The Robot Industry Podcast (Jim Beretta in partnership with A3 Association for Advancing Automation.)

Hello Everyone and welcome to this edition of The Robot Industry Podcast #112 with Johnson and Johnson's Martin Buehler.

Martin Buehler is Global Head of Robotics R&D for Johnson & Johnson MedTech. He is responsible for leading the end-to-end development for the MONARCH and OTTAVA robotics platforms, as well as strategy and innovation cadence across surgical robotics for MedTech. Buehler shapes and drives the innovation strategy for R&D teams across hardware and software and advances a collective vision and tactical program to make medical intervention smarter, less invasive, and more personalized.

Buehler has a strong track record of inspirational leadership in technology innovation and a diverse robotics experience across a variety of industry sectors, including medical, industrial, consumer, food, agriculture, logistics, entertainment, and defense. He has technical expertise in the full robotics software and hardware tech stack and the unique ability to lead the design, development and productization of complex, multi-disciplinary systems. 

Most recently, Buehler was the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Wavemaker Labs, a venture studio with startups in food and agriculture. He has held previous senior leadership roles at Creator, Walt Disney Imagineering, Medtronic, Vecna, iRobot, and Boston Dynamics.

He served as robotics professor at McGill University for 12 years, where he held a tenured position. His 130 peer-reviewed publications have been cited over 10,000 times. For his academic and industrial contributions and leadership in robotics, Buehler was named a Fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and is a recipient of The Joseph F. Engelberger Award in Technology, one of the most prestigious awards in robotics.

Buehler holds a master’s degree and Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Yale University and completed his postdoctoral work in the Artificial Intelligence Lab at M.I.T.

You and I have met before at the Forum in Orlando when you were with Walt Disney Imagineering group, so it is my pleasure to have you here today, welcome to the podcast!

So you've told me that you are happy to be back in the healthcare industry with robotics. Why is that and what do you find compelling?

You have called this sector a "rich landscape." Can you talk a bit about what you mean by that? How important is leadership to your role in developing these complex systems?

Part of your job is leading your teams, your suppliers, commercial groups at J&J, physicians, and planning for patient outcomes. How do you balance all of these often likely competing priorities?

You specified in a recent LinkedIn post that Monarch is a urology platform. Can it be used for other areas of the body?

What about diseases such as lung cancer? Can you talk about how you’re realizing the future of medicine by being able to inject reactive agents or oncolytic virus into the tumor?

Since this robot is a diagnostic tool paired with a treatment platform, it reduces the number of times that a patient has to have a procedure or surgery—is that correct?

Digital is a big part of your life -- especially in medicine -- and it is hard to have robots without digital. How is digital changing the game?

We have lots of challenges when it comes to connectivity to the cloud, big ecosystem connectivity, robots to instruments, robot to robot. How is this changing?

Johnson & Johnson’s CEO has said that there will be more changes in the next ten years than have taken place in the last 100 years in medicine. How will robotics play a role in this?

You are a big fan of the startups in this field. What are your...

Hello Everyone and welcome to this edition of The Robot Industry Podcast #113 with Matt Jones from Micropsi Industries.

Matt Jones is the VP of US Sales and Operations at Micropsi Industries USA, Inc. He works out of San Francisco, California with offices and the HQ is in Berlin, Germany with an office in Brooklyn, New York.

I caught up with Matt on location at Automate Detroit show in 2023 and had a demo, and in 5 minutes, I was convinced (and I am a skeptic). So be warned, I am a fan.

Here are my questions for Matt:

Who is Micropsi and what problem are you solving?

Partners?

Applications?

Lighting?

Types of robots?

When you are not automating AI, do you have any hobbies?

How can people get a hold of you?

About Microspi:

Micropsi Industries develops software for robots. Their product, MIRAI, enables industrial robots to handle variance in production. MIRAI-powered robots use cameras and sensors to react in real time to dynamic conditions in a workspace.

With MIRAI, you can tackle not only classic tasks, like picking, but also work steps that are economically difficult to automate — placing workpieces, tracing cables or contours, joining with gripping variance, handling objects that move or deform. MIRAI also treats stray light and wear-and-tear as just another form of variance. Training efforts increase somewhat, but a robust implementation is possible. With MIRAI, you benefit from short software innovation cycles. MIRAI learns faster and can do more with each update (if that is what you want).

MIRAI enables you to retrofit real AI — trained on site by your own people — into existing production setups. This is AI not in colorful management presentations, not in a laboratory, not in a tradeshow demo, but where you make your money.

Thanks for listening, and subscribing!

Jim

Jim Beretta Customer Attraction Industrial Marketing & The Robot Industry Podcast

To find out more about Micropsi click here and you can check out Matt Jones on LI here.

If you would like to get involved with A3 | The Robot Industry Podcast, would like to become a guest or nominate someone, you can find me, Jim Beretta on LinkedIn or send me an email to therobotindustrypodcast at gmail dot com, no spaces.

Ehrhardt Automation is our key sponsor. Ehrhardt builds and commissions robot and custom turnkey automated solutions for their worldwide clients. With over 80 years of precision manufacturing they understand the complex world of automated manufacturing, project management, supply chain and delivering world-class custom automation on-time and on-budget. Contact one of their sales engineers to see what Ehrhardt can build for you at info@ehrhardtautomation.com

Our co-sponsor for this episode is Anchor Danly. They are the leading manufacturer and distributor of high quality die sets, components, steel plates, and metal fabrications used in the production of tools, dies, and molds for metal working, automation and plastics injection molding, machine bases, mining and construction equipment, and general fabrications.

Keywords and terms for this podcast: Matt Jones, Micropsi Industries, MIRAI, AI Machine Vision, The Robot Industry Podcast, Ehrhardt Automation Systems #TheRobotIndustryPodcast Anchor Danly.

Welcome to The Robot Industry Podcast, edition #114. We recorded this podcast at the ADM Advanced Design Manufacturing Toronto 2023 show.

My guest is my friend and industry expert, Feisal Hurzook, Chief Technical Officer at Archronix Corp. ARCX connects people to processes by making tools more intelligent for Poke Yoke (error-proofing) especially in the automotive industry, monitoring critical processes.

As a Professional Electrical Engineer in the province of Ontario Feisal has worked on high reliability and mission critical projects from military, aerospace and transportation to consumer and commercial touch panels and industrial process controls. Starting his carrier in welding automation and robots and patented designs of high power switched reluctance motors - Feisal went on to manage the IT infrastructure for the Ontario Government and later worked on the F35 program at Honeywell Aerospace.  This diverse knowledge and entrepreneurial spirit led him to start his own automation device company in early 2000s as he witnessed a growing need in the shop floor automation space for network connected, error-proofing devices and industry's need to collecting vital manufacturing data in the modern factory.

Tell our audience about ARCX in Markham.

What is keeping engineers at EV companies up at night?

Let's talk about some of the challenges in EV automotive final assembly.

What is happening with variability in EV final assembly?

Why is quality so important in EV industry.

Traceability and safety in automotive industry final production.

Pressure, stakeholders and innovation in Electric Vehicle production.

