Perspectives on Automation, AI, & the Future w/ Andy Lonsberry

The Manufacturing Executive · 8 Jun 2021 · 25m · Episode 52

What this episode covers

Andy Lonsberry, Founder and CEO of Path Robotics, explains how the company identified a market pain point in high-mix, low-volume welding and developed a fully autonomous robotic system using machine learning and computer vision. He details the journey from a 24-month consulting exploration to securing $15 million in Series A funding by bringing an autonomous robot to Silicon Valley. Lonsberry also discusses the 'Robots as a Service' (RAS) business model, which eliminates upfront capital expenditure for manufacturers by tying payment to system performance, and highlights the abundance of engineering talent in the Midwest.

Other shows on the same ground, closest first.

  • The Robot Report Podcast · 1h 16m

    How Path Robotics uses AI to optimize robotic welding

    Andy Lonsberry, CEO and co-founder of Path Robotics, explains how his company uses AI, specifically reinforcement learning and real-time visual feedback, to make robotic welding adaptive and capable of handling complex, non-repeatable industrial environments. He details the development of 'Obsidian,' a neural simulator that allows robots to weld with high first-pass yields without relying on perfect CAD models, and discusses the launch of 'Rove,' a mobile welding platform built on Boston Dynamics' Spot quadruped for shipbuilding and construction. Lonsberry also outlines Path Robotics' 'Robotics as a Service' business model, which delivers welding outcomes rather than just hardware, and notes the company's recent Series D2 funding and rapid scaling.

  • Over the Air · 28m

    Modularity in Robotics: A Vision for the Future

    Afshin Doust, CEO of Advanced Intelligent Systems (AIS), explains how the company uses a proprietary library of hardware and software modules to reduce development time and cost, aiming to empower a broader robotics ecosystem. He details the pivot from an agricultural tech focus to developing a COVID-19 disinfectant robot in just 11 weeks, which validated their modular approach and led to a non-GPS localization system for greenhouse use. Doust also discusses AIS's 'Robotics-as-a-Service' business model, which eliminates large capital expenditures for customers by charging for work performed, and shares insights on building a resilient, win-win corporate culture.

  • Manufacturing Happy Hour · 42m

    Cars, Welding Robots, and Midwest Startups with Path Robotic's Sheena Patterson

    Sheena Patterson, VP of Operations at Path Robotics, discusses her career journey from Ford and Tesla to leading automated welding robot operations in the Midwest. She explains how Path Robotics utilizes a 'robots-as-a-service' model to provide autonomous welding solutions, avoiding large capital expenditures for customers while maintaining continuous support. Patterson highlights the importance of people management and passion in manufacturing, contrasting the structured chaos of traditional automotive launches with the mission-driven culture of Silicon Valley startups like Tesla and Zoox. She also details how Drive Capital’s investment enabled Path Robotics to scale production, improve inventory management, and attract diverse talent to Columbus, Ohio.

  • Over the Air · 28m

    What is Robotics-as-a-Service (RaaS)?

    Paul Willard, founding partner at grep -vc, defines Robotics-as-a-Service (RaaS) as a business model where hardware is commoditized to enable high-margin software services, using Zipline and Cobalt Robotics as examples. He explains that RaaS succeeds when underlying hardware costs drop significantly, citing the impact of mobile phone sensors and Tesla motors on the industry. Willard warns founders against building startups dependent on step-function improvements in aerodynamics or battery chemistry that are not imminent, highlighting his investment in Fuel X's aluminum hydride technology as a potential enabler for viable electric aviation.

  • Manufacturing Happy Hour · 43m

    Independent Investment Banking in Robotics, Automation, and AI with Cascadia Capital’s Firdaus Pohowalla

    Firdaus Pohowalla, Managing Director at Cascadia Capital, explains the role of independent investment banking in the robotics, automation, and AI (RAAI) sector. He details the rise of Robotics as a Service (RaaS) as a preferred business model for warehouse automation and logistics, while highlighting challenges like capital intensity and hardware integration. Pohowalla also demystifies startup funding rounds, emphasizing that the Series B is critical for proving scalability and that 'backlog' (purchase orders) is a more important metric than 'pipeline' for investors.

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