A Glimpse into the Future

Steve Brown Helps BCMC Attendees See AI and Robotics Without the Hype

In two back-to-back standing-room-only sessions at BCMC, futurist and author Steve Brown delivered a clear, grounded look at artificial intelligence and humanoid robotics, two technologies that are often surrounded by hype, but are quickly becoming practical tools for manufacturers, including component manufacturers (CMs). Instead of leaning into sci-fi predictions, Steve focused on what is real today, what is emerging tomorrow, and how industry leaders can begin preparing now.

Across both AI Without the Hype and Rise of the Robots: The Applicability of Humanoid Robotics in the CM Industry, Steve emphasized one central point: AI is not the future – it is the present. Most people already rely on AI dozens of times a day without realizing it. Email spam filters, product recommendations, navigation apps, and grammar tools are all powered by machine learning. People often don’t understand how they’re already using it in the simplest forms. 

Steve explained that AI has existed since the 1950s, but the breakthroughs of the past several years have rapidly increased its usefulness. For manufacturers, this means AI can already support design optimization, quality control, logistics, and decision-making. Steve highlighted generative design – software that can take a human-created truss design and create variations to reduce fasteners, minimize waste, and lower cost – as a near-term opportunity with truss design. 

Steve’s most important message, however, was cultural rather than technical. Being competitive in an AI-enabled world requires curiosity instead of fear. The biggest risk is not that AI or robots will take someone’s job, but that someone who understands how to use AI will.

“This is the direction we’re going [in], with AI and the rise of technology,” says Tyler Roberts, BCMC attendee and Truss Location Manager at Sunpro. “Being in manufacturing, it’s obviously the way forward. If you’re not going to embrace it, you’ll be left behind.”

If AI is already woven into daily life, humanoid robots are close behind. Steve described how advances in batteries, electric motors, lightweight materials, sensors, and machine vision have converged to make modern robots far more capable than ever before. Major companies, including Amazon and BMW, are already testing humanoid robots for basic tasks such as moving materials, sorting components, or retrieving tools.

These robots cannot swing a hammer yet, but their trajectory is clear. Steve noted that people expect that it will take a decade for robots to reach the mainstream, but they may arrive before then. Some employees at major tech companies are already considering having in-home humanoid robots, doing dishes and laundry, now. 

While the component manufacturing industry will eventually be affected by these advances, they will not be the first industry to adopt or be impacted by this. While other industries may use robots to free up labor, it could actually increase the number of people available to work in construction and manufacturing. Eventually, though, as labor scarcity continues, humanoid robots could become a cost-effective way to scale production without having to retool entire facilities.

Steve’s sessions offered “a discovery mode,” a chance to understand what is possible, what is coming, and how to choose a personal comfort level with adoption. “We look at different ways to use AI in software design, development, and within our plants,” says Shawn Overholtzer, BCMC attendee and Senior VP at Builders FirstSource. “Robotics are way more advanced than I even knew at this point, and Steve did a great job explaining AI and robotics, and where they’re headed.”

Steve urged attendees to start paying attention, experiment with AI tools, and become familiar with the rapid advancements happening around them. Just like in the early days of personal computers, those who choose to learn now will have an advantage later.

Judging by the packed room and engaged conversations after the session, BCMC attendees were more than ready to learn.