Rewiring the American Edge

Dr. Billy Riggs, Vipul Vyas
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Global conversations on innovation, automation, and the future of competitive cities. Rewiring the American Edge is a podcast that explores building economies that are sustainable and inclusive in the era of automation and innovation. While rooted in the challenges and opportunities of the U.S. economy, the podcast invites voices from around the world—policymakers, technologists, labor leaders, and entrepreneurs—to share bold ideas and real-world strategies that transcend borders. Each episode explores trends such as: technologies reshaping work and urban life; global trends opportunities and challenges; specific investments, ideas, partnerships and policies to build a future-ready economy and workforce. This is a podcast for anyone committed to building smarter systems and stronger communities. Big ideas. Bold policies. Real impact. Rewired.

  1. 10/15/2025

    Episode 20 | Oct 15, 2025 - The Chinese AI and Robotics Surge

    Summary In this episode, hosts Billy Riggs and Vipul Vyas discuss the urgent need for the U.S. to keep pace with advancements in robotics and AI, particularly in light of China's rapid progress. They explore the implications of cultural distrust and political paralysis in the U.S. that hinder innovation, while also emphasizing the importance of building trust in technology. The dialogue highlights the need for a strategic approach to AI and robotics in the U.S. to ensure competitiveness and ethical standards in the face of global challenges. Takeaways The U.S. is experiencing a cultural distrust towards technology.China is accelerating its AI and robotics capabilities with state support.The U.S. needs a strategic government approach to AI and robotics.Cultural fear and political paralysis are hindering U.S. innovation.Building trust in technology is essential for future advancements.AI can improve accessibility and engagement in local governance.The U.S. must recognize its position relative to global competitors.Historical analogs can inform current technological challenges.The importance of ethical standards in AI development is growing.A collaborative approach is necessary to address technological disparities.Sound Bites “The American edge isn’t American — it’s glocal. Our competitiveness depends on how we engage with the rest of the world, not how we isolate from it.” — Billy Riggs“Ninety percent of China’s economy is on track to integrate AI. That’s not experimentation — that’s commitment.” — Vipul Vyas "Distrust is America’s biggest barrier to innovation. We don’t have a technology problem — we have a confidence problem.”— Billy Riggs“Trust isn’t conferred — it’s earned. We’ll believe in AI the same way we came to believe in credit cards: when it works every time.”— Vipul Vyas“We need a U.S. strategy for AI and robotics — not just policies to regulate them, but a vision to lead with them.” — Billy Riggs"China builds factories of the future; we debate factories of the past." — Vipul VyasAdditional Resources Carnegie Endowment: https://carnegieendowment.org/emissary/2025/09/ai-china-90-percent-economy-why-wont-work?lang=enWashington Post: China best on AI Dominance https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/07/31/china-ai-united-states-control/NY Times: More Robots in Chine that Rest of the World https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/25/business/china-factory-robots.htmlSan Jose Launches AI Language Access: https://sanjosestandard.com/san-jose-city-clerk-launches-artificial-intelligence-initiative-to-increase-language-access-at-city-council-meetings/Chapters 00:00 - The Urgency of AI and Robotics 03:50 - The Global Entry Example: Do We Trust Technology? 05:49 - China's Acceleration in AI and Robotics 06:21 - Are we hesitating while China is accelerating? 09:46 - The U.S. Response to AI and Robotics 15:15 - Local Innovations in AI for Accessibility 17:04 - Addressing Cultural Distrust and Political Challenges 21:25 - The Need for a Strategic U.S. Approach 21:47 - A need for a Sputnik moment 25:37 - Values and Ethics in AI Development 26:51 - Back to Billy's Global Entry Experience: Building Trust in Technology

