When I first started learning about manufacturing, I thought the biggest challenge would be understanding the machines.
Over time, I realized that things like process flow, bottlenecks, downtime analysis, and standardization were just as important.
Looking back, what's one concept that finally "clicked" for you and changed how you think about manufacturing?
Hey there, just been curious how many new people we have coming into the industry.
If you are new, please share a little about your experience and how long you've been in!
From manual forklift, electric forklift, to automated forklift, what's the future like in the next 20 years? AI? Meta? Eliminating the manual forklift? How to improve the current efficiency of automation logistics?
i have a graduation project and i want it to be related to the industry , mainly plc .. ., is there any real problems with security part that i can base my project on ? btw iam an industrial network and cybersec student .
Working on a research project around robotics development workflows.
Looking for engineers building perception systems for robots, AVs, drones, or mobile platforms.
Interested in things like:
- sensor realism
- calibration
- deployment failures
- simulation fidelity
- testing workflows
Survey takes about 4 minutes. Thanks if you have a few minutes :)
I’m 26 and trying to make the smartest long-term career decision.
Right now I work in Building Automation Systems (BAS) installation as a subcontractor doing Siemens controls. I’ve been in the field about a year and recently started getting the opportunity to run my own VAV jobs, so I’m continuing to learn and gain responsibility.
Here are my current pros and cons:
Current Job
$27/hour (plus occasional prevailing wage jobs)
Monday–Friday with every weekend off
Great learning opportunity in BAS
About a 1.5-hour commute each way, so I’m spending roughly 3 hours a day driving
Long days because of the commute
NewCold Offer
$34–35/hour
4 weeks PTO, benefits, 401(k)
About a 30-minute commute each way
Automation technician maintaining highly automated warehouse systems
Much less driving and more time at home
Rotating weekends instead of always having weekends off
Some work is in -10°F freezer environments (with cold-weather gear)
My biggest concern isn’t the money—it’s my long-term career. BAS seems like a specialized field with good growth potential, but NewCold would give me experience with industrial automation, PLCs, conveyors, robotics, and maintenance while also dramatically improving my commute and pay.
If you were in my shoes, what would you do?
Would you stay in BAS and continue building experience, or take the NewCold opportunity? I’d especially like to hear from anyone who has worked in building automation, industrial automation, or automated warehouses. Which path offers better long-term career growth, job stability, work-life balance, and earning potential?
Thanks in advance—I genuinely want to make the best decision for the next 10–20 years, not just the next paycheck
I’m looking at different ways people use tower lights / stack lights in real setups.
This video is just a quick tabletop overview of a 4-color light and control box, not an installation demo.
For your setup, what does each pattern usually mean?
Steady, slow flash, fast flash, and strobe all seem useful, but I’m curious how people actually assign them in workshops, machines, test rigs, or production lines.
Hi Everyone,
Beyond manufacturers, do you have any distributor of servo drives and motors in Switzerland to suggest?