The dance of the robots: How AI and digitalization are shaking up the disco of manufacturing companies!

Edgar Ehlers
4 min readAug 8, 2023

--

Hey YOU,

Does anyone remember the days when our grandparents faced the first computers with astonished eyes? Well, if those computers could dance back then, they’d probably be retired now, while robots moonwalk the production lines. That’s the power of AI and digitization, baby!

AI — not just a trendy word from Silicon Valley

So, dear CEOs, Agile coaches and Scrum masters, you may think AI is just another buzzword thrown in by the IT guys and gals at every meeting. But hey, AI is here to really get the party started in manufacturing companies!

Gone are the days when machines just stubbornly followed an instruction. Now they learn! They adapt! They optimize! And they could probably even make your favorite latte better than the barista around the corner.

The digitization disco

Along with AI, digitization is the DJ who’s laying down the beats. Connected machines, smart production systems, the Internet of Things — these are the hits that are on the charts right now. Imagine a world in which machines not only talk to each other, but also act with foresight. A defect in machine A? No problem, machine B has already detected it and is already sending a technician!

Future view: Robot rave on the factory floor

Are YOU ready for a prediction? Manufacturing companies will be like a well-oiled orchestra, where each instrument (or in this case, each machine) plays its own part, but also knows exactly when to listen to the others.

But don’t worry, dear CEOs and executives, this doesn’t mean that human intelligence will become obsolete. Rather, it’s being augmented and enhanced by AI and digitization. Think of it like fusion — a bit like when rock meets jazz. It might sound chaotic, but when done right, it’s absolute magic.

And now YOU!

YOU may be asking yourself, “What can I do to be part of this revolution?” Well, the first step is to be open to change. The second is to realize that AI and digitization are not threats, but tools that can help you catapult your business to the next level.

And hey, Agile Coaches and Scrum Masters, YOU are the choreographer of this dance. Your role? Make sure every step is in sync and that no matter how good the technology, people are always at the center.

The Finale

Now before YOU think I’ve had one too many (I assure you, it was just coffee): The manufacturing industry is on the verge of a revolution. And YOU can either be a spectator on the edge of the dance floor or in the middle of it, doing the moonwalk. The choice is up to YOU!

So, grab your dancing shoes, corporate leaders, and let’s get this party started! 🎉🤖

P.S.: If YOU meet a robot dancing the cha-cha, tell him to prepare the coffee for the next meeting 😉.

How YOU rock the AI party in your business! 🤖🕺

Do you have the beat?

Check out the current state of digitization and AI in your company. Do YOU know the anthems and the ballads?

DJ or dancing bear?

Decide whether YOU want to be a pioneer or prefer to follow the trends. Do YOU want to be the DJ spinning the next hit, or more of a dancing bear moving to the music?

Training groove

Make sure your team is always up to speed. Offer regular training sessions — and yes, coffee and cookies can’t be missed!

Synchronize your dance

Agile coaches and scrum masters, this is your spotlight moment! Lead your teams with clear processes and methodologies.

Find AI partners

Do YOU really want to do everything on your own? Find partners or service providers who are ahead of the curve when it comes to AI and digitization.

The right technology for the perfect moonwalk

Invest in the technology that best fits your business. It doesn’t always have to be the flashiest disco ball; sometimes a good old light bulb will do.

Feedback-Loop-Looping

Feedback is like the chorus of your favorite song. It keeps coming back. Establish a feedback culture to constantly learn and adapt.

Eyes on the robot dance

Keep an eye on the market and developments. You don’t want to miss the next Macarena trend, do you?

Celebrate Good Times (Come On!)

Celebrate the successes! A successful project completion? A successful digitization milestone? Time for confetti!

Always stay human

With all the technology, don’t forget that people are the core of your business. So, show some love, even to your non-metal employees!

Dear CEO, Agile Coach and Scrum Master, always remember: It’s a party out there, and YOU are invited! So, grab this list, put on your dancing shoes, and get going! 🎉🎶🤩

--

--