Our discussion takes many interesting turns as Matthew shares his knowledge and insights on retro tech, the telecoms industry and the hot topic of cyber security. He feels quite strongly about this! Incorporating new tech into legacy hardware and machines is also his passion and I’ll be asking some controversial questions and getting his ‘European take’ on the always interesting MQTT vs OPC debate.
Fieldcloud, founded by Matthew D. Smith, is a French company specialising in integrating field operations with cloud computing. They develop systems that connect on-site equipment—such as machines, instruments, and sensors—to cloud platforms, enabling real-time data collection and analysis.
Fieldcloud serves as an advocate for the Internet of Things (IoT), educating businesses and governments on its potential. They provide training and support for creating IoT experimentation centers and laboratories, aiming to make IoT accessible and valuable to a broader audience.
In this episode, we dive deep into the complexities and nuances of modern manufacturing, automation, and the intersection of technology and industry. Our guest, an expert in the field, shares his journey from growing up in a tech-savvy household in South Africa to becoming a thought leader in industrial IoT and programmable communications.
Key Highlights:
Legacy Systems and Modernization: We discuss the challenges of dealing with legacy hardware and systems in manufacturing. Our guest shares a fascinating story about retrofitting old water purification machines with modern interfaces, highlighting the importance of adapting rather than replacing.
Retro Tech: A nostalgic look at retro computing, including the use of ZX Spectrums in IoT evangelization. This segment underscores the value of blending old and new technologies to showcase innovation.
Heuristics and Approximations: Our guest shares a humorous yet insightful anecdote about the difference between scientists and engineers, emphasizing the importance of practical approximations in engineering.
Cargo Cultism: We explore the concept of cargo cultism in software engineering and manufacturing, where practices are copied without understanding the underlying principles, leading to inefficiencies and missed opportunities for innovation.
MQTT vs. OPC UA: We discuss the ongoing debate between MQTT and OPC UA protocols, with our guest providing a balanced perspective on the strengths and weaknesses of each. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on interoperability and avoiding the pitfalls of forming exclusive "old boys clubs."
Skepticism of Shiny Objects: We touch on the hype surrounding AI and the industrial metaverse, with our guest expressing skepticism about their practical applications in manufacturing. He calls for a focus on real-world problems and solutions rather than getting distracted by sophisticated but impractical models.
Got any questions or comments for Matthew or myself? Reach out in the comments section below. Enjoy the podcast!
