The TechEd Podcast

It seems autonomous robots and self-driving vehicles are everywhere today. Longstanding organizations and startups alike are competing to bring cutting-edge robotics to the market for commercial applications, household use, national security and defense work...the opportunities are limitless.

Clearpath Robotics is one of the leaders in autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), and they're putting this technology to work in industrial material handling applications.

We sat down with the company's CEO Matt Rendall at the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) in Chicago to talk about how Clearpath's brand of industrial AMRs - OTTO Motors - is ushering in the future of material handling.

 We talked about the difference between AGVs and AMRs, how artificial intelligence enables the AMRs to carry out their missions, what it takes to deploy a fleet in a facility, the kinds of programs students should enroll in if they want to work with AMRs in their career, and you'll even get a sneak preview of the new OTTO Lifter - "world's smartest forklift".

3 Big Takeaways from this episode:

1. It's not AGVs vs. AMRs: People often think AGVs (automated guided vehicles) and AMRs (autonomous mobile robots) are either the same thing, or that one will replace the other. Neither is the case. Matt Rendall gives a great explanation of how these technologies are designed for specific functions and capabilities in an industrial material handling scenario. The added value of AMRs? They combine the predictability and efficiency of an AGV with the flexibility and intelligence of a human.
2. SLAM is the heart of how an AMR is able to map its surroundings: Simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) occurs when the AMR takes the data from its sensors, lasers and cameras and turns it into a live map that enables the robot to navigate its surroundings, even in a dynamic industrial facility.
3. Technology will take tasks, not jobs, away from humans: People want to go to work and do fulfilling, creative and complex work - not rote tasks wear down the brain and body. Automation exists to do the dull, boring and dangerous tasks and enable companies to produce at maximum capacity. And when things are automated, people don't lose their jobs; they're redeployed elsewhere in the operation, often in more human-centric roles.

Students: Do you want to work with AMRs?
Deploying these AMRs takes a variety of individuals with different skillsets - technicals, engineers, software experts and operations experts. Matt suggests students who want to work with AMR technology should pursue mechatronics programs, as they naturally combine areas of study like mechanical systems, electronics and controls - all vital components of an AMR.

Resources

To learn more about OTTO Motors industrial AMRs, visit: ottomotors.com and be sure to check out the new OTTO Lifter!

To learn more about Clearpath Robotics, visit: clearpathrobotics.com

Connect with Clearpath and OTTO Motors on social media!

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Visit episode page: https://techedpodcast.com/clearpath/

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You might know them as a technology company, but people are at the center of what Best Buy does. And in today's tech-driven world, Best Buy knows that any organization's success is dependent on having bright, inspired and tech-savvy individuals carrying out the company's mission. And that starts by investing in our youth.

We have a fascinating discussion with Tequilla Lopez, Director of Social Impact programs at Best Buy, about how the company is supporting students across the country with the skills and mentors to help them pursue their passions in STEM and technology-related fields.

Listen closely, because this episode is an important one. 

The "digital divide" is going to negatively impact youth who don't have equal access to technology in their educational pathway. Communities and employers can help bridge that digital divide and provide their local students access to the most basic tools, experiences and skills to succeed in today's digital economy.

Get ready to hear about all the amazing opportunities available to students through their community outreach programs that are building brighter futures through technology!

3 Big Takeaways from this episode:

1. The youth you inspire today could be the talent you hire tomorrow. Best Buy's student programs provide youth access to technology, mentors and skill development to prepare them for careers of tomorrow - even ones that don't exist yet!
   1. Teen Tech Centers are after-school spaces housed within nonprofits across the U.S. that are equipped with cutting-edge technology and staffed by youth development professionals who provide a safe and supportive learning environment for those students. Teen Tech Centers are all about projects, peers, passions, and play.
   2. Career Pathways are year-long curriculum-based learning to help students build skills, create a portfolio, get part-time jobs and prepare them for internships and careers in the field they're passionate about.
   3. Geek Squad Academy is a mini-camp meant to be the spark that ignites a student's mind to what's possible. These project-based experiences introduce students to technology, skills and careers.
2. Mentors can become sponsors and can provide opportunities to students they never would have otherwise. Best Buy's Teen Tech Centers focus heavily on mentors, especially those adults who have similar experiences and backgrounds as the students they mentor, because representation matters for these youth. Tequilla shares insights into how a mentor can become a sponsor, speaking on an individual's behalf in rooms they don't have access to, which can open doors they'd never be able to walk through otherwise.
3. The way that talent comes to us today may not be packaged in the way it has been in the past. Employers, in this new norm, you may have to dig deeper to find great talent, but truth is, it's probably right in your backyard. Those employers who are willing to go to the extra mile to have open minds, to partner with student-focused organizations, to become mentors to students and to provide that access and training will be the ones who find the greatest talent.