    29 min

  2. 09/23/2025

    Episode 19 | Sept 23, 2025 - AVs & the Visual Vernacular of Streets

    In this episode, Billy Riggs explores the intersection of autonomous vehicles and urban design, questioning whether these vehicles should be context-sensitive to their environments. As he says: "What if AVs weren’t just about moving people, but about placemaking? What if their design reflected the neighborhoods they serve and became part of the visual DNA of cities?" He discusses the current state of autonomous vehicle technology, the challenges of achieving level five autonomy, and the implications of Tesla's ambitions in robotics. Riggs emphasizes the importance of visual identity in urban transportation and reflects on historical examples, such as the streetcar era, to illustrate how vehicles can integrate with their surroundings. He concludes by advocating for a future where autonomous vehicles contribute to the visual and cultural fabric of cities. Takeaways Autonomous vehicles should be designed with context sensitivity in mind.The visual relationship between vehicles and urban design is crucial.Level five autonomy is unlikely to be fully achievable due to physical limitations.Tesla's focus on robotics could redefine its future value.Historical transportation systems provide valuable lessons for modern design.Vehicles can reflect local identity and contribute to civic pride.Sustainability should be a key consideration in vehicle design.Adaptive design could enhance the integration of AVs into urban environments.Public transportation can benefit from the integration of autonomous vehicles.The design of future vehicles should reflect the neighborhoods they serve.Sound Bites Level five autonomy is a myth. Just like humans cannot drive in all conditions, vehicles cannot violate the laws of physics. There will always be operational limits. — Billy Riggs  We’re rewiring transportation, we’re rewiring the economy, we’re rewiring our cities for innovation. Should we also think about rewiring the visual vernacular of our streets? — Billy Riggs  Historically, we’ve seen moments when transportation and the built environment spoke the same design language—from the ornate ironwork of streetcars to the Art Nouveau entrances of the Paris Metro.  — Billy Riggs  Cities have always had their icons of design identity—the yellow taxi in New York, the double-decker bus in London, tuk-tuks in Bangkok. Could autonomous vehicles be the next iteration?  — Billy Riggs  There might be a middle ground: a core vehicle that stays standard, but with modular skins and adaptive layers that let it visually tune itself to its environment.” — Billy Riggs  What if AVs weren’t just about moving people, but about placemaking? What if their design reflected the neighborhoods they serve and became part of the visual DNA of cities? — Billy Riggs Chapters00:00 - Introduction to Autonomous Vehicles and Context Sensitivity02:15 - Recent Developments in Autonomous Vehicle Technology06:08 - Challenges and Opportunities in the Autonomous Vehicle Market11:01 - The Visual DNA of Cities and Transportation16:14 - Context-Sensitive Design for Autonomous Vehicles21:26 - A Counterpoint on the Unique Design Vernacular24:26 - The Future of Autonomous Vehicles and Urban Design

    27 min

  3. 09/16/2025

    Episode 18 | Sept 16, 2025 - Designing Tomorrow: AI & Architecture w/ Stefan Al

    In this episode of Rewiring the American Edge, host Billy Riggs talks with architect and professor Stefan Al about the intersection of artificial intelligence and architectural design. They explore how the biggest current use case for AI in architecture is conceptual visualization, and "how just one  text prompt can replace hours of modeling and rendering." Riggs and AI talk about how AI has the potential to democratize architecture, and the implications for creativity and sustainability, and also about how it requires a human-in-the-loop. Their conversation touches on the risks associated with AI in design, emphasizing the need for human oversight and the importance of mastering fundamental skills in architecture and the importance of human contact and connectivity. Takeaways AI is currently used in early visualizations in architecture.The construction industry is risk averse, limiting AI's application.AI can help reduce construction waste significantly.Human oversight is crucial when using AI in design processes.AI has the potential to democratize architectural design.AI can optimize skyscraper design by simulating wind effects.The creative process may become homogenized with AI tools.AI can assist in cost estimation and project management.Education should focus on fundamentals without AI assistance.AI can improve sustainability in building operations.Sound Bites At first, all the buildings started to look the same… but as a tool matures, people get better at using it. AI won’t replace creativity—it will evolve it. — Stefan AlWe’ve made progress on operational carbon—but embodied carbon is harder. AI could be the tool that finally helps us measure and reduce it efficiently. — Stefan AlAI might not fully automate construction, but in modular housing, in factory settings—it can dramatically reduce costs. — Stefan Al If we want to tackle housing affordability, we need to apply AI in modular construction and beyond. That’s where the biggest impact could be. — Billy RiggsA typical single-family home wastes half its materials. That’s insane—and AI could help fix it. — Stefan Al AI can’t be the final output—especially in construction, where documents are legal instruments. Human oversight is non-negotiable. — Stefan Technology should serve people—not the other way around. — Billy Riggs Chapters00:00 - Introduction to AI and Architectural Design07:29 - The Current State of AI in Architecture15:26 - AI's Impact on Creativity in Design23:14 - Sustainability and AI in Architecture28:07 - The Future of AI in Construction and Design

