The Downtime | Episode 38: Serving Looks and Drives

The Downtime Divas Sarah Wynn and Sheri Kasprzak are serving both looks and drives in this episode! Sarah chats with Festo's Tom Worsnopp.

Courtesy: WTWH Media

This week’s episode of The Downtime Podcast kicks off with the easy chemistry listeners have come to expect from co-hosts Sarah Wynn and Sheri Kasprzak. Right out of the gate, the duo sets the tone with a quick outfit check-in, acknowledging each other’s looks before diving headfirst into the trends, technology, and conversations shaping today’s industrial landscape.

At the top of the news segment, Wynn highlights Packaging OEM’s recent conversation with Teresa Williams of GS1 US, recorded at the National Retail Federation’s show. Williams shares what stood out most to her on the show floor, and it’s clear that packaging innovation continues to move at a rapid pace. Artificial intelligence, RFID, and the growing adoption of 2D barcodes were all major themes, underscoring how data-rich packaging is becoming a critical piece of supply chain visibility and efficiency. Wynn breaks down why these technologies matter for manufacturers and brand owners alike, especially as expectations for traceability and transparency continue to rise.

From there, Wynn shifts gears to automation software, spotlighting Bosch Rexroth’s expansion of its ctrlX AUTOMATION operating system. She describes the platform as an app-based ecosystem — essentially a smartphone for automation — where users can customize their systems with apps rather than relying on rigid, proprietary setups. This approach reflects a broader industry move toward openness, flexibility, and faster deployment, giving manufacturers more control over how they build and scale their automation strategies.

Kasprzak then brings in insights from Plant Engineering, introducing an article by Greg Ward, EIT, Orlando Cruz, PE, and Supasit Jong, PE of CDM Smith that tackles lighting selection in industrial environments. The piece digs into special considerations for hazardous-classified areas, explains why certain fixtures are chosen with maintenance in mind, and outlines what to look for when specifying lighting for heavy-duty or rugged applications. Kasprzak highlights how lighting is often overlooked but plays a critical role in safety, reliability, and long-term operating costs.

The heart of the episode is Wynn’s interview with Tom Worsnopp, product marketing manager at Festo. Their conversation centers on Festo’s CMMT-AS-S3 servo drive, a recent addition to the company’s portfolio designed to deliver higher levels of safety while simplifying machine design. Worsnopp explains how the drive helps machine builders integrate advanced safety functions without adding unnecessary complexity, making it easier to meet both performance and compliance goals. The discussion offers practical insight into how safety and efficiency can coexist — and even reinforce each other — in modern motion control.

After wrapping up the interview, Wynn and Kasprzak return for some lighter conversation, chatting about an upcoming storm, football, and ways to stay busy during snow-induced, unplanned downtime. It’s a fitting close to an episode that balances technical depth with real-world perspective.

From packaging trends and automation software to lighting design and safe motion, this episode of The Downtime Podcast delivers a well-rounded look at the technologies and conversations shaping today’s industrial operations — with just enough downtime talk to keep things relatable.

Timestamps for Episode 38

00:17 – Episode begins

01:10 – Co-hosts Sarah Wynn and Sheri Kasprzak acknowledge each other’s outfits.

02:06 – Sarah Wynn shares Packaging OEM’s conversation with GS1 US’s Teresa Williams from the National Retail Federation’s show about what stood out to her in terms of packaging, which includes AI, RFID, and 2D barcodes.

02:47 – Sarah chats about how Bosch Rexroth has expanded its ctrlX automation operating system, an app-based approach, sort of a smartphone for automation.

03:27 – Sheri introduces a piece at Plant Engineering about special considerations for lighting selections in industrial applications from Greg Ward, EIT, Orlando Cruz, PE, and Supasit Jong, PE of CDM Smith. The article provides insights into considerations for light fixture selection in hazardous-classified areas, explains why specific light fixtures are selected for maintenance purposes and teaches about light fixture selection for heavy-duty/rugged environments.

05:03 – Sarah interviews Tom Worsnopp, product marketing manager at Festo. They chat about Festo’s CMMT-AS-S3 servo drive which was recently added to Festo’s portfolio, offering machine builders higher levels of safety while simplifying design.

27:00 – Interview ends

27:22 – The hosts chat about the upcoming storm, football and how to stay busy during some snow-induced, unplanned downtime.

34:52 – Episode ends.