Resources

To learn more about the Teen Tech Centers, visit: bestbuy.com/teentechcenter or email [email protected]

To learn more about the Geek Squad Academy, visit: academy.geeksquad.com or email [email protected]

Connect with Tequilla on LinkedIn.

Visit the episode page: techedpodcast.com/bestbuy

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How can business owners maximize the value of their company? Look no further than the people in your organization and the talent in your region.

Private equity enables entrepreneurs and founders to achieve the American Dream by offering a succession plan to an organization that will be a great steward of the company and carry out the mission of the founder. Borgman Capital does just this. The firm works with midwestern companies across all sectors, many in the small-to-midsized manufacturing market, to purchase and grow the business so the founder can transition to the next phase of their life.

This is the American Dream for entrepreneurs.

In this episode, we talk with Sequoya Borgman, Managing Director of Borgman Capital, about strategies for how businesses can create the most value in their company, why investing in your people is so crucial for a business owner, and why manufacturing is ripe for opportunity in the U.S.

3 Big Takeaways from this episode:

1. Leaders can maximize the value of their company by professionalizing the business: Many founders tend to hold onto all the insight, relationships and know-how for every function of the company. When all the value is tied up in the owner, it's very difficult to replace that individual, leaving risk for the buyer. Business owners can increase their company's value by professionalizing their leadership team and handing off key responsibilities and knowledge to up-and-coming leaders who will help run the organization after the owner exits.
2. Any organization that isn't using the most up-to-date technology is falling behind: In private equity, this means cutting-edge analytics technology to help valuate a prospective portfolio company. But the same is true for the companies in their portfolio - automation raises the value of the company and solves many of the workforce issues faced by manufacturing businesses. Manufacturing is booming in the United States and will continue to do so, and those who automate now will get ahead in the future. 
3. Having a workforce development plan in place will create added value to your company: Any private equity company's goal is to grow their portfolio businesses - and that means hiring and training new employees. With the added increases in automation, companies that already have learning and development strategies in place are worth more than those who don't. 

Resources
To learn more about Borgman Capital visit: www.borgmancapital.com

Connect with Borgman Capital on social media: LinkedIn

Visit episode page: https://techedpodcast.com/borgman

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Automation Alley, a World Economic Forum AMHUB, is at the center of some of the most innovative Industry 4.0-focused projects, startups and technology accelerators in the country. 

In episode two of our two-part series with Automation Alley Executive Director and CEO Tom Kelly, we get into some of these initiatives that deploy cutting-edge technologies like 3D printing, blockchain, artificial intelligence and more. 

Learn how small and midsize manufacturers are leveraging additive manufacturing for unique applications, get an understanding of how blockchain technology can be leveraged in an Industry 4.0 world, and see the value of supporting startups in the advanced manufacturing technology sector.

(Did you miss our first episode with Tom Kelly? Get caught up here: techedpodcast.com/automationalley)

3 Big Takeaways from this episode:

1. Project DIAMOnD is a living case study in how 3D printing is revolutionizing manufacturing: Project DIAMOnD (Distributed Independent Additive Manufacturing on Demand) is the country's largest distributed 3D printing network, enabling small and midsize manufacturers to leverage the technological advantages of production-capable 3D printing while learning from other organizations in the 300-printer network. We talk about the role of 3D printing, its current and future applications, how it's solving supply chain issues, and the role of blockchain in a distributed network.
2. Blockchain technology is an integral component of digital manufacturing: The more digitalized manufacturing becomes, the more important it is that organizations start leveraging the power of blockchain to keep their products, processes and IP secure. Tom provides a great overview of blockchain and the importance of digital ID, digital recipes, digital rights management, and digital quality assurance.
3. The Industry 4.0 Accelerator is supporting Industry 4.0 startups developing fascinating technologies: Industry 4.0 is full of potential for innovative, disruptive technologies that can transform traditional manufacturing. That's why Automation Alley partnered with a number of organizations, including Lawrence Technological University (Centrolpolis Accelerator), Lean Rocket Lab, and a number of well-known companies, to launch the Industry 4.0 Accelerator which is supporting Industry 4.0 startups in Michigan. Hear about some of the incredible technologies these companies have invented and the role of partnerships in an accelerator model like this.