    35 min

  4. 09/11/2025

    Episode 17 | Sept 11, 2025 - Rewiring the Edge So Far: Reflections, Themes & Turning Points

    In this reflective episode, Billy Riggs and Vipul Vyas review the key themes and insights from their first 16 episodes of 'Rewiring the American Edge.' They discuss the importance of American cities as economic engines, the impact of automation and AI on labor, the concept of universal basic infrastructure, and the need for cities to adapt to global challenges. The conversation highlights the necessity for innovation and governance in maintaining competitiveness in a rapidly changing world. Takeaways American cities are crucial for national competitiveness.The American edge is defined by global influences.Automation and AI can create new job opportunities.Universal basic infrastructure is essential for community wealth.Cities need flexibility to adapt to external pressures.Trust and governance are vital for city functionality.Innovation drives workforce education and adaptation.Global competition requires cities to be nimble and proactive.The pacing problem of technology versus governance is significant.Reflecting on past episodes helps identify future directions.Soundbites Billy Riggs: “What makes America a global competitor is that it is everything global about America — being open to trade, to immigration, to new ideas and new people.”  Billy Riggs: “This edge is not fixed. It’s shifting. And if any city wants to compete, you’ve got to stay nimble, you’ve got to educate yourself, you’ve got to be imaginative.”  Vipul Vyas: “American cities are our economic locomotives. If they’re anything less than optimally functioning, we as a country are not going to be very competitive.”  Billy Riggs: “Cities are laboratories. They’re where innovation collides with everyday life.”  Billy Riggs: “Automation isn’t just a net job eliminator. It’s a growth engine — it creates jobs, it doesn’t contract them.”  Vipul Vyas: “Universal basic infrastructure is a form of wealth. Roads, sidewalks, schools — these are things that make us all better off, even if we don’t put a dollar figure on them.”  Billy Riggs: “The pacing problem is real — technology moves much faster than the wheels of government.”  Billy Riggs: “Trust and governance have to exist. That’s the glue.”  Vipul Vyas: “Our cities have to compete. That’s the new world.”  Billy Riggs: “We weren’t sure we’d keep this podcast going, but the response has been incredible. We’re getting questions from the Netherlands, Ireland, Hong Kong — this is a global conversation.”  Chapters00:00 - Reflecting on Episodes & Insights02:27 - The Role of American Cities in Global Competition04:18 - Automation, Innovation, and the Future of Work06:51 - Universal Basic Infrastructure and Economic Implications09:00 - Navigating Geopolitical Tensions and Academic Freedom11:19 - Urban Planning and the Future of Cities13:26 - AI Policy and the Pacing Problem15:42 - Key Themes and Future Directions