Word of mouth "marketing" in EV final assembly automation.

Younger people building automobiles.

Equipment used to build cars and how they have changed. Who's computer is in charge?

Batteries as a structure of the car, adhesives and glue.

If you would like to find out about Feisal, you can check him out on LinkedIn. You can find out about ARCX in Markham, ON by clicking here. sales@ARCX.com is the best email address.

Thanks for listening, and subscribing!

Warm Regards,

Jim

Jim Beretta Customer Attraction Industrial Marketing & The Robot Industry Podcast

If you would like to get involved with A3 | The Robot Industry Podcast, would like to become a guest or nominate someone, you can find me, Jim Beretta on LinkedIn or send me an email to therobotindustrypodcast at gmail dot com, no spaces.

Ehrhardt Automation is our key sponsor. Ehrhardt builds and commissions robot and custom turnkey automated solutions for their worldwide clients. With over 80 years of precision manufacturing they understand the complex world of automated manufacturing, project management, supply chain and delivering world-class custom automation on-time and on-budget. Contact one of their sales engineers to see what Ehrhardt can build for you at info@ehrhardtautomation.com

Our co-sponsor for this episode is Anchor Danly. They are the leading manufacturer and distributor of high quality die sets, components, steel plates, and metal fabrications used in the production of tools, dies, and molds for metal working, automation and plastics injection molding, machine bases, mining and construction equipment, and general fabrications.

Keywords and terms for this podcast: EV final assembly systems, Feisal Hurzook, #GRID, Andon systems,...

Welcome everyone to The Robot Industry Podcast # 115. We recorded this podcast at Beckhoff Canada's HQ in Cambridge, Ontario. It is a wonderful facility.

Calvin Wallace is the President at Beckhoff in Canada with over 17 years of dedicated service where his expertise and leadership have been instrumental in the company's sustained success. His over 30 years of experience in automation technology, and unwavering commitment have played a pivotal role in the company's growth, making him a driving force in the field of automation and control systems. Under Calvin's leadership, Beckhoff continues to thrive in the automation industry, setting new standards for innovation and excellence.

Calvin welcome to the podcast!

Calvin, can you tell me what attracted you to work in the automation industry?

Can you tell us about Beckhoff, the company and the technology?

For some of our listeners What is PC vs PLC machine control?

What are some of the big picture themes that are happening at Beckhoff?

For our listeners that don’t know, what is TwinCAT and why is this approach different?

When do companies choose Beckhoff …… say for machine control, what are some of their big motivators?

Are there any industries that have grown recently that are surprising you here in Canada?

Let’s talk about intelligent transport systems. I understand Beckhoff offers two unique and innovative solutions named the XTS and XPlanar. First, could you explain what is an intelligent transport system followed by how those products can help customers?

Tell us about OCT, One Cable Technology

Beckhoff has a unique perspective on vision integration and safety?

I heard in a presentation that you gave about some innovative work that Beckhoff is doing around control cabinets. Can you expand on this?

What do you see as the future for machine and motion control systems perspective?

When you are not selling controls, motion and such what do you like to do in your free time?

Have we forgotten anything?

Calvin How can people get a hold of you or find out more about Beckhoff in Canada?

Enjoy the podcast. Thanks for subscribing, thanks for listening.

Regards,

Jim

Jim Beretta Customer Attraction Industrial Marketing & The Robot Industry Podcast

To find out more about Beckhoff click here and you can check out Calvin Wallace, here.

If you would like to get involved with A3 | The Robot Industry Podcast, would like to become a guest or nominate someone, you can find me, Jim Beretta on LinkedIn or send me an email to therobotindustrypodcast at gmail dot com, no spaces.

Ehrhardt Automation is our key sponsor. Ehrhardt builds and commissions robot and custom turnkey automated solutions for their worldwide clients. With over 80 years of precision manufacturing they understand the complex world of automated manufacturing, project management, supply chain and delivering world-class custom automation on-time and on-bud...

Hello Listeners. Welcome The Robot Industry Podcast #116.

Meet Frederic Vachon, the founder and visionary behind RBOT9, a company at the forefront of changing the rules for the long-range robotics landscape. Rbot9 is a manufacturer of suspended cable robots, operating with a unique and patented formula, able to operate efficiently in oversized environments. Whereas traditional robotics is overwhelmed by the needs of scale and reach, Rbot9 offers a versatile solution, supportive of any end effector depending on the application. Rbot9 aims to develop robotics in new spheres thanks to its ability to work in already used environments (brownfields). The Rocap is setting new standards in the long-range automation industry. In just two years under Frederic's leadership, RBOT9 transformed into a six-figure company, attracting top talents and forward-thinking engineers. 

Welcome to the podcast, Frederic

How did you get started?

Tell us about your robot and your team.

Quebec is a hotspot for robotics and automation, how important is it that you are located in Montreal, St Hubert?

Who are your bulls-eye customers? 

What applications?

What kind of end effector can be on the end of your robot?

Do you have some applications that you can talk about?

How are you finding sales?

Tell us about some of your partners?

Safety is so important, how do you ensure worker safety?

Where do you see the future for Rbot9?

How can people get a hold of you?

Enjoy the podcast. Thanks for subscribing, thanks for listening.

Regards,

Jim

Jim Beretta Customer Attraction Industrial Marketing & The Robot Industry Podcast

To find out more about RBOT click here and you can check out Frederic Vachon, here.

If you would like to get involved with A3 | The Robot Industry Podcast, would like to become a guest or nominate someone, you can find me, Jim Beretta on LinkedIn or send me an email to therobotindustrypodcast at gmail dot com, no spaces.

Ehrhardt Automation is our key sponsor. Ehrhardt builds and commissions robot and custom turnkey automated solutions for their worldwide clients. With over 80 years of precision manufacturing they understand the complex world of automated manufacturing, project management, supply chain and delivering world-class custom automation on-time and on-budget. Contact one of their sales engineers to see what Ehrhardt can build for you at info@ehrhardtautomation.com

Our co-sponsor for this episode is Anchor Danly. They are the leading manufacturer and distributor of robot and automation bases, high quality die sets, components, steel plates, and metal fabrications used in the production of tools, dies, and molds for metal working and plastics injection molding, mining and construction equipment, and general fabrications.

Keywords and terms for this podcast: Robot, Robotics, Rbot9, The Robot Industry Podcast, Ehrhardt Automation Systems , #TheRobotIndustryPodcast, 

The Automation Road Map

Welcome to The Robot Industry Podcast #117. I am thrilled to introduce you to Ben Whitney from ARMO Tool and Abuma Manufacturing, both located in London, ON. Armo Tool is a long-time machine builder, robot integrator, and tool manufacturer with a specialty in dies and progressive dies. Abuma Manufacturing is a contract manufacturing and build-to-print company with specialties around aluminum, electro-mechanical, and stainless steel fabrication.

This is our title today: Creating an Automation Roadmap with Armo Tool’s Ben Whitney.

I am going to read your bio, Ben and let me know if I have left anything out.

