The Future of Robotics in a Post-Pandemic World

The Roboticist Chronicles

#Tech #ARC Specialties #Robot #Automation #Integral #Robotic Welding #Manufacturing #Cladding #Fabric

34:07

In this insightful episode of The Innovators & Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez sits down with Jay Crone, Managing Director and Venture Capitalist at Deloitte Ventures, to explore the firm’s strategic approach to corporate venture capital. Jay shares Deloitte Ventures’ investment thesis, focusing on supporting innovative Canadian startups at Series A and B stages across key sectors like cybersecurity, climate tech, fintech, future of work, health tech, and AI. Listeners will gain an inside look at how Deloitte leverages its vast network of 1,500 partners and 15,000 employees to source deals and add value beyond capital by helping startups navigate Deloitte’s complex ecosystem and access enterprise clients. Jay also discusses his diverse career journey—from government and investment banking to entrepreneurship and corporate VC—and how those experiences shape his investment philosophy. The episode delves into Deloitte’s due diligence process, the importance of founder relationships, and the firm’s strategic role as a co-investor. Jay highlights emerging trends, particularly the promise of vertical AI tailored to industry-specific needs, and shares his bullish outlook on fintech innovations like stablecoins and cross-border payments. He offers candid advice for entrepreneurs on risk-taking and aligning business vision with funding goals. This episode is a must-listen for founders, investors, and anyone interested in the evolving landscape of corporate venture capital and innovation in Canada. Learn more about Jay's work at https://www.deloitte.com/ca/en/services/program/ventures.html Connect with Jay on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaycrone/ Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply at https://finstratmgmt.com/innovators-investors-podcast/ Want to learn more about Kristian Marquez's work? Check out his website at https://finstratmgmt.com…

4 years ago 45:25

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Because they deal primarily with physical products, anyone in manufacturing knows that the industry as a whole has taken a hit from the effects of the pandemic. “But COVID isn’t the only crisis that has occurred in the robotics industry,” revealed Robert Little, Founder, and CEO of ATI. “What people are not familiar with is the decline in automotive since 2017 – a decline worldwide in the investment in automotive robotics.”

40 episodes

The Future of Robotics in a Post-Pandemic World

The Roboticist Chronicles

published 4 years ago

MP3•Episode home

40 episodes

#Tech #ARC Specialties #Robot #Automation #Integral #Robotic Welding #Manufacturing #Cladding #Fabric

All episodes

1
Scalable Robotics and the Future of Human-Robot Collaboration 37:45

26 days ago37:45

37:45

In this episode of The Roboticist Chronicles, host Dan Allford of ARC Specialties welcomes Tom Fuhlbrigge and Carlos Martinez from Scalable Robotics . Discover their innovative vision-based system that allows users to simply "show" a robot what to do, eliminating complex programming. Learn how this technology is transforming processes like welding, cladding, and cold spray, making them more accessible and efficient for welders and other skilled trades. Tom and Carlos share insights from their extensive careers in robotics, including their time at ABB , and explain how their system uses 3D scanning and intuitive interfaces to simplify robot operation. They also discuss the different machine vision technologies, the evolving costs of cameras, and why making robots easier to use is crucial for widespread adoption in manufacturing. Watch the Episode Here!…

1
The Dark Side of Machine Building: Rebuilding Robotic Systems 9:58

5 weeks ago9:58

9:58

Join Dan Allford and John Martin of ARC Specialties as they reveal "The Dark Side of Machine Building" – the often-unseen struggles of failed automation projects. They discuss the prevalence of expensive, non-functional robots that end up collecting dust, and the financial burden on customers who might pay multiple times for a system that still doesn't work. This episode dives into the challenges of rebuilding poorly configured robotic cells, including issues with incorrect robot setup, I/O, and costly software options. Learn why ARC Specialties, as a certified integrator through the Association for the Advancement of Automation (A3) , emphasizes rigorous standards, safety plans, and adherence to codes to ensure quality and prevent such nightmares. They also offer advice to end-users on vetting integrators and the importance of specialized expertise in automation. Discover why, despite the difficulties, ARC Specialties always finishes a project, even if it means not always making a profit.…

1
Beyond Oil: Tech Innovations at the Offshore Technology Conference 2025 13:50

10 weeks ago13:50

13:50

Join Dan Allford and Johnny Tyler live from the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) in Houston, Texas, in May 2025, as they delve into the surprising high-tech nature of the event, showcasing how robotics and automation are revolutionizing the oil and gas industry and beyond. Discover ARC Specialties' groundbreaking offshore robotic riser system and other innovative robots like the "BatBot" for plasma cutting and welding, and the versatile "#BeerBot," while also hearing about their marketing efforts and upcoming showcase at Automate in Detroit for advanced additive manufacturing. They also emphasize the enduring value of trade shows for networking and business growth, despite the challenges of the past few years.…