    19 min

  5. 09/02/2025

    Episode 16 | Sep 2, 2025 - From Blockchain to Mars w/ Justin Hollander

    In this episode, the Billy Riggs and Vipul Vyas explore the intersection of blockchain technology and urban planning with expert Justin Hollander. They discuss how blockchain can enhance community engagement, streamline public processes, and even influence future city planning on Mars. The conversation delves into the challenges of governance in space communities and makes bold predictions about the future of blockchain in urban design. Takeaways Blockchain can revolutionize urban planning by enhancing community engagement.Current public participation methods in planning are often ineffective.Decentralization in blockchain allows for more transparent community input.Smart contracts can automate and streamline planning processes.Urban planners need to adapt to new technologies like blockchain.The future of cities may involve planning for extraterrestrial environments.Governance in space will require clear processes and transparency.Blockchain can help track the flow of funds in urban projects.Polymarket could provide valuable insights for urban planning.Innovative applications of blockchain can address inefficiencies in city management. Sound Bites Blockchain offers a different way—input that’s decentralized, immutable, and transparent. Nobody owns it, nobody can erase it.” — Justin Hollander“Imagine your zoning data, permit applications, and environmental reviews all on a single distributed ledger—no delays, no mysterious queues, just transparency.” — Billy Riggs“With blockchain, cities can finally follow the money—where it flows, how it’s spent, and whether it actually reaches the people it was meant for.” — Vipul Vyas“SFLuv is like a dollar wrapped in local paper. Keep it local and you’re rewarded—earn it locally, spend it locally, grow your community.” — Billy Riggs“What do you think about a DAO for Mars? Governance managed through smart contracts might be the way we avoid dystopian futures in space.” — Justin Hollander“I just have one word for you: Polymarket. Transparent, decentralized betting markets could transform how planners forecast the future.” — Justin Hollander“By 2035, I think we’ll see blockchain IDs for transit, food, housing credits, even your driver’s license.” — Billy Riggs Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to Blockchain and Urban Planning 04:37 - The Role of Blockchain in Urban Planning 10:02 - Public Engagement and Blockchain 14:00 - Blockchain's Impact on Urban Infrastructure 17:59 - Local Currencies and Community Engagement 22:25 - Thinking Beyond Earth: Urban Planning on Mars 28:58 - Governance in Space Communities 33:41 - Predictions for Blockchain and Space Design Additional Resources PAS 99: Blockchain for Planners:  https://planning-org-uploaded-media.s3.amazonaws.com/publication/download_pdf/PAS-QuickNotes-99.pdf Blockchain and Distributed Autonomous Community Ecosystems: Opportunities to Democratize Finance and Delivery of Transport, Housing, Urban Greening and Community Infrastructure https://transweb.sjsu.edu/research/2165-Blockchain-Financial-Ecosystem-Infrastructure  SFLuv Coin: Empowering Merchants, Empowering Communities https://sfluv.org/ The First City on Mars: An Urban Planner’s Guide to Settling the Red Planet https://www.amazon.com/First-City-Mars-Planners-Settling/dp/3031075277  Planning the Red Planet, Planning Magazine https://www.planning.org/planning/2025/may/planning-the-red-planet/

    39 min

  6. 08/26/2025

    Episode 15 | Aug 26, 2025 – Building a Smarter Workforce, From Classrooms to Code

    This conversation explores the evolving landscape of education and the necessity of lifelong learning in the context of rapid technological advancements and changing workforce demands. Co-hosts Billy Riggs and Vipul Vyas discuss the importance of aligning educational outcomes with industry needs, the potential for decentralization in the workforce, and the challenges faced by existing educational institutions in adapting to these changes. They emphasize the urgency of addressing these issues to maintain global competitiveness and the role of micro-credentials in modern education. Takeaways Lifelong learning is essential for career success.The future of work requires alignment between education and industry needs.Micro-credentials may provide a solution to outdated educational models.Decentralization could democratize access to education and job opportunities.Existing institutions may struggle to innovate due to their established structures.Global competition necessitates a focus on upskilling the workforce.AI has the potential to change the landscape of job creation.Education must adapt quickly to keep pace with technological advancements.The cost of education is becoming a barrier for many Americans.There is a risk of falling behind in global innovation if changes are not made.Sound Bites "Upskilling our workforce will define American competitiveness on the global level.” — Billy Riggs“Bootcamps used to be for coders. Now they’re for prompt engineers.” — Vipul Vyas “AI could democratize the means of production—or accelerate inequality. It depends on how we use it.” — Vipul Vyas “We’re training people for yesterday’s jobs while industries are moving ahead three steps faster.” — Billy Riggs “Unless we invest in education and training, we risk falling behind not just in AI but across the global economy.” — Billy RiggsChapters 00:00 - Building a Smarter Workforce 06:51 - The Future of Work and Lifelong Learning 13:39 - Aligning Education with Industry Needs 17:04 - Global Workforce Dynamics and Competition 20:43 - The Urgency for Educational Reform 22:39 - The Importance of Lifelong Learning 25:13 - Aligning Education with Workforce Needs 26:17 - The Future of Learning and Adaptation Additional ResourcesGauntlet AI Bootcamp: https://www.gauntletai.com/   NYTimes Goodbye, $165,000 Tech Jobs. Student Coders Seek Work at Chipotle: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/10/technology/coding-ai-jobs-students.html