Resources

To learn about Automation Alley and get free access to Industry 4.0 knowledge visit: automationalley.com

Learn more / get involved with Project DIAMOnD: www.projectdiamond.org

Learn more about the Industry 4.0 Accelerator: www.i40accelerator.com

Connect with Automation Alley on social media:

Facebook  |  Twitter  |  LinkedIn  |  Instagram  |  YouTube

View this episode page: https://techedpodcast.com/automationalley2/

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Automation Alley is one of the World Economic Forum's AMHUBs (Advanced Manufacturing Hub). These centers of excellence aggregate and share knowledge, resources and tools around Industry 4.0 through collaborative projects and initiatives. 

In episode one of our two-part series with Automation Alley Executive Director and CEO Tom Kelly, we discuss the state of Industry 4.0 in the United States. Are small and midsized manufacturers aware of the impact Industry 4.0 will have? What technological and cultural changes need to be made for a business to embrace Industry 4.0? How will reshoring impact our manufacturing workforce?

We answer all these and more in a fascinating discussion all around advanced manufacturing strategies.

3 Big Takeaways from this episode:

1. Industry 4.0 and digital transformation must be collaborative efforts: This concept is unfamiliar in manufacturing where companies hold tightly to their "secret sauce," but the rate of change of technology today makes it imperative that organizations share their knowledge and best practices around Industry 4.0. At Automation Alley, the mindset is share what you know; take what you need. We discuss the roles that companies, academic institutions, government and other entities must play in this collaborative effort.
2. Industry 4.0 readiness is about business culture, too: While so much focus is placed on technology, Automation Alley's research with small to midsize companies has shown that it's really about company culture and a willingness to change - and that might mean disrupting business models from a capital-asset-focused strategy. Hear Tom share the four biggest barriers to change for SMBs and how he scores the U.S. for Industry 4.0 readiness.
3. The workforce will be massively disrupted by Industry 4.0: Disrupting business models, changing technologies, reshoring manufacturing to the U.S. and an aging manufacturing workforce all play into this idea - that the manufacturing workforce will be greatly disrupted by Industry 4.0. Echoing earlier sentiments, the workforce challenge should be solved through collaboration, company culture, and building connections between academia and industry.

Resources

To learn about Automation Alley and get free access to Industry 4.0 knowledge visit: automationalley.com
To get access to the Industry 4.0 Readiness Assessment discussed in this episode, visit: https://www.automationalley.com/initiatives/industry-4-0-leadership-assessment

Connect with Automation Alley on social media:

Facebook  |  Twitter  |  LinkedIn  |  Instagram  |  YouTube

View episode page: techedpodcast.com/automationalley

We want to hear from you! Send us a text.

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Jobs for America's Graduates (JAG) is on a mission to empower the nation's young  people with the skills and the support they need to succeed in education, employment, and life.

Their vision? All young people are prepared for future success.

JAG reaches 70,000 young people in 1,500 communities across the United States - students who are underserved and face barriers and challenges that leave them disconnected from traditional education. Through their unique JAG Model and 3-pronged JAG Advantage, the organization is able to reach these students where they are, give them voice and choice in their education journey, get connected with local employers, and get the support and skills they need to find future success.

In this episode, JAG Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Janelle Duray joins us for a discussion around JAG's strategy and the impact it's having on students across the country. Educators, employers and community leaders will glean great insights from the success stories Janelle shares with us.

3 Big Takeaways from this episode:

1. JAG's unique model empowers students who have been disengaged from traditional education: Thousands of students in the U.S. face barriers to education and life success - often outside of school - that manifest in their education journey and create challenges to success. JAG Specialists and classrooms meet students where they are, give them voice and choice in their education pathway, give them a place to belong, and support them with tools to succeed in education, life and work. This model has resulted in over 96% graduation rate and 96% continuing education rates (2-year, 4-year or apprenticeship) for JAG students.
2. Young people do better when classrooms emulate how the real world works: JAG classrooms rely heavily on project-based learning (PBL). When students learn by doing, they can directly relate their education to their life and career outside of school. Education as a whole can learn from PBL's success. The modern classroom structure, schedule and focus hasn't evolved with the rest of the world, and the JAG model is the next evolution of education that truly sets up students for success in 2022.
3. The 3-pronged approach to student success combines project-based-learning + trauma-informed care + employer engagement: The JAG Advantage, as this formula is called, ties together three student-centered strategies to education. PBL helps students learn by doing. Trauma-informed care seeks to understand each individual's struggles, help them build relationships, teach resiliency and gives them voice and choice in the classroom. Employer engagement gets local employers involved from the start - from classroom and facility visits to apprenticeships and job opportunities - employers are actively engaged with JAG students.