1
Revitalizing Houston Manufacturing: A Conversation with Bart Taylor of the GHMA 38:39

15 weeks ago38:39

38:39

Join Dan Allford as he speaks with @Bart Taylor, the driving force behind the Greater Houston Manufacturers Association (GHMA). They discuss Bart's journey from media to championing local manufacturing, the untapped potential of Houston's industrial ecosystem, and the GHMA's vision for connecting and promoting the region's makers to a national and global audience. Greater Houston Manufacturing Association View The Episode Here…

1
Weld Testing & Quality Control with Welding Consultants LLC. 37:25

25 weeks ago37:25

37:25

Join us for an in-depth look at Welding Consultants, LLC. , a leading provider of welding inspection and nondestructive testing services. In this episode, we sit down with Matthew Brinkman , VP of Operations and Senior Welding Engineer, to explore the company's history, delve into the intricacies of various testing methods, and discuss the critical role of quality control in ensuring the safety and reliability of critical infrastructure. Key Highlights: Learn about the different types of nondestructive testing techniques, including ultrasonic testing, eddy current testing, and magnetic particle testing. Discover the importance of destructive testing in qualifying welding procedures and ensuring the integrity of critical components. Witness the advancements in technology, including the use of CNC machines and automated micro-hardness testers, that have revolutionized the testing process. Gain insights into the challenges and opportunities facing the welding inspection industry. This video provides a comprehensive overview of the essential role played by Welding Consultants in ensuring the safety and reliability of critical infrastructure across various industries. Join us for an in-depth look at Welding Consultants, Inc., a leading provider of welding inspection and nondestructive testing services. In this episode, we explore the company's history, delve into the intricacies of various testing methods, and discuss the critical role of quality control in ensuring the safety and reliability of critical infrastructure. ----------------- "Welding Consultants LLC is unique in the welding and quality assurance industry because it is the first organization directed by degreed and licensed welding engineers. Supporting WC’s engineering effort are qualified NDE technicians who provide a full range of quality-related services. From welding and specification design through in-process QC to final quality verification, WC provides the customer with a myriad of services—all from a single source." Welding Inspection and Nondestructive Examination Mechanical Testing of Welds Specialized Testing Services Procedure and Performance Qualification Welding Engineering Technical Training and Training Aids…

1
Jaxon Baker - Mechanical Engineering Student at Texas A&M 28:46

1 year ago28:46

28:46

Calling all future automotive engineers! This episode dives into the world of Baja SAE with Jackson Baker, a sophomore mechanical engineering student at Texas A&M. Jackson recently served as chief engineer for his university's Baja team, leading the design and construction of an off-road vehicle to compete in a grueling endurance race. Tune in to hear Jackson discuss: His internship experience working with Dan Alford at Arc Specialties. The challenges and triumphs of leading a Baja SAE team. How his team's car performed, achieving an impressive 18th place finish overall and 4th in design. His plans to return as chief engineer next year. This episode is packed with inspiration for any student interested in automotive engineering or design competitions. Get ready to get dirty and learn what it takes to succeed in Baja SAE! Watch the Video…

1
Jean Rabatin - Yaskawa Motoman 31:02

2 years ago31:02

31:02

In this episode of the Roboticist Chronicles, your host Dan Allford invites Jean Rabatin, a distinguished industry expert from Yaskawa Motoman, to share her wealth of experience in the realm of robotics and automation. Jean recounts stories from her early days in the field and sheds light on the challenges of integration spanning over two decades. Uncover the fascinating evolution of robotics, examine its influence on employment, and grasp the significance of adaptability. Tune in for a captivating discussion that navigates through the historical, current, and future landscapes of automation. GET IN TOUCH WITH JEAN RABATIN: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jean-rabatin-1423558/ ABOUT YASKAWA MOTOMAN Yaskawa Motoman, established in 1989, stands as a premier robotics company in the Americas. With a global footprint of over 540,000 Motoman robots, 18 million servos, and 30 million inverter drives, Yaskawa offers automation solutions across diverse industries. Their extensive product line includes 150+ robot models and pre-engineered "World" solutions, featuring application-specific work cells. Partnered with sister companies, Yaskawa Motoman is dedicated to delivering top-notch quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction. As a subsidiary of Yaskawa Electric Corporation, a global leader since 1915, Yaskawa Motoman continues to drive automation excellence with a wide range of industrial robots and a commitment to customer success. For more information, visit Yaskawa Motoman (www.motoman.com) Watch the Video Here…

