On this week’s episode, David & Jake sit down with John Weiler, Sales Manager at Boston Dynamics. John brings us a unique perspective to the show - he walks up and down factory floors daily solving maintenance problems - but he doesn’t actually work on the manufacturing side of the equation. That’s because he walks alongside Boston Dynamics’ robotic technology, specifically Spot, to enhance both safety and efficiency in maintenance and manufacturing processes.

You may have heard of Spot as the dancing robot in some music videos or Superbowl commercials. However, companies leverage Spot to perform inspections in areas that are unsafe or inaccessible to humans. As part of the conversation, Weiler clarifies the role of automation and AI in the job industry. Rather than seeing robots as a threat to the workforce, they're highlighted as useful tools that complement human tasks. The ability of these technologies to perform tasks in situations unsafe for humans underlines the pivotal role of technology in both maintaining global relevance and leading innovation.

John discusses the human element of technology integration in workplaces, emphasizing the importance of an inclusive approach toward change management. By involving the workforce in the process, fostering a sense of ownership and inclusion can aid in smooth transitions towards tech-enhanced futures. John's suggestions can equip listeners with practical insights into effectively introducing new technologies in their workplaces.

—

Guest Bio

John Weiler, an Industrial Sales Manager at Boston Dynamics, is a distinguished leader in robotics and automation. His remarkable contributions have led to the deployment of robots and automation in a variety of industries around the world. 

At Boston Dynamics, John engages directly with various global manufacturers, addressing key issues such as workforce challenges, demand requirements, throughput constraints, and the integration of legacy systems. Guided by his principle of always maintaining an open mindset in order to learn more effectively, John dynamically translates his learnings into addressing the systemic adoption of robotics within the manufacturing industry. 

Furthermore, his personal life mirrors his passion for technology, including experiences with Spot that extend joy to people of all ages. John believes in the empowering role technology plays in the manufacturing sector, allowing it to grow and excel within the global manufacturing landscape.

Previously at Path Robotics, he played a pivotal role in increasing revenue to over $25 million as one of their founding sales hires. He attended Ohio State University studying Economics and raised an investment round his senior year to launch his first company.

—

Guest Quote

“Every factory I talk to, when you move up the strategic ladder, one of the biggest things that they talk to us about is safety. ‘We need to improve the safety of all of our facilities.’ Anytime we have tasks that can remove people from unsafe situations, and they're repeatable and scalable, that's a home run formula for a robot.” – John Weiler

—

Time Stamps 

*(02:00) Opening Ice Breaker

*(02:52) John's Background

*(04:36) Why you should follow your passion

*(05:32) Segment 01: The Maintainer Mashup

*(06:58) What Boston Dynamics can offer factory floors

*(08:38) Spot's impact on the industry

*(12:10) Making sure data is not out of sight, out of mind

*(15:37) Increasing worker safety through automation

*(19:33) Segment 02: What's in Your Toolkit?

*(20:48) Why John enters each floor with a "Beginner's Mindset"

*(21:43) How people react to Spot

*(24:35) Inspiring the next generation of technicians

*(25:42) Segment 03: The Future of Factories

*(26:47) Automations are here to help workers

*(27:52) Change is hard but necessary

*(32:24) Segment 04: Fix It Funnies 

—

Links

• Connect with John Weiler on LinkedIn 
• Learn more about Boston Dynamics
• Connect with David Lee on LinkedIn
• Connect with Jake Hall on LinkedIn
• Learn more about Tractian