# Get Started w/ Data Collection & Robotics Today w/ Aaron Prather

- Show: [The Manufacturing Executive](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive)
- Published: 2021-08-17
- Length: 25m
- Episode: 62
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2021-08-17-get-started-w-data-collection-robotics-today-w-aaron-prather
- Listen: https://www.spreaker.com/show/the-manufacturing-executive#episode-618f19f6-c0b6-45e2-acc9-99d1e85a4065

## Summary

Aaron Prather, Senior Advisor for Technology Planning and Research at FedEx, discusses how data collection and robotics can help mid-sized manufacturers navigate supply chain disruptions. He highlights the importance of early digitalization, citing FedEx's use of data to reroute shipments during the 2021 Texas winter storm, and advocates for starting small with automation. Prather shares the story of eCAMPY, a training program in Kentucky that taught former coal miners to achieve lights-out production in 10 days using systems from Ready Robotics, Universal Robots, and Power Robots. He emphasizes that companies should engage their workforce to identify simple use cases and start collecting data immediately rather than overthinking the implementation.

## Chapters

- [0:51](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2021-08-17-get-started-w-data-collection-robotics-today-w-aaron-prather#t=51) Introduction: Aaron Prather and FedEx's Role in Supply Chain
- [3:09](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2021-08-17-get-started-w-data-collection-robotics-today-w-aaron-prather#t=189) Supply Chain Disruption and the Value of Data
- [6:28](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2021-08-17-get-started-w-data-collection-robotics-today-w-aaron-prather#t=388) Navigating the Texas Winter Storm with Data
- [10:30](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2021-08-17-get-started-w-data-collection-robotics-today-w-aaron-prather#t=630) The Case for Robotics and Automation
- [13:25](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2021-08-17-get-started-w-data-collection-robotics-today-w-aaron-prather#t=805) eCAMPY: Training Former Coal Miners in Robotics
- [18:06](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2021-08-17-get-started-w-data-collection-robotics-today-w-aaron-prather#t=1086) Overcoming Analysis Paralysis and Getting Started
- [19:34](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2021-08-17-get-started-w-data-collection-robotics-today-w-aaron-prather#t=1174) Integrating Data Collection with Automation

## Topics

- [Scaling production](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/scaling-production)
- [Robotics & autonomy](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/robotics-and-autonomy)
- [Connected products & IoT](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/connected-products-and-iot)
- [Leadership, teams & culture](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/leadership-and-culture)

## Most relevant to

large enterprises

## Mentioned

- FedEx (company)
- eCAMPY (other)
- Ready Robotics (company)
- Universal Robots (company)
- Power Robots (company)
- Cognex (company)
- SICK (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [From Robotics to Workforce to Tech in Pop Culture with FedEx’s Aaron Prather](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2021-06-15-from-robotics-to-workforce-to-tech-in-pop-culture-with-fedexs-aaron-prather) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)
- [Electronica 24: The Rise of AI-Powered Robotics at Fideltronik and Beyond](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2024-12-09-electronica-24-the-rise-of-ai-powered-robotics-at-fideltronik-and-beyond) (EMS@C-LEVEL)
- [Inside Conexus Indiana: The Industry Network Driving Manufacturing Tech and Talent | Ep. 46](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2026-07-31-inside-conexus-indiana-the-industry-network-driving-manufacturing-tech-and-talen) (Lights Out)
- [BONUS: A Look Inside the 2022 A3 Business Forum](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2022-02-22-bonus-a-look-inside-the-2022-a3-business-forum) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)
- [231: Why VCs and Startups Are Betting on Manufacturing and the Midwest Featuring Drive Capital and Path Robotics, Live from Columbus, OH](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2025-04-15-231-why-vcs-and-startups-are-betting-on-manufacturing-and-the-midwest-featuring) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)

## Citing this page

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