AI In Manufacturing Explained: Robotics, Safety, And The Future Workforce (with Mark Yahiro, RealSense)

In this episode of Workforce 4.0, host Ann Wyatt speaks with Mark Yahiro, Vice President of Business Development from RealSense about the intersection of AI, robotics, and the future of work. They discuss the importance of understanding the true costs of automation, the role of safety in robotics, and how AI can enhance efficiency in manufacturing. Mark shares innovative use cases of RealSense technology, including applications for inventory management and aiding those with visual impairments. The conversation also touches on the human element in AI integration and the future of job security in an increasingly automated world.

In This Episode:

-00:00: Introduction to Workforce 4.0

-00:30: Welcoming Mark Yahiro, RealSense

-04:02: The Real Value Of Ai For The Manufacturing Workforce

-05:48: RealSense's Mission Behind Making Robotics Safer

-08:49: Making Automation Practical And Safe For Humans

-11:28: How Any Business Can Get Started With AI

-14:15: Defining New Skills For A New Way Of Work

-17:14: AI IRL...

-22:55: How Manufacturing Companies Are Already Leading In Innovation

-27:52: Approachable Robotics Leading To Everyday Interactions

-31:04: Mark's Closing Thoughts And Point Of Contact

-31:55: Workforce 4.0 Outro

More About Mark:

Mark Yahiro is a seasoned business leader who incubates and scales emerging technologies and builds high-impact strategic partnerships. As VP of Business Development at RealSense, he helps drive expansion by securing the right partners for sustainable, long-term growth.

Over nearly 15 years at Intel, he held leadership roles across incubation, strategic partnerships, and emerging tech—most recently as GM of the RealSense business, leading computer vision and autonomous mobile robotics initiatives. He also led Intel’s Incubation and Disruptive Innovation Group, launching ventures and AI-driven solutions with meaningful real-world impact.

Earlier, Mark led strategic business development in Intel’s Client Computing Group and helped build the RealSense portfolio through investments, alliances, and M&A work with Intel Capital. Prior to Intel, he led marketing and business development at display-tech start-up PureDepth Inc., which went public in 2008 with a $400M market valuation. He holds a B.S. in Software Engineering (University of Illinois Chicago) and an MBA in International Business (DePaul University). To learn more about Mark, check him out here.