Ben Whitney is the third-generation leader of Armo Tool, founded by George and Ross Whitney in 1969. Soon after graduation from U Of Toronto in 2000, he became a full-time employee at Armo Tool, where he had worked on a casual basis since age 14. Ben worked as a PLC programmer, die designer and project manager before taking on the role of president in 2008. In 2017, he earned a Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering in 2013 from Western Engineering.

Ben welcome to the podcast, I am glad you’re here. Here are my questions.

WHAT IS AN AUTOMATION ROAD MAP?

Ben, have you created an Automation Roadmap?

Let's talk about the steps to creating this road map.

Why is this so important? 

Who owns this document?

Have you seen successes in doing this?

Do customers ever share the roadmap with you, an automation supplier?

How is this different from a specification document?

Can you help with an Automation Roadmap?

Who should be involved?

What kinds of things would be on the roadmap? 

What shouldn’t be on the roadmap?

When do you start an automation roadmap?

Have we talked about everything?

How can people get in touch with you?

Fun fact that Ben Whitney and Armo Tool both appear in a film that I helped create called "Robotics in Action, Seeing is Believing" with CFIN, Canadian Food Innovation Network. Armo Tool builds automation in the food and packaging industry and was kind enough to let us shoot video and interview him and his team for this project around food, robotics and automation.

Enjoy the podcast. Thanks for subscribing, thanks for listening.

Regards,

Jim

Jim Beretta Customer Attraction Industrial Marketing & The Robot Industry Podcast

To find out more about ARMO Tool click here, for Abuma Manufacturing, here and you can check out Ben Whitney on LinkedIn, here.

If you would like to get involved with A3 | The Robot Industry Podcast, would like to become a guest or nominate someone, you can find me, Jim Beretta on LinkedIn or send me an email to therobotindustrypodcast at gmail dot com, no spaces.

Ehrhardt Automation is our key sponsor. Ehrhardt builds and commissions robot and custom turnkey automated solutions for their worldwide clients. With over 80 years of precision manufacturing th...

Ben Garvey, P.Eng. is the Founder & President of Enginuity Inc. in Halifax NS and he is my guest for podcast #118. I was onsite at his automation facility and we were able to record this podcast session. There is something that I really like about being face to face in an interview, and bonus - I get a tour of the automation facility.

Ben how you got involved in the automation industry and tell me about Enginuity? 

What are some trends and technologies that you are seeing in your business? 

What is keeping your customers up at night?  

Interesting application stories? 

Reducing risk for you and your customers > how is this done? 

Labour crunch for your customers? East coast automation? 

Attracting and retaining staff, is this a challenge? 

Spin off technoloties from Enginuitiy?

Advice for young people trying to get into automation?

When you are not building robots and automation what do you like to do?

 How can people get a hold of you?

Enjoy the podcast. Thanks for subscribing, thanks for listening.

Regards,

Jim

Jim Beretta Customer Attraction Industrial Marketing & The Robot Industry Podcast

To find out more about Enginuity check them out https://enginuityinc.ca/

Ben Garvey https://www.linkedin.com/in/garvey-ben-76752611/

If you would like to get involved with A3 | The Robot Industry Podcast, would like to become a guest or nominate someone, you can find me, Jim Beretta on LinkedIn or send me an email to therobotindustrypodcast at gmail dot com, no spaces.

Ehrhardt Automation is a sponsor. Ehrhardt builds and commissions robot and custom turnkey automated solutions for their worldwide clients. With over 80 years of precision manufacturing they understand the complex world of automated manufacturing, project management, supply chain and delivering world-class custom automation on-time and on-budget. Contact one of their sales engineers to see what Ehrhardt can build for you at info@ehrhardtautomation.com

Our co-sponsor for this episode is Anchor Danly. They are the leading manufacturer and distributor of machine and automation bases, high quality die sets, components, steel plates, and metal fabrications used in the production of tools, dies, and molds for metal working, plastics injection molding, mining and construction equipment, and general fabrications.

Keywords and terms for this podcast: Machine Builders, Tooling, Robot Integrators, Enginuity Automation, Ben Garvey, Ehrhardt Automation Systems , #TheRobotIndustryPodcast, Anchor Danly

Hello Automation Fans! I recorded this podcast at the ADM Toronto show in November. The team from Pilz Canada joined me to talk about something that we don't talk about very much on the podcast, and that is factory safety.

I am joined by Andreas Sobotta and Guillame Lavoie with background help from my friend Catherine Tran.

Enjoy the podcast. Thanks for subscribing, thanks for listening.

Regards,

Jim

Jim Beretta Customer Attraction Industrial Marketing & The Robot Industry Podcast

To find out more about Pilz check them out https://www.pilz.com/en-CA

If you would like to get involved with A3 | The Robot Industry Podcast, would like to become a guest or nominate someone, you can find me, Jim Beretta on LinkedIn or send me an email to therobotindustrypodcast at gmail dot com, no spaces.

Ehrhardt Automation is a sponsor. Ehrhardt builds and commissions robot and custom turnkey automated solutions for their worldwide clients. With over 80 years of precision manufacturing they understand the complex world of automated manufacturing, project management, supply chain and delivering world-class custom automation on-time and on-budget. Contact one of their sales engineers to see what Ehrhardt can build for you at info@ehrhardtautomation.com

Our co-sponsor for this episode is Anchor Danly. They are the leading manufacturer and distributor of machine and automation bases, high quality die sets, components, steel plates, and metal fabrications used in the production of tools, dies, and molds for metal working, plastics injection molding, mining and construction equipment, and general fabrications.

Keywords and terms for this podcast: Andreas Sobotta and Guillame Lavoie,  Automation Safety, Ehrhardt Automation Systems , #TheRobotIndustryPodcast, Anchor Danly

For this edition of #Therobotindustrypodcast (#120) I caught up with an old friend, David McCharles from Pineberry Manufacturing during Informa's ATX and PackEx Toronto show. David is an entrepreneur business owner and golfer.

David manufactures very specific machinery to the automation and packaging market: Friction feeders, pick and place dispensers, plastic card material handling equipment, card affixers, conveyors, leaflet dispensers, custom automation, labelling systems, inkjet, collation systems and more.

We talk about what's happening in packaging automation and his changes from 2009.

Automation integration, robotics integration.

One point of contact for end packaging companies.

Automation projects > What's Happening?

Pokey Man Cards

Personalization of letters inserted into boxes

Printing on envelopes, bubble mailers, paper bags, etc.

Enjoy the podcast. Thanks for subscribing, thanks for listening.

Regards,

Jim

Jim Beretta Customer Attraction Industrial Marketing & The Robot Industry Podcast

To find out more about Pineberry click here and you can check out David McCharles, here.

If you would like to get involved with A3 | The Robot Industry Podcast, would like to become a guest or nominate someone, you can find me, Jim Beretta on LinkedIn or send me an email to therobotindustrypodcast at gmail dot com, no spaces.

