Voices of Automation

In this episode Zach Gelo sits down with Kyle Mahan, Chief Operating Officer at Lightspeed Robotics, to discuss his career, craft and his read on where the industry is heading.

Recorded at Automate 2026 in Chicago, Kyle explains the mobile factory Lightspeed is pushing into production: a robotic cell that arrives on site, takes the blueprint for a home and builds wall and roof panels with the mechanical, electrical and plumbing already inside them. There is no robot programming. A rule set adapts to the site, the crane and the local building code, then writes the robot file itself.

Kyle talks through how AI is changing the economics of engineering, what happens to a team when a 2,000 hour job becomes a 200 hour job, and why he thinks engineers will build stacks rather than write code. He also covers how he fell into automation after fixing a hydraulic test stand without permission, why culture beats raw talent, what private equity is really buying when it acquires an integrator, and where the hardest roles to fill actually sit.

Kyle was COO of Lightspeed Robotics at the time of recording and is now at Wes-Tech Automation Solutions.

Voices of Automation is part of the Metric Podcast Network.

In this episode Zach Gelo sits down with Sigmund Aaro, Executive VP at Project Farma, to discuss his career, craft and his read on where the industry is heading.

In this episode Zach Gelo sits down with Freddy Padilla, Operations & Engineering Leader at Trinity Consultants to discuss his career, craft and his read on where the industry is heading.

In this episode Zach Gelo sits down with Tracy Perdue, VP of Sales at Wibotic to discuss his career, craft and his read on where the industry is heading.

In this episode of Voices of Automation, Zach Gelo sits down with Bryan DeBois, Director of Industrial AI at RoviSys, to explore the evolving landscape of industrial automation and AI.

Bryan brings over 25 years of experience at RoviSys, with deep expertise spanning Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), machine learning, artificial intelligence, software development, and system integration. His work focuses on bridging the gap between legacy systems and modern automation technologies, helping organizations harness the power of Industrial AI to maximize efficiency while minimizing operational risk.

In this episode, Bryan shares insights on the practical challenges of automation and AI implementation, the importance of scalable system architecture, and strategies for successful digital transformation. They discuss lessons learned from complex integration projects, how machine learning and AI are shaping the future of industrial automation, and key considerations for teams looking to advance their capabilities without disrupting production.

In the fourth episode of Voices of Automation, Zach sits down with Jose Riveria, Industry First Executive at Falfurrias Management Partners, to explore the evolving landscape of industrial automation.

Jose brings extensive expertise in automation engineering and system integration, with a proven track record of delivering innovative solutions across manufacturing and process industries. His work focuses on bridging the gap between legacy systems and modern automation technologies, helping organizations maximize efficiency while minimizing operational risk.

In this episode, Jose shares insights on the practical challenges of automation implementation, the importance of scalable system architecture, and strategies for successful digital transformation. They discuss lessons learned from complex integration projects, emerging technologies shaping the future of automation, and key considerations for teams looking to advance their automation capabilities without disrupting production.

In the third episode of Voices of Automation, Zach welcomes Wiff Dedrick and Carlis Gross from Power Co Distribution Solutions.

Wiff and Carlis bring deep, hands-on experience in electrical distribution systems and automation solutions supporting critical power infrastructure. At Power Co Distribution Solutions, they work closely with utilities and industrial operators to design, implement, and support reliable distribution systems that prioritize safety, efficiency, and long-term performance.

In this episode, they discuss real-world challenges facing power distribution today, how automation is transforming system reliability and maintenance, and what utilities and industrial operators should consider when modernising their distribution and control strategies.

In the second episode of Voices of Automation, Zach welcomes Alan Hudson, US Sales Manager at Trihedral.

Alan brings nearly a decade of experience in industrial automation and SCADA solutions. At Trihedral, he leads VTScada software sales and support across the United States, working with a growing team of technical sales engineers to deliver mission-critical HMI and SCADA applications. His expertise spans system integration, security, redundancy, alarming, and real-time monitoring for industries that demand reliability and scalability.

In this episode, he shares insights on how automation technology is evolving, the role of VTScada in modern operations, and what businesses should consider when implementing advanced control systems.

"We hire your brain and get your hands for free"

In the first episode of Voices of Automation, Zach welcomes Andy Battler, Vice President of Operations for ProVantage Automation.

ProV is a Systems Integrator and OEM based in Ontario, boasting a workforce with 200+ years of combined automation experience. Their cutting edge knowledge of programming, motion control and safety systems make them an influencing industry leader and important voice in the world of automation.