In this episode, we dive deep into the complexities and nuances of modern manufacturing, automation, and the intersection of technology and industry. Our guest, an expert in the field, shares his journey from growing up in a tech-savvy household in South Africa to becoming a thought leader in industrial IoT and programmable communications.
Key Highlights:
Legacy Systems and Modernisation:
We discuss the challenges of dealing with legacy hardware and systems in manufacturing. Our guest shares a fascinating story about retrofitting old water purification machines with modern interfaces, highlighting the importance of adapting rather than replacing.
Retro Tech:
A nostalgic look at retro computing, including the use of ZX Spectrums in IoT evangelization. This segment underscores the value of blending old and new technologies to showcase innovation.
Heuristics and Approximations:
Our guest shares a humorous yet insightful anecdote about the difference between scientists and engineers, emphasizing the importance of practical approximations in engineering.
Cargo Cultism:
We explore the concept of cargo cultism in software engineering and manufacturing, where practices are copied without understanding the underlying principles, leading to inefficiencies and missed opportunities for innovation.
MQTT v.s. OPC UA:
We discuss the ongoing debate between MQTT and OPC UA protocols, with our guest providing a balanced perspective on the strengths and weaknesses of each. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on interoperability and avoiding the pitfalls of forming exclusive “old boys clubs.”
Skepticism of Shiny Objects:
We touch on the hype surrounding AI and the industrial metaverse, with our guest expressing skepticism about their practical applications in manufacturing. He calls for a focus on real-world problems and solutions rather than getting distracted by sophisticated but impractical models.
