In this episode of Mind Over Machine Design World managing editor Mike Santora is in conversation with Sean Peterson, CEO and co-founder of Supersede. As part of the show’s focus on real-world engineering insight, Santora asks Peterson to share a best practice or example from his career where an effective solution required thinking beyond what AI could provide. The discussion centers on practical challenges faced when introducing new materials into high-speed manufacturing environments.
Peterson explains that working with OEM customers means operating within tightly constrained production schedules, where even small disruptions can slow or jeopardize entire projects. To address this, his team prioritizes being physically present on production floors to observe workflows and identify opportunities to improve operations without interfering with established processes. This hands-on approach has led to identifying ways to deliver value while maintaining alignment with demanding manufacturing timelines.
He shares a specific example involving the need to install dense boards into a chassis at high speed, where precision and efficiency are critical. After finding no existing solution on the market, the team developed a custom drill guide mechanism within a week using metal 3D printing and traditional engineering tools like SolidWorks. Peterson highlights that combining fast prototyping capabilities with engineering expertise enabled them to create a tool that supports production pace, emphasizing the importance of having the right tools to build new solutions quickly. Watch the full interview in the video below.