BONUS: Software-Defined Automation: The Future of Industrial Control (sponsored by Siemens)
About this episode
This episode discusses the future of industrial control through software-defined automation with insights from industry leaders.
Two worlds that have never previously spoken the same language are now building the same machine. This week Chris sits down with David Nichols, CEO, Co-Founder and Engineer at Loupe, an alum of the show making his return. We are also joined by Kristen Quasey, Architecture & Portfolio Sales Manager, and Jan Bajorat, Senior Director of Software-Defined Automation, both at Siemens, for this special bonus episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour, live from Automate 2026. Together they get into software-defined automation, what that looks like on the shop floor, and why it's picking up momentum right now. David shares the story behind SASE, the Society of Automation Software Engineers, and what it felt like building a community around an idea before most of the industry had caught on. Kristen and Jan bring the perspective of a company adapting to a new generation of engineers and a shifting global workforce. In this episode, find out: What David means when he compares software-defined automation to a "chocolate and peanut butter" combination. Why David describes SASE as starting from a place of desperation rather than strategy. How Kristen and Jan see a new generation of engineers…
Sponsors
Siemens
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