Ehrhardt Automation is our key sponsor. Ehrhardt builds and commissions robot and custom turnkey automated solutions for their worldwide clients. With over 80 years of precision manufacturing they understand the complex world of automated manufacturing, project management, supply chain and delivering world-class custom automation on-time and on-budget. Contact one of their sales engineers to see what Ehrhardt can build for you at info@ehrhardtautomation.com

Our co-sponsor for this episode is Anchor Danly. They are the leading manufacturer and distributor of robot and automation bases, high quality die sets, components, steel plates, and metal fabrications used in the production of tools, dies, and molds for metal working and plastics injection molding, mining and construction equipment, and general fabrications.

Keywords and terms for this podcast: David McCharles, Pineberry Manufacturing, Contract Manufacturing, Friction Feeders, Card Feeders, The Robot Industry Podcast, Ehrhardt Automation Systems #TheRobotIndustryPodcast Anchor Danly

I welcome Andrea Mazzini and Chris Round to this edition (#121) of The Robot Industry Podcast. If you know me, you might have also met Chris, one of the best marketers and salesperson in our industry. We had this call while Chris was at HQ in Arezzo, Tuscany in Italy.

Some of my questions to Chris and Andrea:

Chris you have just ARS, can I excited you about the company and the opportunity?

Andrea There is a lot going on in Italy right now when it comes to automation?

What’s happening out there from your perspective?

What is Flexibowl? Are there any other major components?

How does it work?

What makes it innovative? What kind of parts are in its sweet spot?

Where are you having success? What is the typical cycle time?

Tell me about the vision system?

Success Stories / Case stories?

Does it compete with traditional bowl feeders or other feeding technologies?

Where is it made? What about service and support?

Tell us about Automate show. What is your booth number at Automate Show?

how do I find out more information about ARS and Flexibowl?

Enjoy the podcast. Thanks for subscribing, thanks for listening.

Regards,

Jim

Jim Beretta Customer Attraction Industrial Marketing & The Robot Industry Podcast

To find out more about Ars Automation click here and you can check out Chris Round and Andrea Mazzini, via their LinkedIn profiles.

If you would like to get involved with A3 | The Robot Industry Podcast, would like to become a guest or nominate someone, you can find me, Jim Beretta on LinkedIn or send me an email to therobotindustrypodcast at gmail dot com, no spaces.

Ehrhardt Automation is our key sponsor. Ehrhardt builds and commissions robot and custom turnkey automated solutions for their worldwide clients. With over 80 years of precision manufacturing they understand the complex world of automated manufacturing, project management, supply chain and delivering world-class custom automation on-time and on-budget. Contact one of their sales engineers to see what Ehrhardt can build for you at info@ehrhardtautomation.com

Our co-sponsor for this episode is Anchor Danly. They are the leading manufacturer and distributor of robot and automation bases, high quality die sets, components, steel plates, and metal fabrications used in the production of tools, dies, and molds for metal working and plastics injection molding, mining and construction equipment, and general fabrications.

Keywords and terms for this podcast: Ars Automation, Chris Round, Andrea Mazzini, Flexibowl, The Robot Industry Podcast, Ehrhardt Automation Systems #TheRobotIndustryPodcast Anchor Danly

Today for The Robot Industry Podcast (#122) I welcome Drew Wilson. Drew has been a leader in all things electrical and mechanical test and he is a friend. Drew is a brilliant engineer and is not afraid to speak his mind especially about all things automation and testing. He has helped educate hundreds of engineers and customers about common sense testing in the automation industry.

You have had a very interesting jobs and projects in your life. You have worked on the people mover in Detroit and in automotive, medical device, pharma machines and there are lots that we cannot talk about too.

Drew, Test is a challenge for manufacturers and machine builders, because I feel that they just want to buy something and move on and they, the machine builder and maybe even the end customer don’t really know why and what they are testing. They just want a Pass or a Fail…a simple answer to a complex problem. Would you agree?

Can you tell our listeners what a gauge R & R is? Why would you recommend a test company and not an automation company or machine builder to do the test part of an automated system? What are some trends that you have noticed in automated testing over the last few years? What are some of the best practices for test/testing? Do you have some favourite test equipment companies, hardware and software? Testing is a huge challenge to both the manufacturer and the automator, how would your recommend to some of our listeners who might be thinking ~ how can I specialize (or maybe how can my kid) specialize in test and test instrumentation, how do I learn about this? Maybe I want to start a test instrumentation company? How do I do that? Machine vision is sometimes confused with testing…what are your thoughts? A question about expensive test equipment. If I am installing test equipment in an automated system, am I best to distribute the test equipment throughout the machine or put it at the end of the line, what is your thoughts on this? What are the big mistakes that automation integrators, even very big and capable ones make when it comes to test? What do you like doing when you are not selling robots? How can people get a hold of you?

Enjoy the podcast. Thanks for subscribing, thanks for listening.

Regards,

Jim

Jim Beretta
 Customer Attraction Industrial Marketing & The Robot Industry Podcast If you would like to get involved with A3 | The Robot Industry Podcast, would like to become a guest or nominate someone, you can find me, Jim Beretta on LinkedIn or send me an email to therobotindustrypodcast at gmail dot com, no spaces.

If you would like to get in touch with Drew, LinkedIn is the best place:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/drew-wilson-8206b43 or you can get in touch with me.

Ehrhardt Automation is our key sponsor. Ehrhardt builds and commissions robot and custom turnkey automated solutions for their worldwide clients. With over 80 years of precision manufacturing they understand the complex world of automated manufacturing, project management, supply chain and delivering world-class custom automation on-time and on-budget. Contact one of their sales engineers to see what Ehrhardt can build for you at info@ehrhardtautomation.com

Our co-sponsor is Anchor Danly. They are the leading manufacturer and distributor of robot and automation bases, high quality die sets, components, Blanchard Ground steel plates, and metal fabrications used in the production of tools, dies, and molds for metal working and plastics injection molding, mining and construction equipment, and general fabrications.

Welcome to edition #123 of The Robot Industry Podcast. I had the opportunity recently to travel to Fremont, Ohio and get a tour of the Motion Controls Robotics facility and meet with Scott Lang, president and CEO.

Scott, Tell me a bit about Motion Controls Robotics.

What is on your customer’s minds when they are looking for an automation solution? What is most important?

You have done work in building materials, food and bev, what other industries?

What do you mean by end-of-line robotics systems?

What is happening in palletizing?

What does Induction mean?

What is a modular palletizing system?

Are you finding that you are doing more work with smaller companies or larger companies?

What is more important, cycle time or uptime?

What does the ROI conversation look like - is it still 24 months?

You are Fanuc partner ~ what does that mean to you, Fanuc and your end customer?

Let’s talk about end of arm tools, are you seeing any trends?

How long does it take to purchase, design and build a system?

Do you find more engineers in the building (ie in your customer's buildings)or less?

How are you attracting skilled trades?

How do you stay on target for machine deliveries?

Did we forget to talk about anything?

When you are not automating, integrating automation, what do you like to do, hobbies?

How can people get a hold of you?

Enjoy the podcast. Thanks for subscribing. Thanks too to the team at Motion Controls Robotics for putting this visit together, especially Nicole Busenbark.

