AI taking the spotlight at Heat Treat 2025

Published 28th October, 2025 by Belle Law

From left to right: Craig Hodges, Principal Consultant at ALC, Inc., Trisha Rouse, OpEx Master at General Motors, Lee Rothleutner, Manager – Materials R&D at the Timken company, Dr. Mohammed Maniruzzaman, Engineering Specialist – Development & Research at Caterpillar Inc, Jason Sebastian Executive Vice President at QuesTek Innovations and finally, Lucas Lurger, Sales Director, Hardness Testing at QATM (Verder Group).

AI was a hot topic among furnace professionals last week as Heat Treat 2025 kicked off in Detroit, Michigan, USA.

The event was hosted at Huntington Place across 21-23 October and brought together exhibitors, industry leaders and academics for a showcase of heat treatment technology.

Discussions across the conference ranged from sustainability and hybrid furnace technologies to AI and automation across manufacturing.

Hosted by Trisha Rouse, OpEx Master at General Motors, one panel discussed the barriers and opportunities for AI. Here, speakers highlighted AI's advantages in streamlining operations.

On the showroom floor, exhibitors demonstrated their latest products and engaged in networking opportunities throughout the event.

Heat Treat is recognised as the largest event for heat treating professionals to come together and network in North America.

Beyond industry leaders smaller companies, independents and students were also present, looking to connect, learn, and see what the industry has to offer.