Manufacturing Automation and the Impact of AI
Manufacturing is changing fast, with automation and artificial intelligence playing a bigger role than ever before. In this episode of Square One, host Sharath Sridhar speaks with Giuseppe Raciti, IT Head of Il Pastaio, about how technology is shaping modern food manufacturing and what the future of AI looks like in this space.
Listen to the full conversation using the attached YouTube video at the end.
From Curiosity to a Career in IT
Giuseppe’s interest in technology started at a young age. When his father brought home the family’s first computer, curiosity quickly turned into passion. Exploring the internet and learning how computers worked made him realize early on that IT was the field he wanted to be in.
Working in IT within a manufacturing environment keeps things interesting. Every day brings a new challenge, whether it is a network issue, a software problem, or something happening on the production floor. For Giuseppe, constant learning and problem-solving are what make the role exciting.
Early Tech Influences and Games
Like many people in technology, Giuseppe’s early exposure to computers came through games. He recalls spending an entire night playing a game called Cheez-Ice. Sharath shares similar memories of playing games like Mario and Road Rash, which sparked his own interest in computers.
They both agree that games often serve as a gateway into computer science. Games encourage curiosity, experimentation, and hands-on learning, which are important foundations for a career in technology.
Automation in Food Manufacturing
Over the last few years, Il Pastaio has invested heavily in automation to improve efficiency and reduce costs across its manufacturing operations.
Some of the key automation initiatives include robots for boxing, tray handling, and palletizing. Sensors have been installed to monitor temperature and quality parameters. Production lines are now highly integrated, starting from pasta creation and ending with finished pallets. Operators focus mainly on supervision rather than manual tasks.
An integrated MIS system connects machines across the factory floor. When an issue occurs, alerts are triggered immediately so quality or maintenance teams can take action without delay.
Predictive Maintenance and the Role of People
Looking ahead, Giuseppe highlights predictive maintenance as a key focus area. By analyzing machine data, systems can indicate when maintenance is needed before a failure happens. While this requires significant backend setup and data configuration, it helps keep production stable and reduces downtime.
Even with advanced automation, human involvement remains essential. Robots can generate errors or alarms and still need supervision. According to Giuseppe, people play a critical role in keeping production running smoothly and responding to unexpected situations.
AI in Manufacturing Today
AI is a popular topic across industries, but Giuseppe offers a realistic view of its current impact. Many solutions claim to use AI, but only some provide real value.
In the food manufacturing industry, AI is mainly used for data analysis, production optimization, and demand forecasting. By analyzing historical data along with factors like weather and location, AI systems can help predict future sales and improve planning.
Giuseppe shares that while these solutions show promise, the industry is still in the early stages of AI adoption.
What the Future Holds for AI
Giuseppe believes AI will become a core part of every business in the coming years. In IT, AI already helps with tasks such as coding assistance and error analysis. In the future, AI systems may be able to analyze logs, resolve issues automatically, and make decisions with minimal human input.
Rather than replacing IT teams, AI is expected to shift their focus toward coordination, oversight, and strategic planning.
Closing Thoughts
This conversation highlights how manufacturing is steadily moving toward smarter and more connected operations. Automation and AI are powerful tools, but long-term success depends on adopting them thoughtfully and maintaining strong human oversight.
Listen to the full episode with Giuseppe Raciti to hear these insights in his own words.
