When you set a sort of constrained barrier around where the robot operates, it sounds like it has a system in place and sensors to detect when someone's coming. So does that mean that like theoretically the machines could operate a lot faster than they do today? Or is that not how it works? And also, I guess what we're ultimately trying to ask is when can humans be completely taken out of the loop? Is that even something that's on the radar for you guys?
Robotics are both deeply tied to artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), and also somewhat distinct in their practicality and material application. Built Robotics is a great example of this duality, and in today’s conversation with the CEO and Co-Founder of the company, Noah Ready-Campbell, we hear about how the company is positioning itself in relation to current construction industry needs and also for the wave of possibilities in the near future. Noah talks about the process of transition to autonomy, comparing other related sectors such as transportation, the strong bonds Built Robotics has created with the burgeoning solar power space, and also his belief in the capability of automation to aid us in constructing a better world. We discuss the refining of machine learning models, safety and security at Built Robotics, the need for supervision, and other sectors that the company might move into in the future. So to hear it all from Noah in this insightful chat, make sure to join us.
Key Points From This Episode:
- The history of Built Robotics, the initial hypothesis, and their focus in the last few years.
- Noah talks about what they offer their clients in the construction business.
- Renewable energy and solar power; why Built Robotics has found a good fit in this space.
- Unpacking the usual costs of construction and how Built Robotics’ prices compare with this.
- The sensor suite at Built Robotics; computers, cameras, GPS, and more.
- Noah’s perspective on the question of autonomy and the trajectory of the construction industry.
- Thoughts on safety and regulation, and the eight-layer safety system in place at Built Robotics.
- Considering the limits on how fast and efficiently the machine is and will be able to operate.
- Necessary supervision and the possibility of the complete removal of human involvement.
- The skills involved in the utilization of machine capabilities.
- Noah shares the comparisons of efficiency and work hours between human labor and robotics.
- The vision for Built Robotics, and Noah’s ambitions around longevity.
- Factory integration of machines and where Built Robotics system is headed.
- The elements of Built Robotics that make sense to outsource.
- Noah’s expectations for the company to move into sectors beyond construction.
- The influence and impact of the latest wave of AI advancements on the company.
- The importance of the Inflation Reduction Act on the construction industry.
- Noah talks about the robotics possibilities he is most excited about currently.