Regards,

Jim

Customer Attraction Industrial Marketing & The Robot Industry Podcast If you would like to get involved with A3 | The Robot Industry Podcast, would like to become a guest or nominate someone, send me an email to therobotindustrypodcast at gmail dot com, no spaces or find me on LinkedIn.

If you would like to get in touch with Scott, LinkedIn is the best place or you can get in touch with me.

Motion Controls Robotics website is here.

Ehrhardt Automation is our key sponsor. Ehrhardt builds and commissions robot and custom turnkey automated solutions for their worldwide clients. With over 80 years of precision manufacturing they understand the complex world of automated manufacturing, project management, supply chain and delivering world-class custom automation on-time and on-budget. Contact one of their sales engineers to see what Ehrhardt can build for you at info@ehrhardtautomation.com

Our co-sponsor is Anchor Danly. They are the leading manufacturer and distributor of robot and automation bases, high quality die sets, components, Blanchard Ground steel plates, and metal fabrications used in the production of tools, dies, and molds for metal working and plastics injection molding, mining and construction equipment, and general fabrications.

Hello Gentle Readers and welcome to edition #124 of #therobotindustry podcast. Forgive my reference to Bridgerton, my partner is addicted. I also need to correct the title of this podcast edition, Canon Reeves company is actually called Pipedream Labs.

Pipedream is an autonomous underground rail system that offers near-instantaneous delivery of objects to and from homes and businesses.

This episode  is about unprecedented convenience and a really big idea. Its a mash up of instant super convenience, getting trucks off the road making life better and disrupting...well everything.

Canon, tell us about yourself.

Tell us about Pipedream and how you had the idea.

What do you mean by hyperlogistics?

We talked in the warm up but give us some examples of how this works, today in fast food, near a parking lot.

What about some other examples of real life applications that you are working on?

Tell us about your new robot.

How is this a greener, cheaper, and more accessible solution?

Who are your first customers?

How do you demo your system to potential clients?

Who are your partners?

Are there any bulls eye customers that you are looking for?

Tell me about your big news…..$13 Million

What do you need?

When you are not automating innovating, building robots, what do you like to do, hobbies?

How can people get a hold of you?

Enjoy the podcast. Thanks for subscribing.

Regards,

Jim

Customer Attraction Industrial Marketing & The Robot Industry Podcast If you would like to get involved with A3 | The Robot Industry Podcast, would like to become a guest or nominate someone, send me an email to therobotindustrypodcast at gmail dot com, no spaces or find me on LinkedIn.

Ehrhardt Automation is our key sponsor. Ehrhardt builds and commissions robot and custom turnkey automated solutions for their worldwide clients. With over 80 years of precision manufacturing they understand the complex world of automated manufacturing, project management, supply chain and delivering world-class custom automation on-time and on-budget. Contact one of their sales engineers to see what Ehrhardt can build for you at info@ehrhardtautomation.com

Our co-sponsor is Anchor Danly. They are the leading manufacturer and distributor of robot and automation bases, high quality die sets, components, Blanchard Ground steel plates, and metal fabrications used in the production of tools, dies, and molds for metal working and plastics injection molding, mining and construction equipment, and general fabrications.

For this edition of #TheRobotIndustryPodcast (#125) I have invited Rajat Bhageria from CHEF Robotics for a conversation. We met recently at Automate show in Chicago and got reintroduced through Vention.

Chef Robotics: Empowering Humans to do what they do Best

Tell us about Chef Robotics and how you had this idea. Where are you located and tell us about the team. We talked in the warm up that you have been in stealth mode. Why stealth? how bad is the labor shortage in the food serving industry? You have food broken up food prep into three main areas, starting with preparation…. Why is AI, artificial intelligence so critical to the mission and your competitive advantage in food? How does AI help your customers? What does a food automation system look like at Chef Robotics? Typical questions from your customers? Lets talk about food safety and cleanliness: how do you approach this? What food has given you the most challenges? What about spices? Tell us about your robot and your code. How does a customer add new foods. Maybe Sticky Rice? Who are your first customers? Are there any bulls eye customers that you are looking for? How do you charge for an automation system? What do you need from our community? Did we forget to talk about anything? Challenges with Scaling this business? When you are not automating, innovating, building food robots and AI,  what do you like to do, hobbies? How can people get a hold of you and find out more about CHEF Robotics?

Enjoy the podcast. Thanks for subscribing.

Regards Jim Customer Attraction Industrial Marketing & The Robot Industry Podcast

If you would like to get involved with The Robot Industry Podcast, 
would like to become a guest or nominate someone, send me an email to 
therobotindustrypodcast at gmail dot com, no spaces or find me on LinkedIn. Ehrhardt Automation is our key sponsor. Ehrhardt builds and commissions robot and custom 
turnkey automated solutions for their worldwide clients. With over 80 
years of precision manufacturing they understand the complex world of 
automated manufacturing, project management, supply chain and delivering
world-class custom automation on-time and on-budget. Contact one of 
their sales engineers to see what Ehrhardt can build for you at 
info@ehrhardtautomation.com

Our co-sponsor is Anchor Danly They are the leading manufacturer and distributor of robot and 
automation bases, high quality die sets, components, Blanchard Ground 
steel plates, and metal fabrications used in the production of tools, 
dies, and molds for metal working and plastics injection molding, mining
and construction equipment, and general fabrications.

For episode #126 of #TheRobotIndustryPodcast, I have invited Saman Farid from Formic. I have been watching Formic for a long time and am excited for them and their approach and thrilled to have Saman join me for this edition.

Saman welcome to the podcast.

How did you get involved in automation and building a very cool, disruptive model for manufacturers?

What is going on in manufacturing ?

What is your customer’s pain?

What are some of the secondary motivations?

Can you give me some examples of applications that you are doing for your customers?

What is the process if I have an application in my factory that I think might be a good fit for Formic.

What kind of applications do you tend to stay away from?

Are you turnkey, do you provide design of the robot end of arm tool for example?

How long does this take from initial visit or virtual visit to getting a machine on my shop floor?

How do you charge for this service? How do you get paid? Are there any soft costs?

Can you describe the process ~ Let’s say I want you to help me automate a machine tending application.

What about uptime and OEE?

Who services the equipment?

How long will the machine last?

What happens when the program ends as a manufacturer?

Can I upgrade the automation?

Who are your favorite robot brands and controls technologies?

You have got a couple of success stories…?

Granola Business in California.

Cameron Coffee in MN.

What is Formic CORE?

Everyone is talking about AI, are you using AI?

Who is your key customer, is it a plant manager or CEO or CFO?

How do you find new customers and prospects?

What are some of the challenges that you are facing at Formic in this growing business?

When you are not automating, innovating, building food robots and AI, what do you like to do, hobbies?

How can people get a hold of you and find out more about Formic?

Our sponsor for this episode is Ehrhardt Automation Systems. Ehrhardt builds and commissions turnkey solutions for their worldwide clients. With over 80 years of precision manufacturing they understand the complex world of robotics, automated manufacturing, and project management, delivering world-class custom automation on-time and on-budget. Contact one of their sales engineers to see what Ehrhardt can build for you info@ehrhardtautomation.com eh rh ar dt automation dot com

Our co sponsor is Anchor Danly. They are the leading manufacturer and distributor of robot and automation bases, high quality die sets, components, Blanchard Ground steel plates, and metal fabrications used in the production of tools, dies, and molds for metal working and plastics injection molding, mining and construction equipment, and general fabrications.