Resources
Connect with Janelle Duray on LinkedIn

To learn about the work of Jobs for America's Graduates, visit: jag.org

Connect with JAG on social media:

Facebook  |  Twitter  |  LinkedIn  |  YouTube

Episode page: https://techedpodcast.com/jag/

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Architects are visionaries whose designs bring purpose to places, bring communities together, and can be a catalyst for life-changing experiences. As past President of the American Institute of Architects and Co-Founder of Architecture is Fun, Peter Exley designs spaces for mission-driven organizations to help them tell their story and have a positive impact on students, families and communities.

In this episode, we talk all things architecture - the perfect combination of STEM skills and artistic craft. Learn about the importance of vision, design and purpose in physical spaces. Hear about what it's like to be an architect. And even hear the surprising answer to our question: what kind of skills and personality make for a great architect?

3 Big Takeaways from this episode:

1. Digitization is changing architecture, too: Technology has evolved the way architects envision, design and edit their work. Modern architecture is a combination of hand-drawn art and digital design. We discuss how technology is disrupting design, like how architects use software to update designs and renderings on the spot to help clients visualize the future of their building.
2. The right design can revitalize a community and help people find their purpose: Through his work designing children's museums, Peter has seen architecture bring small towns together, revive main street communities, and create safe, inviting spaces where children find their passion and purpose. It's these life-changing moments that remind us that the right spaces help organizations share their values and tell their story.
3. There's a place for any person in architecture: That's right - architecture isn't just for the left-brained or right-brained. Architecture is a rewarding, purpose-fulling career for those who want to design, envision and realize the future. And it can be for anyone! Whether you're a mathematical, precise, strategic organizer or a creative, artistic visionary, there is a place in architecture for you.

Resources

• To learn more about Peter Exley and Architecture is fun, visit their website: architectureisfun.com
• To learn about the work of the American Institute of Architects, visit: aia.org

Connect with Architecture is Fun on social media:

Facebook  |  Instagram  |  Twitter  |  LinkedIn

Episode page: https://techedpodcast.com/architectureisfun/

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The REC Foundation is all about sparking student interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) by engaging them in affordable, hands-on robotics programs and competitions. Through these programs, students increase their technical abilities and workforce skills, preparing them for a bright future.

Dan Mantz, Chief Executive Officer of the REC Foundation spent the majority of his career in industrial robotics and automation. He has seen firsthand how lives can be fundamentally changed through STEM and technical careers. Today, his work at the foundation is focused on inspiring students toward these careers and helping them understand all the different pathways to and through them.

3 Big Takeaways from this episode:

1. Competition reinforces learning & ignites creativity: All students should have the chance to get hands-on exposure to robotics and engineering technologies in the classroom - but no classroom program can compare to the life-changing experience of applying that learning in competition. The Guinness World Record-holding VEX Worlds hosts over 3,000 teams from all over the world coming together to compete. In these competitions, students' classroom knowledge becomes real-world experience where teams apply the design process, engineering process, strategize, communicate and use teamwork to win championships.
2. The REC Foundation's programs create pathways to industrial robotics & Industry 4.0: Through VEX competitions and classroom programs using drones, sensors, programming and other ancillary technologies, the REC Foundation is getting students excited about robotics. Once they're hooked, students can work their way up to authentic industrial robotics and automation systems as well as high-tech Industry 4.0 learning systems that their district or post-secondary school offers. Dan speaks to the importance of investing in students as early as possible, giving them exposure to real Industry 4.0 technologies, and inspiring them toward technology-focused careers.
3. Our future manufacturing and industrial business leaders will come from technical backgrounds: With all the opportunities in STEM and the skilled trades, individuals are finding more and alternative models for entering and moving upward in these careers. Today's students have the option to go to a two-year school, four-year school, apprenticeship program, direct-to-workforce, earn industry-recognized credentials, or any combination of these - at any point in their career. The REC Foundation is a huge part of this effort, whether through their educational programs or through projects like the Tesla Externship. Dan shares great insights into the endless opportunities for upward mobility and leadership for those with technical backgrounds and training.

