Harnessing AI and Big Data
The integration of artificial intelligence and big data into business strategies was a dominant theme across the conference. Major brands like Clorox and separately The Aerospace Corporation, in collaboration with Itonics, demonstrated how AI-assisted concepts are starting to outperform human-only ideas, offering a new paradigm in product development.
Successful Case Studies Leveraging Consumer Insights
Consumer insight companies such as Suzy, working with brands like Dr. Pepper, are identifying insights that lead to differentiated offerings in the market. Watch Me Think and others are using social media purchase behavior to gain insights for their clients. Upstream360 emphasized the importance of communicating innovations to consumers in meaningful ways to get the best ROI.
Innovative Partnerships and Business Models
The conference highlighted several compelling case studies on new or disruptive business and partnership models. A standout example was the collaboration between Kimberly-Clark, maker of disposable menstrual products, and Thinx, a producer of reusable period panties. This partnership not only expanded Thinx’s distribution but also enabled Kimberly-Clark to tap into a niche market with a sustainable product that resonates with consumers moving away from traditional solutions.
In addition, Cornell Technology Ventures presented a unique program, working with new PhDs from other countries as postdocs, sponsoring them to start their companies in an incubator model, then taking a portion of equity. This approach fosters international innovation in a novel way.
Technological Advancements: Robots and Cobots
On the third day, I had the privilege of leading the “Brunch with the Bots” keynote presentation with panelists Omar Eleryan from Cleo and Nevada Sanchez from Butterfly Network, which spotlighted the revolutionary integration of robotics in research and development. The session showcased a variety of robotic innovations that are being used in innovative companies today—from Automated Mobile Robots (AMRs) and Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) to articulated robots, humanoid robots, collaborative robots (cobots), and hybrid models.
The hands-on demonstrations were particularly enlightening, showcasing real-world applications of robots in enhancing service quality and data capture, and highlighting the technological prowess and human creativity behind these machines.
Moving Forward
Some questions that occurred to me during the FEI conference:
- What organizational adjustments will be needed to manage a front-end workforce centered on machine learning, AI and robotics integration?
- What new organizational titles will be needed? Are the managers of today the same ones that will thrive in this technological change?
- How should workers be upskilled to meet the demand for these new technologies?
As we reflect on the insights and inspirations from FEI 2024, it’s clear that the future of innovation lies in our ability to adapt and collaborate. The discussions and demonstrations from the conference have set the tone for what’s to come—smarter, more sustainable solutions that are closely aligned with consumer needs and aspirations.
Looking ahead, the challenge for us in the consumer-packaged goods industry is to continue this momentum, ensuring that the advancements in science and technology are leveraged appropriately to create products that exceed consumers’ expectations. As we look toward future innovations, let’s keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Here’s to more breakthroughs and successful collaborations in the coming year!
Editor’s Note: FEI 2025 will be held May 19-21, 2025, at the Omni Boston at the Seaport, Boston, MA.