I would like to acknowledge A3: the Association for Advancing Automation. They are the leading automation trade association for robotics, vision and imaging, motion control and motors and the industrial artificial intelligence technologies.  Visit Automate dot org to learn more.

If you would like to get in touch with us at THE robot industry podcast, you can find me jim beretta on LinkedIn.

Today’s podcast was produced by Customer Attraction Industrial Marketing and I would like to thank my team: Chris Gray for the music, Geoffy Bremner for audio production, my business partner Janet and our sponsors, Ehrhardt Automation and Anchor Danly. 

Best Regards!

Jim

J...

Hello Everyone,

For this episode of The Robot Industry Podcast, I have picked one of my favourite podcast recordings. The robot industry needs more "Dave Goodenough's".

Enough said, enjoy the podcast.

Our sponsor for this episode is Ehrhardt Automation Systems. Ehrhardt builds and commissions turnkey solutions for their worldwide clients. With over 80 years of precision manufacturing they understand the complex world of robotics, automated manufacturing, and project management, delivering world-class custom automation on-time and on-budget. Contact one of their sales engineers to see what Ehrhardt can build for you info@ehrhardtautomation.com eh rh ar dt automation dot com

Our co sponsor is Anchor Danly. They are the leading manufacturer and distributor of robot and automation bases, high quality die sets, components, Blanchard Ground steel plates, and metal fabrications used in the production of tools, dies, and molds for metal working and plastics injection molding, mining and construction equipment, and general fabrications.

I would like to acknowledge A3: the Association for Advancing Automation. They are the leading automation trade association for robotics, vision and imaging, motion control and motors and the industrial artificial intelligence technologies.  Visit Automate dot org to learn more.

If you would like to get in touch with us at THE robot industry podcast, you can find me jim beretta on LinkedIn.

Today’s podcast was produced by Customer Attraction Industrial Marketing and I would like to thank my team: Chris Gray for the music, Geoffy Bremner for audio production, my business partner Janet and our sponsors, Ehrhardt Automation and Anchor Danly. 

Best Regards!

Jim

Jim Beretta

Customer Attraction & The Robot Industry Podcast

Welcome to episode #128 of The Robot Industry Podcast. It was my pleasure to interview Stefania Ferrero and Alessandro Piscioneri from Comau Group at Automate show in Detroit recently. I really did not know much about Comau so I really appreciated the opportunity to chat with both of them at the show. I knew about the solutions in Body in White, but was great to connect up with them and to find out more about their solutions, approaches and robots.

My questions to both Stephania and Alessandro:

What is the history of Comau?

What industries do you operate in?

Where are you located in the world?

Announced a new family of robots for specialized markets

Exoskeleton release

Battery and new technologies in automotive and power generation

Welding automation

Collaborative robotics at Comau?

Where are robots produced?

How many people are at Comau?

Comau in education, training and in schools (elementary and University)

Thanks to Comau, Stefania and Alessandro. If you would like to find out more from them, you can find them on LinkedIn.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefania-ferrero-5a6a541

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alessandropiscioneri

You can also find and follow them on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/comaugroup/

Our sponsor for this episode is Ehrhardt Automation Systems. Ehrhardt builds and commissions turnkey solutions for their worldwide clients. With over 80 years of precision manufacturing they understand the complex world of robotics, automated manufacturing, and project management, delivering world-class custom automation on-time and on-budget. Contact one of their sales engineers to see what Ehrhardt can build for you info@ehrhardtautomation.com eh rh ar dt automation dot com

Our co sponsor is Anchor Danly. They are the leading manufacturer and distributor of robot and automation bases, high quality die sets, components, Blanchard Ground steel plates, and metal fabrications used in the production of tools, dies, and molds for metal working and plastics injection molding, mining and construction equipment, and general fabrications.

If you would like to get in touch with us at The Robot Industry Podcast, you can find me jim beretta on LinkedIn.

Today’s podcast was produced by Customer Attraction Industrial Marketing and I would like to thank my team: Chris Gray for the music, Geoffy Bremner for audio production, my business partner Janet and our sponsors, Ehrhardt Automation and Anchor Danly. 

Best Regards!

Jim

Jim Beretta

Customer Attraction & The Robot Industry Podcast

London, ON

Info@customerattraction.com

Happy Friday, everyone. I am in Montreal today finishing up the ADM Montreal 2024 for my client Informa. I am excited to release the latest episode (#129) of The Robot Industry podcast with my friend, Ray Osborne from Anchor Danly. Ray is based in Nashville and services parts of the southern USA on behalf of Anchor Danly. AD is a client and Ray knows a lot about engineered steel and servicing his clients.

Before we get to our episode today I wanted to let you know about a NEW podcast that I am starting called Automation Matters. It is about the front end of the automation business whether you are a builder, integrator, distributor or robot OEM this is for you. This new podcast is about sales, marketing, business development, strategy and much much more and I am excited about Automation Matters. More on that later.

Ray - welcome to the podcast. How did you get into this industry?

Tell us about Anchor Danly, I have seen their signs for years in Cambridge and always wondered what they built or made. 

You have something in common with the person who started AD, namely drums and music/

What is a Die Set?

What is a Tooling Plate?

What is a Dial Plate?

What is a steel frame?

You also sell components for die sets, what kind of components are these?

At AD you build a lot of special Machine bases, tell our audience about these

Blanchard Grinding - you have 35 grinders, why is this steel treatment so popular?

What types of products do you build for robot integrators and machine builders? Fabrications, What kind of fabrications do you build?

Trends in the industry?

Have we forgotten to talk about anything?

How do our listeners get in touch with you?

How can people find you if they want to find out more about Anchor Danly?

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ray-osborne-b84ba71a

Our sponsor for this episode is Ehrhardt Automation Systems. Ehrhardt builds and commissions turnkey solutions for their worldwide clients. With over 80 years of precision manufacturing they understand the complex world of robotics, automated manufacturing, and project management, delivering world-class custom automation on-time and on-budget. Contact one of their sales engineers to see what Ehrhardt can build for you info@ehrhardtautomation.com eh rh ar dt automation dot com

If you would like to get in touch with us at THE robot industry podcast, you can find me jim beretta on LinkedIn.

Customer Attraction Industrial Marketing produced today’s podcast and I would like to thank my team: Chris Gray for the music, Geoffrey Bremner for audio production, my business partner Janet and our sponsor, Ehrhardt Automation.

Best Regards!

Jim

Jim Beretta

Customer Attraction & The Robot Industry Podcast

London, ON but today, downtown Montreal

Micah Estis Green is the Founder and CEO of TAILOS, an inventor of a robot vacuum named Rosie. His company is based in Austin, TX . He is top 30 under 30 and has been covered in lots of magazines including Forbes and other industry periodicals.

