Andreas Neppl is the Managing Director of a medical product manufacturer based in Beijing. In this interview, he discusses the impact of innovative technologies on his industry and how AI potential helps shape this development.

"The human factor is an opportunity, not a challenge—but only if employees feel in control and not overruled. In Germany, the skepticism is palpable, whereas in China, the openness to new technologies is a stark contrast."
How do you observe technological changes in manufacturing and process optimization? Are there areas you have automated or made more efficient?
Repetitive manual tasks must be automated for reasons of cost-efficiency and consistent quality. For example, last year we automated a blasting process. Previously, an employee maneuvered the product in the blasting cabin. This often resulted in varying distances to the blasting nozzle and inconsistent exposure times, leading to significant fluctuations in quality. Now, a robot performs this process, ensuring identical parameters and results for each part. The next step in automation will involve polishing processes.
What potential do you see in general for the use of new technologies like AI or Machine Learning in production?
Less in production itself, but more in quality assurance. Especially to establish a shared understanding of visual characteristics across multiple locations, a camera system with Machine Learning would be a significant improvement.
Which daily, recurring tasks do you think could be supported or automated by intelligent systems?
As mentioned above, in visual inspection. Additionally, in verifying medical orders and scheduling deliveries. Also, in audit preparation (AI as a test auditor).

"Incorporating AI into prosthetics manufacturing isn’t just about efficiency—it’s about merging high-tech solutions with medical precision to improve lives."
What is your opinion on tools that support employees in data-driven decision-making? Are such tools already in use in your company?
Currently, such tools are not in use. In general, I find it useful to utilize tools that support these processes. However, a qualified employee must still make the final decision.
How important is the human factor in the implementation of new technologies? Do you see it more as a challenge or an opportunity?
I see it as an opportunity. However, the human/employee must always maintain control and not feel overruled. Specifically, older employees often perceive new technologies as disruptive. In comparison, Chinese society is significantly more receptive to adopting new technologies than in Germany.
Have you had any personal experience with digital tools or AI applications, for example, in translation, productivity, or planning?
Yes. For example, in writing or rephrasing texts or speeches.
What do you consider the biggest technological change that will impact your industry in the next five years?
I believe robot-assisted operations which limit the surgeon's range of motion during the milling of the bone structure, will be the biggest change. This will allow for more precise and reproducible preperation of the bone.

Andreas Neppl is the Managing Director of a medical product manufacturer in China and has been leading and developing the company in Beijing for over a decade. With extensive experience in production, quality assurance, as well as research and development, he has played a key role in automating and optimizing complex manufacturing processes. His strong focus on innovation and the integration of new technologies positions him as leading expert in the industry, particularly in combining high-tech solutions with medical precision. In this interview, he shares fascinating insights into the use of AI and automation in prosthetics manufacturing and his vision for the future of the industry.
This interview is part of AI AT WORK, a series in which we interview various experts about the practical use of AI in different industries. Interviewer: Jan Kersling (PANTA RHAI)