43 - Flowfuse, AI, and the Future of Industrial Automation with ZJ van de Weg

Industrial automation meets modern software as FlowFuse CEO ZJ van de Weg joins Phil Seboa and Ed Fuentes to unpack how open-source tools like Node-RED are connecting teams across IT and OT, breaking down barriers with visual, low-code programming. Hear firsthand insights about scaling automation systems, the challenges and rewards of open source in manufacturing, and clever approaches to secure data management and fleet updates.

From home automation passion projects to strategic deployment in factories, this episode teases out the evolution of workflow integration, the importance of context, and practical ways organizations are pursuing smarter operations, plus a preview of what to expect at the ProveIt! Conference.

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About ZJ:

ZJ is the CEO of FlowFuse. As an engineer-turned-CEO with a career built on open-source software, his mission is to empower engineers to build better, more efficient software solutions.

Connect with ZJ: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/zegerjan/⁠

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About FlowFuse:FlowFuse is the Industrial Application Platform that connects any machine, moves data across any protocol, models it in any data platform, and operates industrial applications at scale—accelerated by an LLM-powered copilot that uses Model Context Protocol (MCP) to connect AI directly to your live industrial data.

Learn More:https://flowfuse.com/https://flowfuse.com/platform/why-flowfuse

Learn about FlowFuse at ProveIT Conference:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Wvbhw9MHzs

Follow FlowFuse on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FlowFuseInc

Listen to our episode with FlowFuse’s Nick O’Leary:https://youtu.be/mNCiiAHHFGU

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Connect with Phil on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-seboa/

Connect with Ed on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ed-fuentes-2046121a/

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About Industry Sage Media:

Industry Sage Media is your backstage pass to industry experts and the conversations that are shaping the future of the manufacturing industry.

Learn more at: http://www.industrysagemedia.com