Learners Live

Did you Know?
Menu

Deloitte: Manufacturers Could Use AI to Address Workforce Shortages

William Attardi on September 18, 2026

Artificial intelligence could expand the pool of qualified applicants, reimagine workflows, and supplement on-the-job training, study says.Artificial intelligence (AI) could help manufacturers address persistent workforce shortages by expanding the pool of qualified applicants, reimagining workflows, and supplementing on-the-job training, according to a study from Deloitte and the Manufacturing Institute (MI). The study focuses on in-demand manufacturing technician roles and how embedding AI into new workflows could help deliver critical knowledge, skills, and guidance to a wider pool of workers in adjacent fields with similar skillsets. In fact, the analysis identifies nearly 2 million technicians in adjacent industries whose broad skills may be transferable to manufacturing. These workers could represent an important source of talent for manufacturers seeking to broaden pathways into technician roles and strengthen their workforce pipeline, and AI could play a crucial role. Deloitte: Manufacturers could use AI to address workforce shortages | DC Velocity

A New Software Platform for Lighting Manufacturers by David Shiller

William Attardi on September 2, 2026

I recently learned about a new type of software for lighting manufacturers that startles many of the typically siloed configurators, CRMs, PIMs, spec sheet generators, AI analytics, branded portals for reps and specifiers, and product spec search. Electrify Connect is positioning itself as a unified software platform for lighting manufacturers seeking to modernize the path from product configuration to quotation, submittal, order visibility and channel support. Rather than offering a standalone quoting tool, the platform combines CPQ, CRM, product-information management, analytics, specification search, automated document creation, AI assistance and ERP integrations in a single manufacturer-controlled environment. At its core is a rules-based configurator designed for the complexity familiar to architectural and commercial lighting suppliers. A New Software Platform For Lighting Manufacturers | LightNOW More information is available at: Electrify

Manufacturers Test AI-Translation Tech to Improve Worker Communications

William Attardi on April 7, 2026

To more effectively communicate with workers who speak little to no English, a growing number of U.S. manufacturers are leveraging translation technologies driven by artificial intelligence. They are also using real-time translation tools to improve safety and compliance with regulatory standards. Manufacturers employ roughly 1 million foreign-born workers, representing about 20% of the industry, according to 2024 U.S. Census Bureau data. Manufacturers test AI-translation tech to improve worker communications | Manufacturing Dive

The Creator of Baby Ruth Actually Sued Babe Ruth –The Baby Ruth candy bar was created by the Curtiss Candy Company in 1920 — the same year that baseball legend Babe Ruth hit a then-record 54 home runs. But the Great Bambino was irked that the company was selling a candy bar with such a similar name to his own without offering him any royalties. Rather than take the Curtiss Candy Company to court, the Sultan of Swat decided to make his own candy bar, and in 1926 he debuted Ruth’s Home Run bar. The Curtiss Candy Company responded by turning the tables and taking Ruth to court. They accused the slugger of trying to steal their trademark and capitalize on the success of their brand. In a 1931 deposition, Curtiss founder Otto Schnering insisted the candy was named after “Baby Ruth” Cleveland — the daughter of President Grover Cleveland.  He also attested that the company came up with the name in 1919 before the baseball player had become a household name and that the name was merely coincidental. While the validity of those claims is disputed to this day, the court nonetheless ruled in favor of the candy company, forcing Ruth to end his foray into the world of candy.