Michael UngarCEO of the Industry 4.0 Club

Beyond AI Hype: Sober Opportunities Emerging Now

22 May 2026 · 1 min

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In this segment of his talk, Michael Ungar stresses that while AI does have a meaningful role in manufacturing, its deployment must be guided by a grounded, realistic perspective that fully acknowledges its current limitations. He draws a parallel to the earlier Internet of Things (IoT) hype cycle, noting that the industry is just emerging from the trough of disillusionment. This shift away from hype‑driven enthusiasm creates a more sober environment where genuine, practical opportunities for AI integration can be identified and pursued responsibly.

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Now that's not to say that AI doesn't have a role in manufacturing. The thing is, is that you have, you really do have to have that, or let's say grounded perspective on how to leverage its capabilities completely cognizant of its limitations, right? And so the same, this is the same thing we saw at IoT as well, 'cause there was a hype cycle there. Sure. We're barely coming out of the trough of disillusionment, which I think is a good thing because people are a little bit more sober. We're not hype drunk, and there's opportunity.