Author: Peggy Smedley
Much of the conversation around AI (artificial intelligence) in manufacturing and mobility has focused on the technology itself—algorithms, models, and digital capabilities. But here at Connected World and The Peggy Smedley Show, we always talk about the technology, the people, and the process. In this era of agentic AI, where intelligent systems don’t just analyze data, but begin to act, orchestrate, and autonomously execute across the enterprise, we must keep people and process top of mind. This is precisely the conversation I had recently with John Reed, global solutions leader, manufacturing and mobility industries, Microsoft, where he suggests we are…
For decades, jobsite safety has depended on manual inspections, incident reports, and after-the-fact analysis. Here at Constructech, we have covered as systems have moved from paper to Microsoft Excel to mobile apps, and now to something even more intelligent. With the rise of AI (artificial intelligence) and the IoT (Internet of Things), we have more tech tools at our fingertips than ever before. Driven by AI, sensors, and more, these high-tech systems can see risks as they develop, interpret patterns, and intervene before incidents occur. Let’s consider one example. AI-powered video and monitoring systems can now detect unsafe behaviors—like missing…
Peggy talks about how AI (artificial intelligence) is reshaping organizations, particularly the role of entry-level workers. She says every major technological shift—the Industrial Revolution, the computer revolution, and now AI—has changed how work is done. She also discusses: · The profile of the entry level role yesterday and today. · Early data that suggests entry level work is changing. · Three key questions your business needs to ask itself in the next era of work. https://peggysmedleyshow.com
Peggy Smedley and John Reed, general manager, manufacturing and mobility, Asia, Microsoft, talk about what is pushing manufacturing to look from digital tools to intelligent AI (artificial intelligence) systems. He says we are seeing a movement from pilots to deep implementation, which involves process reengineering and the orchestration of technology, process, and change across the enterprise. They also discuss: · The digital thread and interconnection of the enterprise. · Islands of successful AI implementations. · Case studies about how to establish roadmaps across business. https://www.microsoft.com/manufacturing https://www.microsoft.com/mobility
Peggy Smedley and Matt Hatton, founding partner, Transforma Insights, talk about what is coming in the IoT (Internet of Things) in 2026. He shares IoT transition topics and what is likely to be the most impactful during the next 12 months, pointing to the role of AI (artificial intelligence), video analytics, 5G, eSIM, and more. They also discuss: · GSMA standards—what has come before and what we have today. · How AI and the IoT are working together. · How many IoT devices will have embedded AI in the next decade. https://transformainsights.com/
What’s happening in the food industry? Food-service growth is expected to continue at a modest but steady pace in 2026, with real growth projected at 1.1%, slightly higher than 0.9% in 2025. The challenge is there is ongoing pressure related to costs and consumer expectations. Also, the food supply chain is under pressure like never before due to tightening regulations and persistent food waste, which is forcing the industry to rethink how it manages safety, quality, and transparency. Still, there is good news in all this discussion. There is a wave of innovation that is changing how food moves from…
Work zone fatalities have gone up in the United States, according to the most recent numbers from OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Admin.) with more than 898 deaths and 40,000 injuries estimated in 2023. This represents a 50% increase in work zone fatalities reported between 2013 and 2023. This is simply unacceptable. Can emerging technologies like AI (artificial intelligence) help? Of course, if implemented correctly. AI-powered safety tools are increasingly being deployed to reduce risk by improving visibility, identifying hazards earlier, and assisting workers and equipment operators with better situational awareness. Unlike traditional safety tools that rely solely on human…
Peggy Smedley talks about the state of the construction infrastructure market, sharing numbers and research from one new report. She says the companies that will win in the next decade will be the most adaptable. She also discusses: · What markets are thriving and what markets are stalling. · How we can build the cities and infrastructure of tomorrow. · Five steps organizations will need to take in the year ahead. https://peggysmedleyshow.com
Peggy Smedley and Paul Brussow, president, RLB North America, talk about the forces reshaping construction and the built environment, diving into a new report looking at cost, risks, and markets. He says we saw a federal rate cut in December 2025, and while we didn’t see the surge of groundbreakers we hoped, developers are cautiously optimistic. They also discuss: · If construction companies are repositioning for a different kind of economy. · Investment in training and the challenge of the retiring workforce. · Adjustments that are needed in certain sectors moving forward. https://www.rlb.com/
Peggy Smedley and Patrick Scarpati, director of construction technology and innovation, ABC (Associated Builders and Contractors), talk about the pressures contractors are facing and how technology is becoming central to that shift. He says technology is accelerating at varying levels throughout the industry. They also discuss: · How we can use technology to keep up with the speed of change. · The state of integration and APIs (application programming interfaces). · If technology will play a part in upskilling and reskilling. https://www.abc.org