About this episode

Rob Goldsmith discusses his journey from bioengineering to leading automation at Matrix, emphasizing the importance of AI and client relationships in manufacturing.

n this episode of Talking Industrial Automation , Lisa Richter sits down with Rob Goldsmith, Director of Industrial Systems at Matrix, to explore his unexpected journey from bioengineering student to automation leader overseeing one of North America's largest independent integration teams. Rob shares how Matrix "brings processes to life" through factory automation, network infrastructure, and industrial systems integration — from small retrofit projects to massive greenfield installations. He also explains automation in everyday terms using a simple "making soup" analogy, discusses the growing role of AI in manufacturing, and highlights why CSIA best practices and strong client relationships remain essential in a rapidly evolving industry. Tune in for insights on leadership, automation strategy, AI adoption, and the human side of industrial systems integration.

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