Arturo Pino, CTO of HIX Corporation, shares his perspective on driving industrial innovation and modernizing manufacturing technology.
Episode Summary
In this episode of Open Source CXO: The Tech Leader's Podcast, we sit down with Arturo Pino, Chief Technology Officer at HIX Corporation, to explore the transformative role of open-source technology in the manufacturing sector. Arturo shares his journey from mechanical engineering to leading technological innovation, highlighting how open-source solutions are driving efficiency and adaptability in industrial operations.
Arturo delves into the challenges and opportunities of integrating open-source tools within traditional manufacturing frameworks, offering insights into fostering a culture of innovation. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or a manufacturing professional, this conversation provides valuable perspectives on leveraging open-source technology for industrial advancement.
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About Our Guest
Arturo Pino is the Chief Technology Officer at HIX Corporation, where he spearheads digital transformation initiatives to establish fully integrated smart factory environments using Industry 4.0 technologies. With extensive experience in advanced manufacturing, additive manufacturing, and software integration, Arturo has a strong track record of driving innovation, earning multiple patents for groundbreaking manufacturing technologies. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and is pursuing a Master’s in Computer Science, specializing in Machine Learning, at Georgia Tech.
00:00 - Introduction & Background
- Arturo Pino joins the show to discuss his background in mechanical engineering and the unique perspective he brings from the manufacturing industry.
01:30 - Early Career in Aerospace Manufacturing
- Arturo shares insights from his early years working on the factory floor in aerospace and defense, focusing on precision engineering and quality control.
03:30 - Automating Engineering with Software
- He discusses how he began automating engineering tasks using Excel macros and VBA to streamline data aggregation and analysis processes.
05:30 - From Matlab to Python
- Arturo explains his transition from using Matlab to open-source tools like Python, aiming to reduce licensing costs and improve accessibility for engineering teams.
07:00 - Scaling Internal Software Solutions
- He recounts how a homegrown analytics tool he built scaled to over 200 engineers, sparking his deeper dive into software development and process optimization.
09:00 - Leading Advanced Manufacturing Initiatives
- Arturo reflects on leading a department focused on advanced manufacturing, including the creation of a custom five-axis 3D printer and full-stack internal tooling.
10:23 - IT vs. Operational Tech in Manufacturing
- He distinguishes between traditional IT departments and operational technology teams, noting how manufacturing often lacks in-house software capabilities.
12:53 - Covid, Big Data, and the Modernization Push
- The pandemic highlighted the fragility of supply chains, spurring Arturo to champion data-driven modernization strategies in manufacturing.
15:46 - Challenges for Small Manufacturers
- Arturo outlines the major barriers small manufacturers face—like limited budgets, outdated systems, and integration challenges—and why many remain tech-averse.
22:46 - A New Vision for U.S. Manufacturing & Conclusion
- He closes with a hopeful vision of revitalizing American manufacturing through shared open-source tech stacks, modernization, and a cultural shift toward industrial self-reliance.