1
Charles Young with A3 Association for Advancing Automation 26:31

2 years ago26:31

26:31

1
FABTECH 2023; SHOW REPORT 28:22

2 years ago28:22

28:22

Join us on a thrilling adventure as The Roboticist Chronicles Podcast hits the road! In this special episode, we're on location at the FABTECH Expo in Chicago's McCormick Place, immersing ourselves in the world of welding technology. Johnny Tyler and Dan Allford take you through the expo, reuniting with old acquaintances and forging new connections, all while uncovering the latest innovations in the field. Special thanks to the industry leaders who shared their insights: Maximiliano Falcone from PushCorp , Michael Sharpe from FANUC America Corporation , Tom McElligott from ATI Industrial Automation , Charlie Adams from KUKA , Bob Rochelle from the Gudel Group , Douglas Hixon from ABB , and Sam Noland from Miller Electric Mfg. LLC . Don't miss out on this exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the future of welding technology! Subscribe now and share your thoughts with us. Watch this episode here!…

1
Sam Kiser - PE & Fellow of AWS: Fabtech2023 | Metallurgical Marvels: Decades of Innovation with Sam Kiser 30:08

2 years ago30:08

30:08

Join us for an extraordinary episode recorded live at Fab Tech 2023 in Chicago! We're honored to host the legendary Sam Kiser, a friend, and mentor in the world of welding. Sam recently clinched the prestigious Laurence Savage Award for his groundbreaking work, and he's here to share his incredible journey. In this episode, Sam unveils the fascinating story behind his award-winning invention, the Inc l 52 rms s t a, a game-changer in welding technology. From battling ductility deep cracking to finding innovative solutions using tantalum and nickel alloys, Sam's expertise shines through over six decades of dedication. Get ready for a captivating conversation with a true pioneer in the field. Sam's wealth of knowledge and passion for metallurgy will leave you inspired and informed. Don't miss out on this deep dive into the logical world of alloys, elements, and the marvels of metallurgy. Watch the Video Here…

1
Esteban Vazquez - Welder/ Fitter/ Installation Tech 24:56

2 years ago24:56

24:56

Welcome to The Roboticist Chronicles, where we bring you stories of innovation in robotics and automation. In this episode, we welcome Esteban Vazquez to the podcast. Esteban wears many hats at ARC Specialties being a welder, fitter, and now installation tech. We dive into Estaban's blossoming career and talk about what its like being a "Dreamer" in America. Watch the Video…

1
OTC 2023 with Lincoln Electric & Stress Engineering Services 24:58

2 years ago24:58

24:58

Welcome to The Roboticist Chronicles, where we bring you stories of innovation in robotics and automation. In this episode, we're on location at OTC 2023 in Houston, Texas, one of the largest oil and gas conferences in the world. Joining us today is Bryan O'Neil , the Director of Global Offshore & Power Generation Segments at Lincoln Electric , a company that is leading the charge in additive manufacturing. Bryan will discuss how Lincoln Electric's additive solutions are transforming the manufacturing industry and driving innovation in the oil and gas sector. Later in the episode, we'll be joined by Patrick Boster, PE of Stress Engineering Services , a company that specializes in advanced engineering solutions. Pat will take a deep dive into the additive solutions that Lincoln and Stress Engineering are working on together and how they are revolutionizing the way we think about manufacturing. From cutting-edge technology to real-world applications, this episode of The Roboticist Chronicles is not to be missed. Tune in to learn more about the exciting world of additive manufacturing and how it's shaping the future of robotics and automation. Watch the Video!…

1
Matt Gresens - FANUC America 16:27

2 years ago16:27

16:27

From the floor of the Offshore Technology Conference in Houston, TX. Dan Allford is joined by Matt Gresens , Sr. District Manager at FANUC America Corporation.

1
TRC - Ryan T. Zboril & Pitts & Spitts 27:01

3 years ago27:01

27:01

We are joined by Ryan T. Zboril , CEO of Pitts & Spitts . Pitts & Spitts is an American fabrication that shop that focuses on smokers and grills. Pitts & Spitts offers a full family of products including traditional offset smokers, wood pellet grills, charcoal grills, travel grills, combination pits, fire pits and much more. To help you achieve BBQ greatness, we also offer high quality wood pellets, a line of Texas spices, and other high quality, handpicked accessories. Check out Video Here…

1
TRC - Stu Shepherd & #HowToRobot 15:26

3 years ago15:26

15:26

We join Stuart Shepherd at the #HowToRobot booth at Fabtech 2022 in Atlanta, GA. to discuss how #HowToRobot is connecting those in the market for robotic solutions to the large network of robot suppliers who can help get the job done. Check out the video here.

The Roboticist Chronicles

1
TRC -US First Robotics: 37 57:06

3 years ago57:06

57:06

The Roboticist Chronicles

1
Jean-Marc Tetevuide: Life, Liberty, & the Pursuit of Happiness 26:44

3 years ago26:44

26:44

The Roboticist Chronicles

1
TRC -Dan's Business Secrets Episode:07 Commercial Builder 43:50

3 years ago43:50

43:50

In this episode of The Roboticist Chronicles, Todd Buster, president of Horizon Development & Construction, stops by H.A.T. Studio to discuss commercial building on this installment of Dan's Business Secrets.