First Micah, tell me about Shark Puncher - I have to ask.

You have taken a break from Cornell, is that correct?

How did you get involved in automation and robotics > and you have been building robots for a while?

Tell our audience about your company and how you got started.

You are located in Austin. Is this important?

What are some of the surprises you have experienced commercializing a robot?

Tell us about Rosie (by the way, I love that name).

Can you educate us about the hotel industry, where is the pain? Who is the buyer? It is a competitive industry. 

What about the guest experience…

How do people find out about you?

What is your sales process, if I am a Hotel Operator, what do I do? Can I test out a unit?

Why not just install a bunch of iRobots?

What is the ROI of a Rosie?

Are you selling Rosie by the piece or is this a raas model?

Do people see Rosie or is she just used during housekeeping?

Do cleaners like Rosie?

Let’s talk about data and the importance of data to your clients? 

What things are we not seeing about Rosie, when you have an IOT device in hotel rooms?

You have over 1000 units deployed (congratulations!), who are your customers, where are you finding success?

How are you delivering Rosie to your clients? What is the start up time to get going?

How many robots do you usually deploy at one time?

Is there a lot of mapping and programming involved?

How long does the battery last and when do you charge Rosie?

What about spare parts, if a robot stops working?

What is the addressable market for you?

What is next for you?

When you are not innovating, building robots and cool things,  what do you like to do, tell us about your hobbies? 

How can people get a hold of you and find out more about Rosie and Tailos?

Our sponsor for this episode is Ehrhardt Automation Systems. Ehrhardt builds and commissions turnkey solutions for their worldwide clients. With over 80 years of precision manufacturing they understand the complex world of robotics, automated manufacturing, and project management, delivering world-class custom automation on-time and on-budget. Contact one of their sales engineers to see what Ehrhardt can build for you info@ehrhardtautomation.com eh rh ar dt automation dot com

Our co sponsor is Anchor Danly. They are the leading manufacturer and distributor of robot and automation bases, high quality die sets, components, Blanchard Ground steel plates, and metal fabrications used in the production of tools, dies, and molds for metal working and plastics injection molding, mining and construction equipment, and general fabrications.

I would like to acknowledge A3: the Association for Advancing Automation. they are the leading automation trade association for robotics, vision and imaging, motion control and motors and the industrial artificial intelligence technologies.  Visit Automate dot org to learn more.

If you would like to get in touch with us at THE robot industry podcast, you can find me jim beretta on LinkedIn.

Today’s podcast was produced by Customer Attraction Industrial Marketing and I would like to thank my team: Chris Gray for the music, Geoffy Bremner for audio production, my business partner Janet and our sponsors: 

Welcome to The Robot Industry Podcast, #131. For this edition of the podcast, I have two people from the same company: MIR, or Mobile Industrial Robots.

I caught up with Jean-Pierre Hathout the CEO at MIR, at the Automate show, and later I had a conversation with Kevin March who is our local Area Sales Manager. I thought it would be interesting to join the two conversations - one at a trade event and one about sales and applications.

Enjoy the podcast.

https://mobile-industrial-robots.com

Our sponsor is Ehrhardt Automation Systems. Ehrhardt builds and commissions turnkey solutions for their worldwide clients. With over 80 years of precision manufacturing they understand the complex world of robotics, automated manufacturing, and project management, delivering world-class custom automation on-time and on-budget. Contact one of their sales engineers to see what Ehrhardt can build for you info@ehrhardtautomation.com

If you would like to get in touch with us at THE robot industry podcast, you can find me, jim beretta on LinkedIn.

Today’s podcast was produced by Customer Attraction Industrial Marketing and I would like to thank my team: Chris Gray for the music, Geoffy Bremner for audio production, my business partner Janet and our sponsor:  Ehrhardt Automation Systems

My info:

Jim Beretta

Customer Attraction & The Robot Industry Podcast

London, ON

        Ben, welcome to the podcast.

        You are a lawyer by trade, and you have worked in different roles, at the former Sarcos Technology and Robotics Corporation, which is now called Palladyne AI, and in fact recently came back from retirement to lead the company. Please tell us a bit about yourself and why you decided to come back to the company.

        Let’s talk about the elephant in the room…Palladyne AI is formerly Sarcos Technology and Robotics Corporation. The company was previously focused on commercializing robotic hardware such as teleoperated robots, exoskeletons and an underwater robot, as a result of 30+ years of development work, government contracts and the acquisition of RE2 (“R-E-Squared”). However, the company recently re-branded as Palladyne AI and is now focusing on AI software. Why this pivot?

        Do you have any regrets about going public via a special purpose acquisition company back in 2021?

        Tell us about your team… How many people do you currently have working at Palladyne AI?

        Where is Palladyne AI located?

        Can you talk about Palladyne AI’s technology and how it is differentiated from other AI solutions for robotic automation?  

        What is the value proposition of the Palladyne AI software?

        How much of Palladyne’s current AI solution is based on the robotics development work from Sarcos?

        Palladyne AI is “hardware-agnostic” – what do you mean by that, and how do you accomplish it?

        Who are Palladyne AI’s customers and the industries you are primarily focused on?

        Can you give us any examples of projects the company is working on or has announced?

        Where do you find new customers?

        Can you give us your perfect bull’s eye customer?

        What is your vision for the future of the company and the product roadmap?

        Outside of leading a public AI company, what do you like to do in your free time?

        Is there anything else you would like to discuss?

https://www.linkedin.com/company/palladyneaicorp

Our sponsor is Ehrhardt Automation Systems. Ehrhardt builds and commissions turnkey solutions for their worldwide clients. With over 80 years of precision manufacturing they understand the complex world of robotics, automated manufacturing, and project management, delivering world-class custom automation on-time and on-budget. Contact one of their sales engineers to see what Ehrhardt can build for you info@ehrhardtautomation.com

If you would like to get in touch with us at THE robot industry podcast, you can find me, jim beretta on LinkedIn.

Today’s podcast was produced by Customer Attraction Industrial Marketing and I would like to thank my team: Chris Gray for the music, Geoffy Bremner for audio production, my business partner Janet and our sponsor:  Ehrhardt Automation Systems

My info:

Jim Beretta

Customer Attraction & The Robot Industry Podcast

London, ON

Welcome to podcast #133 with my guests Armin Khatoonabadi and Yi Li from Maple Advanced Robotics Inc., located in Richmond Hill, ON. Some exciting news is that the company has been awarded the Hannover Messe Robotics Award for their AI-driven robotics platform for fast and code-free programming platform.

Armin and Yi, welcome to the podcast. 

Yi Can you tell our audience a bit about you?

Armin, your turn.

Armin you have recently just joined Maple Advanced Robotics, from Apara.ai, correct?

Yi, can you tell us how you got started?

Can you tell the audience about MARI and what is making your offering so different in the industry?

What is MARI’s Scan & Go workflow?

What are your proprietary technologies?

Can you give our listeners some examples of what applications uses are out there (case studies)

What are some trends in the industry?

Award question?

Have we forgotten to talk about anything?

How do our listeners get in touch with you?

