulfillment in Civilian Jobs