Innovators Podcast: From Holiday Lights to Emergency Services – The Journey of Ascender Systems

In this episode of the Innovators Podcast, host Tom Dioro interviews Jorge and Ethan Muniz, the dynamic father-son duo behind Ascender Systems. Beginning with the inventive solution to putting up Christmas lights, their journey led to the creation of a prototype robotic climber. The discussion covers overcoming the challenges of customer pushback, the evolution of their prototype, and their aspirations to aid emergency services with cutting-edge technology. Jorge and Ethan share insights into their product's journey, its potential impact, and the personal growth they experienced through pitching their innovation at competitions worldwide.

Ascender Systems has designed a patented lightweight robotic solution for climbing up various vertical structures (e.g. poles, pipes, columns). Each "climber" robot can carry and install a "leave-behind" with a personalized customer-selected payload that best meets their needs. Our "climber" can optionally return to the ground to be reused. Customizable "leave-behind" systems can include communications relay, lighting, thermal detections, cameras, and/or satellite uplink.

For more information about Ascender Systems, visit the website

https://ascendersystems.com/

00:00 Introduction to Ascender Systems

00:59 Meet the Founders: Jorge and Ethan Muniz

02:08 The Mantra: There Has to Be a Better Way

03:14 From Christmas Lights to Emergency Services

04:21 Challenges and Customer Discovery

08:08 Prototyping and Iterations

12:02 Competitions and Funding

13:31 Future Prospects and Personal Growth

21:47 Conclusion and Final Thoughts