    28 min

  7. 08/23/2025

    Episode 14 | Aug 23, 2025 – Rideshare, Robotaxi and Biz Models w/ Henriette Cornet

    In this conversation Henriette Cornet joins co-hosts William Riggs and Vipul Vyas to dive deeper into the evolving autonomous vehicles (AVs) and ride-sharing landscape, focusing on the technological advancements, infrastructure needs, and the importance of public-private partnerships. The experts discuss the shift from personal vehicle ownership to mobility as a service, technological advances, the challenges of integrating AVs into existing transit systems, and the necessity for collaboration among various stakeholders in the industry. They also dissect different business models from Tesla and Waymo that include various operational and technology stack strategies. The dialogue emphasizes the need for innovative solutions to enhance urban mobility and the role of technology in shaping the future of transportation.   Takeaways - Collaboration among players is essential for AV development. - The shift from ownership to service is crucial for future mobility. - Infrastructure needs significant investment and planning. - Public-private partnerships can enhance transit efficiency. - Consumer behavior will influence the adoption of AVs. - Safety and reliability are paramount in AV technology. - Ride-sharing services must adapt to consumer preferences. - The role of technology in improving mobility is vital. - Regulatory frameworks need to evolve with technology. - Flexibility in transportation options is key for urban areas.   Sound bites - “Many players realize they should not do everything on their own—there is great value in using what’s already out there.” — Henriette Cornet - “Tesla has always been about selling more cars, but a robotaxi is a service at the end of the day. That shift is fascinating.” — Henriette Cornet - “Selling cars changes from a one-time sale to a product you sell multiple times over its life cycle. Few U.S. manufacturers are thinking that way.” — Billy Riggs - “In the U.S., cars are almost like a portable extension of your home. How do consumers adapt when that’s no longer their space?” — Vipul Vyas  - “ADAS improves safety, but you can’t suddenly mix that with full autonomy. The step from Level 2 to Level 4 is huge.” — Henriette Cornet  - “The amount of depot and digital infrastructure needed is enormous—mapping, data, skills. It’s not something that happens overnight.” — Henriette Cornet - “Transit agencies shouldn’t be stuck owning fleets. More promising models let private operators deliver mobility while cities set requirements.” — Henriette Cornet  - “The future is incremental, diverse, and driven by partnerships and coordination. At the end of the day, it’s about livable places.” — Billy Riggs Chapters - 00:00 Introduction to Autonomous Vehicles and Ride Sharing - 02:36 The Current Landscape of AV Partnerships - 05:09 Tesla's Position in the Autonomous Vehicle Market - 08:08 The Shift from Ownership to Mobility as a Service - 10:42 Infrastructure Needs for Autonomous Vehicles - 13:35 Public-Private Partnerships in Transit - 16:18 The Future of Ride Sharing and Multimodal Mobility - 18:47 Challenges and Opportunities in AV Operations - 21:41 The Role of Digital Literacy in Mobility - 24:21 Conclusion: The Path Forward for Autonomous Mobility Additional Resources USF Autonomous Vehicles and the City Lab report on Waymo transit incentives (2025)https://doi.org/10.31235/osf.io/g2r6v_v1   Henriette Cornet and Urban Innovate TALKS | Waymo vs. Tesla (2025) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89G5Kf_isQY      Ruter (Oslo) - Autonomous transport on-demand https://ruter.no/en/projects-and-new-development/selvkjoringspiloten     Background on AV Levels: SAE International’s J3016: Levels of Driving Automationhttps://www.sae.org/blog/sae-j3016-update   Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) partnership with Uber Transit https://www.dart.org/about/news-and-events/newsreleases/newsrelease-detail/dart-and-uber-expanding-transit-options-in-north-texas-1427   Recent Reports on AV Collaborations https://techcrunch.com/2025/07/28/waymo-taps-avis-to-manage-robotaxi-fleet-in-dallas/ https://investor.uber.com/news-events/news/press-release-details/2025/Lucid-Nuro-and-Uber-Partner-on-Next-Generation-Autonomous-Robotaxi-Program/default.aspx   Tesla’s Robotaxi and Rideshare Launch https://www.wired.com/story/tesla-robotaxi-launch-survey-data/ https://www.theverge.com/news/716867/tesla-robotaxi-san-francisco-launch