The Roboticist Chronicles

1
TRC -Dan's Business Secrets Episode:06 Journalism 1:12:26

3 years ago1:12:26

1:12:26

In this episode of The Roboticist Chronicles, Chris Tomlinson, columnist for the Houston Chronicle, stops by H.A.T. Studio to discuss journalism on this installment of Dan's Business Secrets.

The Roboticist Chronicles

1
TRC -Dan's Business Secrets Episode:05 Business Electricity 53:18

3 years ago53:18

53:18

The Roboticist Chronicles

1
TRC -Dan's Business Secrets Episode:04 Corporate Law 1:03:11

3 years ago1:03:11

1:03:11

In this episode of The Roboticist Chronicles, Aaron Lloyd, Managing Attorney at Lloyd & Lorkowski, PLLC, stops by H.A.T. Studio to discuss corporate law on this installment of Dan's Business Secrets.

The Roboticist Chronicles

1
Wayne Mausbach: 40 Years of Advanced Manufacturing in Houston, Texas 1:28:44

3 years ago1:28:44

1:28:44

In this episode of The Roboticist Chronicles, Dan Allford jumps into The Wayback Machine, joined by an old colleague, Wayne Mausbach P.E. . Follow along as they reminisce on how they met, competing for work in the rock bit industry, past technologies, and other memories.

The Roboticist Chronicles

1
TRC -Dan's Business Secrets Episode:03 - Commercial Real Estate 49:13

3 years ago49:13

49:13

In this episode of The Roboticist Chronicles, Barrett J. Gibson, of Colliers-International, stops by H.A.T. Studio to discuss the purchasing of commercial real estate on this installment of Dan's Business Secrets.

The Roboticist Chronicles

1
TRC -Dan's Business Secrets Episode:02 Patents 42:54

3 years ago42:54

42:54

In this episode of The Roboticist Chronicles, we take a trip to downtown Houston where we visit John S. Egbert of Egbert, McDaniel & Swartz . John joins Dan for this installment of Dan's Business Secrets to discuss patent law. John and Dan have been in business with each other for well over 25 years cumulating in four patents and two trademarks.…

The Roboticist Chronicles

1
TRC -Dan's Business Secrets Episode:01 Leadership 38:20

3 years ago38:20

38:20

The Roboticist Chronicles

1
TRC -Dan's Business Secrets Episode:00 16:57

3 years ago16:57

16:57

The Roboticist Chronicles Podcast: Dan's Business Secrets Episode 00 I have been an entrepreneur since 1983. Historically 90% of start-ups fail. I have yet to bankrupt one (knock on wood). People ask me how I did it. So we are going to do a series on Dan's Business Secrets or Dan's BS for short. Since I learn from others I will have numerous guests on the podcast. I will host experts on leadership, banking, insurance, law, technology, and even how to buy electricity. All of them are both friends and mentors. They will share with you the same things they taught me. But this first episode is my laundry list, stream of consciousness catalog of topics that I plan on exploring in future episodes. I hope you enjoy it. When you are 64 years old I hope you will have as many good memories of struggles, successes, and failures as I have. ARC Specialties thrives on problems, send us yours! - Dan Allford…

The Roboticist Chronicles

1
Co-Opertition with Mush Khan of Alchemy Industrial 32:47

3 years ago32:47

32:47

The Roboticist Chronicles

1
Bruce Arnold: Advanced American Technology Inc. 28:21

3 years ago28:21

28:21

Join your favorite roboticist as he sits down with Bruce Arnold, President of Advanced American Technology Inc.. Advanced American Technology does government contracting with the Department of Defense. Bruce Arnold, originally from Orange, Texas, has many years of experience in manufacturing engineering.…

The Roboticist Chronicles

1
ARC Specialties Welcomes Trey Parrish of Bird Dog Industrial Solutions LLC. 21:31

3 years ago21:31

21:31

Dan Allford welcomes Trey Parrish of Bird Dog Solutions LLC. to the team in today's episode. Trey Parrish' Owner/President of Bird Dog Industrial Solutions LLC., has been in or around the welding industry for 20+ years and met Dan during a company turn-around on the west coast. This merger will help ARC Specialties introduce more automation into the oil and gas industry. Trey Parrish Mobile : 803-448-4510 Email : trey@bdindustrialsolutions.com Contact Johnny Tyler (johnny@arcspecialties.com) if you are interested in being a guest on The Roboticist Chronicles.…

The Roboticist Chronicles

1
Fabtech 2021: Show Floor Report 24:14

4 years ago24:14