Hardware Podcasts

Re-skilling coal miners; Jibo returns; Perseverance Rover heads for Mars

The Robot Report Podcast · 29 Jul 2020 · 1h 18m

What this episode covers

Kathy Walker, founder of the Haas Eastern Kentucky Advanced Manufacturing Institute (E-Cammy), explains how the program reskills former coal miners into CNC machinists and robotics technicians through a rigorous, industry-driven curriculum. Robin Phillips of maxon discusses the development of brushless motors for the Perseverance Rover and its Ingenuity helicopter, detailing the extreme testing and sterilization required for spaceflight. The hosts also cover the relaunch of the Jibo social robot by NTT and Boston Dynamics' pilot program with Ford using Spot robots for plant surveying.

Most relevant to

early-stage companies and companies scaling up

Topics

Mentioned

Companies
E-Cammy, Lockheed Martin, NTT Disruption, Boston Dynamics, Ford, maxon, Ready Robotics
Products
Jibo, Spot, Perseverance Rover, Ingenuity, UR 10, Voyager 2, R2-D2, SpaceX Dragon

Related episodes from other shows

Other shows on the same ground, closest first.

  • The Manufacturing Executive · 25m

    Why It’s Time to Modernize Workforce Education (& How to Do It) w/ Kathy Walker

    Kathy Walker, Founder & CEO of the eKentucky Advanced Manufacturing Institute (eKAMI), explains how her organization is upskilling displaced coal miners and rural residents for careers in advanced manufacturing in Eastern Kentucky. She details eKAMI’s unconventional, military-style training program that combines CNC machining and robotics instruction with rigorous soft skills development to bridge the gap between outdated technical education and modern industry needs. Walker emphasizes the importance of industry-driven curriculum, rebranding manufacturing to attract younger generations, and using local instructors who understand the community's culture to successfully transition workers into high-tech roles.

    Hiring & workforceCareers & education
    7 chapters

  • Manufacturing Happy Hour · 59m

    156: "Clash of the Grinders: Student Edition" and the Future of Skilled Trades, presented by 3M

    Chris Luecke interviews five guests about 3M's 'Clash of the Grinders: Student Edition' competition and the future of skilled trades. Students Ryan Spivey and Eduardo Rodriguez discuss their career pivots into welding, while instructor Todd Bridegum explains how curricula are evolving to include automation and soft skills. Roger Teddyesky of NC3 details industry-recognized certifications, and Scott Barnett of 3M describes how robotics and vision systems are automating abrasive processes.

    Careers & educationRobotics & autonomy
    6 chapters

  • Manufacturing Happy Hour · 1h 16m

    BONUS: A Look Inside the 2022 A3 Business Forum

    Host Chris Luecke and co-host Jake Hall interview leaders from the 2022 A3 Business Forum, including Jeremy Dodson and Jay Korpi of NextLink Labs, who discuss cybersecurity and their work on the TV show Mr. Robot. Fady Saad of MassRobotics explains his 'startup escalator' model for helping robotics companies move from prototyping to production, while Suzy Teele of the ARM Institute highlights the RoboticsCrew.org database for workforce development. Greg Smith of Teradyne discusses the shift toward collaborative automation for small and medium-sized manufacturers, and Jim Devaprasad of Lake Superior State University talks about his pioneering robotics engineering program. Finally, Michael Sullivan of Miller Resource Group analyzes the current 'war on talent' and hiring strategies for Gen Z and Millennials.

    Hiring & workforceRobotics & autonomy
    7 chapters

  • Robot Talk · 23m

    Episode 100: Robots in space - Mini Rai

    Mini Rai, founding Director of Orbit Rise and former Global Chair in Robotic Engineering at the University of Lincoln, discusses the challenges and future of orbital and planetary robotics. She details the harsh environment of space, including radiation and thermal extremes, and explains how Orbit Rise is developing autonomous robots for active debris removal and in-orbit recycling to support a circular space economy. Rai also highlights the technology transfer between space robotics and nuclear decommissioning, specifically applying walking robotic manipulator concepts to fusion reactor maintenance.

    Robotics & autonomyMaterials & manufacturing processes
    8 chapters

  • Manufacturing Happy Hour · 44m

    Leadership Perspectives on Robotics, Highlights from Automate LIVE in Detroit, MI

    Chris Luecke interviews Milton Guerry of Schunk, Mike Cicco of FANUC America, and Søren Peters of HowToRobot at Automate LIVE, discussing the robust state of the robotics industry, the shift toward EV manufacturing, and the role of AI in automation. Mike Cicco highlights FANUC's educational CERT program and the importance of mentorship in retaining talent, while Søren Peters describes HowToRobot as an 'Airbnb for robotics' that connects SMEs with integrators globally. Milton Guerry emphasizes Schunk's focus on end-of-arm tooling and sensing technologies, predicting continued industry strength through incremental innovation and labor solutioning.

    Robotics & autonomyLeadership, teams & culture
    7 chapters

The summary, chapters and topics are generated from the episode’s audio by this directory, not written by The Robot Report Podcast. The episode itself belongs to its publisher.