Resources

To learn more about the REC Foundation, visit their website: roboticseducation.org

Get in touch with Dan directly: [email protected]

Connect with the REC Foundation on social media:

Facebook  |  Instagram  |  Twitter  |  LinkedIn  |  YouTube

Episode page: https://techedpodcast.com/recfoundation/

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Manufacturers are putting more emphasis on diversity efforts than ever before, but are they working?

Executives, if you want to build a more diverse leadership team, then look no further than your frontline workforce.

And if you want to implement diversity practices that truly impact your frontline workers - the ones who stand to gain the most from these efforts - then you need to listen to this episode.

Our host Matt Kirchner combines decades of manufacturing leadership experience with recent data to uncover the key to building a more diverse workforce.

3 Big Takeaways from this episode:

1.  Diversity in your workforce is good, and it's good business: Having a diverse team means your company can relate to any customer, any supplier, any team member. Having a diverse leadership team means there are more and better perspectives at the table when approaching solutions to problems and understanding how they'll impact the entire business and employee base.
2. Most companies' diversity efforts have missed the group that stands to reap the most socio-economic benefits from them: 2/3 of office workers say diversity efforts are working. But only 4/10 frontline workers think so. Why? Because too often diversity initiatives ignore the interests of the frontline workforce, like giving them skills-building abilities and the path to upward mobility. Keep this in mind: the frontline employs 61% of the entire American workforce, which is also the most diverse workforce you'll find. If you want to invest in diversity, invest in your frontline workers.
3. The key to a more diverse workforce is skills training for frontline workers, both hard skills and professional skills: Do you want diversity among your supervisors, administrators, managers, executive leadership? Look no further than your frontline workforce. The data tell us that these individuals want to learn new skills and grow into leadership roles. So invest in them. Provide opportunities to progress in their careers, and your entire business will benefit.

Resources
Wall Street Journal Article - Black and Hispanic Employees Often Get Stuck at the Lowest Rung of the Workplace

McKinsey Report - Race in the Workplace: The Frontline Experience

Episode page: https://techedpodcast.com/diverseworkforce/

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Careers in aerospace are out of this world! And thanks to the work being done by SpaceTEC, the aerospace technicians are being trained and certified for cutting-edge careers all over the U.S.

SpaceTEC was launched as a National Science Foundation center to train aerospace workers. Led by Executive Director Steve Kane, the organization creates curriculum, resources and certifications to help training centers across the country prepare the workforce in their region for aerospace careers.

In this episode, we talk with Steve about his vast experience in the aerospace industry, the work being done by SpaceTEC around training aerospace technicians, and the future of space technology!

3 Big Takeaways from this episode:

1. Aerospace and Manufacturing align on so many technologies and competencies: For our manufacturing-focused audience, you'll be intersted in how similar the aerospace and advanced manufacturing industries are. In fact, it was the end of the Space Shuttle program in Florida that enabled a massive influx of manufacturing into the region - because the technical workforce was already trained for advanced manufacturing roles. We discuss how these industries are similar, and perhaps more importantly, how they're different.
2. SpaceTEC is building out the first apprenticeships for aerospace technicians in the U.S.: Drawing from traditional apprenticeship models and the experience of partners in Germany, SpaceTEC has launched apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs to train more individuals for careers in aerospace. Their first cohorts focus on three key areas: Mechatronics, Advanced CNC Machining, and Fiber Composites. Built on strong partnerships with well-recognized industry leaders, these apprenticeship programs are the first of their kind to focus on the aerospace market.
3. Automation and mechatronics are revolutionizing the aerospace industry: Like nearly every sector of our economy, aerospace is also being disrupted by automation. Traditionally manual processes like working with composites are now fully automated. Steve helps us understand that those who have programming knowledge and certifications, can operate automated machinery, and have experience in mechatronics will be set up for success in the ever-evolving world of aerospace.

The Future of Aerospace
With all the commercialization of space travel, advances in space technology and demand for a skilled workforce, we couldn't help but ask Steve his predictions for the future. All we can say is...There is so much opportunity in the aerospace industry for curious people who love to work with their hands! Listen in to hear all about it.

Resources
To learn more about SpaceTEC's resources, curriculum and certifications, visit: https://spacetec.us/

Visit episode page: https://techedpodcast.com/spacetec/

We want to hear from you! Send us a text.

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