Maple Advanced Robotics Inc. Unit 17, 80 West Beaver Creek Rd, Richmond Hill, ON L4B 1H3

https://maplerobotics.com

Our sponsor is Ehrhardt Automation Systems. Ehrhardt builds and commissions turnkey solutions for their worldwide clients. With over 80 years of precision manufacturing they understand the complex world of robotics, automated manufacturing, and project management, delivering world-class custom automation on-time and on-budget. Contact one of their sales engineers to see what Ehrhardt can build for you info@ehrhardtautomation.com

If you would like to get in touch with us at THE robot industry podcast, you can find me, jim beretta on LinkedIn.

Today’s podcast was produced by Customer Attraction Industrial Marketing and I would like to thank my team: Chris Gray for the music, Geoffy Bremner for audio production, my business partner Janet and our sponsor:  Ehrhardt Automation Systems

My info:

Jim Beretta

Customer Attraction & The Robot Industry Podcast

London, ON

Welcome to The Robot Industry Podcast #134. It is my pleasure to introduce Nipun Sharma from Appetronix to this edition of the podcast

We have met before, you and I, on the Canadian Food Innovation project. We made a movie together Robotics in Action, Seeing is Believing.

Nipun Sharma is a visionary entrepreneur and the Co-Founder and CEO of Appetronix, an innovative company revolutionizing the food service industry with fully autonomous robotic quick-service restaurants. By integrating advanced machine learning and data science, Appetronix creates delicious, made-to-order meals without the need for on-site staff, offering a glimpse into the future of dining.

With more than 17 years of leadership experience in the restaurant and food manufacturing sectors, Nipun has successfully managed more than ten restaurant brands across multiple cuisines, including both quick-service and full-service concepts. His expertise extends to operating food production facilities, enabling a seamless connection between supply chains and consumer dining experiences.

His professional journey began on Wall Street, where he honed his skills in investment banking and private equity. A graduate of McGill University, he transitioned to the food and beverage industry, taking on executive roles and serving as Chief Operating Officer for global public restaurant chains. His strategic vision and operational acumen have driven growth and innovation, solidifying his reputation as a leader in transforming traditional business models through technology.

Nipun is passionate about redefining the dining landscape and advancing the integration of robotics in the restaurant industry, making him a pioneer at the intersection of technology, hospitality, and culinary excellence.

Nipun, How did you get into the industry? 

Is it food or is it robotics & automation?

Tell me and our listeners how you transitioned from pasta to pizza and SJW to Appetronix.

Why Pizza? How big is pizza and automated pizza market?

Who are your partners… Donato’s, Agape, AlleyCorp, Abuma Manufacturing and Grote?

Your first location is an airport in Columbus OHIO, correct?

What were some of the big challenges for machine or system #1?

What kind of robots are you using?

How many pizzas can you make an hour?

Lets talk about DATA?

What does the future look like for Appetronix? Are there other foods, other form factors?

Did we miss anything?

If someone wants to find out more about how they can put one of your units into their facility, how do they get a hold of you?

When you are not creating value and inventing new ways to eat food things, what do you like to do?

Some notes:

Appetronix has entered into an exclusive partnership with Donatos Pizza and its sister companies Agápe Automation and the Grote Company to launch a fully-autonomous pizza vending machine (from press release). I know that

Welcome to the podcast (#135), Jennifer. I am glad to have you. Can you tell me about Jennifer Apicella?

The Pittsburgh robo-ecosystem is a globally recognized powerhouse of more than 125 advanced technology companies, offering 7,300+ high-impact jobs across 18 industry verticals.

How did you get involved in robotics?

Pittsburgh, it seems both likely and unlikely to be a robotics hub. Tell us about the city.

Is there a synergy between members and / or board members?

How did the city turn into a robotics HUB? How long did it take?

Let’s talk about some (of your) numbers: members, money, sponsors, etc.

Funding, where do you get your funding?

What is the main reason that startups join PRN?

What is the profile of a perfect member?

Who are some of your new and hot robot companies? Do you see any patterns or areas of interest (humanoid vs mobile robots)

What are some of your challenges in being in charge of PRN?

What kind of facilities do you have?

Tell us about some of the programs that you run?

How important are events to your members?

Do you charge for membership?

Are there other robot or automation hubs in the world  that you like? Amsterdam? Waterloo? California?

What is next for PRN?

When you are not organizing robotics and events, what do you like to do?

https://www.robopgh.org

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferapicella

Our sponsor for this episode is Ehrhardt Automation Systems. Ehrhardt builds and commissions turnkey solutions for their worldwide clients. With over 80 years of precision manufacturing they understand the complex world of robotics, automated manufacturing, and project management, delivering world-class custom automation on-time and on-budget. Contact one of their sales engineers to see what Ehrhardt can build for you info@ehrhardtautomation.com eh rh ar dt automation dot com

If you would like to get in touch with us at THE robot industry podcast, you can find me jim beretta on LinkedIn.

Customer Attraction Industrial Marketing produced today’s podcast and I would like to thank my team: Chris Gray for the music, Geoffrey Bremner for audio production, my business partner Janet and our sponsor, Ehrhardt Automation.

Best Regards!

Jim

Jim Beretta

Customer Attraction & The Robot Industry Podcast

London, ON

info@customerattraction

Welcome to the podcast (#136) My guest today is Ben Huigenbois, he is president of BOS Innovations in London, Ontario, my home town. From Ben's LinkedIn: Experienced President with a demonstrated history of working in the industrial automation industry. Experienced and skilled in leadership, organizational development, ERP system development, skills development, project management, strategic planning, technology deployment, sales and marketing.

Ben, welcome to the podcast, thanks for joining us. How did you get interested in automation? Give us a bit of your background.

Tell our audience about BOS Innovations? What is it that you do, that is what type of automation are you building?

What have you seen change recently in automation systems?

What are your customers asking for that they may not have in previous years?

Our podcast today is going to be about reducing RISK in automation systems. This is an important conversation because reducing risk for both an integrator and an end customer is critical, can you comment?

What are some of the risks that manufacturers face? How about the integrator or machine builder?

How can manufacturers reduce their risk?

Abating risk takes time and money, correct?

Where do you start when it comes to identifying risk areas?

Let’s talk about remote support, something that I know is very important to you and your customers.

What are some of the challenges for remote support?

You have recently moved your entire operations, and thank you for the tour, it is a beautiful facility.

You are also launching a subsidiary but separate business called TrueLight [TrueLight Machine Vision Integration]. Can you tell our audience about the need and the focus on TrueLight? They are a separate business, correct.

Did we forget to talk about anything? 

When you are not automating, innovating, building systems and vision,  what do you like to do, hobbies?

How can people get a hold of you and find out more about BOS Innovation?

If you would like to get in touch with us at THE robot industry podcast, you can find me, jim beretta on LinkedIn.

Today’s podcast was produced by Customer Attraction Industrial Marketing and I would like to thank my team: Chris Gray for the music, Geoffy Bremner for audio production, my business partner Janet.

My info:

Jim Beretta

Customer Attraction & The Robot Industry Podcast

London, ON

info@customerattraction.com