    40 min

  8. 08/05/2025

    Episode 13 | Aug 4, 2025 - Inside a Midwest Factory with Parker Huncilman

    In this conversation, co-hosts Billy Riggs and Vipul Vyas talk with Parker Huncilman from Huncilman Sheet Metal Fabrication / Nix Industrial about the evolution of Midwestern manufacturing. Parker discusses, the challenges of the capital environment and how chose to merge with another family business rather than accept a private equity buy-out in a recent leadership transition of his 5th generation family business. The hosts talk about design and fabrication challenges, competition, impact of automation and AI on the industry, and the importance of cultivating a strong workplace culture. They explore the challenges and opportunities facing the manufacturing sector in America, particularly in the context of a changing workforce and the need for innovation. Takeaways - AI is reducing geographic limitations to innovation in places like the Midwest. - Huncilman Sheet Metal has a rich legacy dating back to 1896. - Automation and AI are reshaping the manufacturing landscape. - Cultural transformation is essential for attracting young talent. - Investing in technology is crucial for future competitiveness. - The manufacturing sector is experiencing a resurgence in the U.S. - Younger generations are more adept at using advanced technology.   Sound Bites - "We're trying to break that mold." - “The better the equipment gets to be able to facilitate the tech-driven individual, that's where you start to get your employment base from.” - "The biggest thing with culture is when you say you're going to do something, you better do it. Otherwise, culture will fall immediately." - "We have a higher demand for fabricated product… and we have a receding supply base."   Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to Midwestern Manufacturing and Innovation 03:26 - The Legacy of Huncilman Sheet Metal Fabrication 07:52 - The Geography of Innovation in Manufacturing 16:12 - Embracing Technology and AI in Manufacturing 24:37 - Talent Acquisition and Workplace Culture in Manufacturing 28:39 - The Future of American Manufacturing   Additional Resourceshttps://www.huncilman.com/https://nixindustrial.com/

    32 min
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About

Global conversations on innovation, automation, and the future of competitive cities. Rewiring the American Edge is a podcast that explores building economies that are sustainable and inclusive in the era of automation and innovation. While rooted in the challenges and opportunities of the U.S. economy, the podcast invites voices from around the world—policymakers, technologists, labor leaders, and entrepreneurs—to share bold ideas and real-world strategies that transcend borders. Each episode explores trends such as: technologies reshaping work and urban life; global trends opportunities and challenges; specific investments, ideas, partnerships and policies to build a future-ready economy and workforce. This is a podcast for anyone committed to building smarter systems and stronger communities. Big ideas. Bold policies. Real impact. Rewired.

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