jobTopia with Tony Moore

Tony Moore
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It's better to ride a trend than bet against it - a famous investor once said.  Join me each week as I interview executives to discover industry trends and the future of work.

  1. DEC 19

    Industry 4.0 Creating a Massive Improvement for Workers. Special Guest Nikki Gonzales, WEINTEK. Episode #301

    The world of smart warehousing and Industry 4.0 Today, we explore how the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) connects machines, data, and people to create more efficient and intelligent operations. The conversation highlights the critical role of modern Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs) in bridging automation with the human workforce, making daily work safer, easier, and more intuitive while preparing for the future of warehousing. Meet Nikki Gonzales, Director WEINTEK Top 5 Key Ideas IIoT vs. Consumer IoT: Industrial Internet of Things prioritizes security and reliability over simple connectivity—unlike smart home devices—because mistakes in a factory or warehouse can have serious safety consequences. The Smart Factory Ecosystem: True Industry 4.0 emerges when plant-floor data (from machines and robotics) integrates in real time with business systems (ERP, inventory, sales), creating a single source of truth for faster, smarter decisions. Evolution of HMIs: From replacing physical buttons with basic touchscreens to becoming intelligent hubs that gather machine data, provide operator feedback, and serve as gateways to the broader plant network. Worker-Centric Benefits: Modern HMIs improve the operator experience with intuitive capacitive touch (like a smartphone), haptic feedback for gloved hands, built-in training videos, maintenance guides, and layered interfaces that show only what’s needed for the task at hand. Future of Warehousing: Expect larger, higher-volume facilities with more autonomous systems (like inventory robots), fewer manual tasks, and a shift toward upskilled roles—but not fully “lights-out” operations, as people will remain essential for oversight and complex decision-making. Contact Timpl today for a workforce consultation

    23 min

  2. DEC 12

    The Future of Food with Nipun Sharma, CEO and Co-Founder, Appetronix. Episode #300.

    Fresh, Hot, Robot-Made Pizza in 3 Minutes Flat Edge-to-Edge Pepperoni, Zero Employees, 24/7 Deliciousness But Don’t Call it a Pizza Vending Machine! Meet Nipun Sharma Appetronix  Who doesn’t love pizza? (Spoiler: nobody) Discover the jaw-dropping robotic pizza kitchen that’s turning heads in airports and beyond — fresh 10-inch pies made from scratch in under 3 minutes while you watch. From Wall Street to Woks to World-Changing Robotics A former investment banker turned serial restaurateur explains why he ditched finance, spent 20+ years building global chains, and then said “screw it — let’s automate the hardest cuisines first.” (Yes, that means Asian noodle bowls were the warm-up act before pizza.) Why Most Food Robots Are Just “Expensive Human Cosplay” The brutal truth about robotic arms: they look cool on TikTok but are actually the least innovative way to automate food. Hear why copying human movements inside human-designed kitchens is holding the entire industry back. First-Principles Thinking, Elon-Style, Applied to Pizza Forget everything you know about restaurant kitchens. The engineering team has literally never been allowed inside a traditional kitchen so they’re not “tainted” by old ideas. Instead, they redesign food production from physics upward: gravity-fed ingredients, vertical layouts, laser cutting, and zero inspiration from the 5'4" human body. The Customer Experience (It’s Basically Food Theater Walk up to a sleek Donatos Pizza-branded machine (yes, the legendary Ohio chain once owned by McDonald’s) Order on touchscreen or QR code from your phone Watch live as dough is pressed, sauce spirals edge-to-edge, fresh pepperoni is sliced and placed in real-time (50–54 slices!), cheese rains down, Romano shaker does its magic 2-minute-20-second bake in a high-speed conveyor oven Party-cut into perfect rectangles (Donatos signature) Boxed, locker-delivered, text message sent → grab and go Total time from payment to hot pizza in hand: ~3 minutes. Why They Partner With Iconic Brands Instead of Inventing New Ones “We don’t sell robots. We sell the best-tasting food you’ve ever had.” By automating proven winners (Donatos Pizza now, burrito bowls and cookies next), they skip the impossible task of building a brand from scratch. The Business Model That Makes Everyone Say “Take My Money” Zero upfront cost for locations (revenue-share only) Machines are basically “restaurants on wheels” — if traffic is low, just roll it somewhere better Only needs 4–5 hours of basic labor per day for restocking & cleaning Perfect for airports, hospitals, universities, office towers, gas/EV charging stations, theme parks — anywhere with captive 24/7 traffic Current & Upcoming Flavors of the Future Live now: Donatos Pizza (Columbus, OH airport) Coming 2026: Chipotle-style burrito/bowl machine, fresh-baked cookie machine, and heavy pressure for a coffee concept Picture walking through an airport and seeing an entire food hall of these machines side-by-side. Fun Stats & Mind-Blowing Moments First two weeks after launch → 700+ million social media impressions Airport workers with 20-minute breaks can now actually eat lunch because they pre-order on the way in Every pizza gets party-cut into rectangles because “that’s the Donatos way” — and yes, the robot does it perfectly every time Key Takeaways The restaurant industry’s biggest problems (labor shortages, inconsistent quality, limited hours) are being solved not by better humans… but by better physics-first machines. If your automation strategy starts with “let’s copy what a human does,” you’ve already lost. True innovation throws out the human blueprint entirely. The winning formula: iconic food + zero-capex deployment + 24/7 availability = the death of the sad airport sandwich. Hungry yet? Catch the full episode wherever you get your podcasts and prepare to have your mind (and stomach) blown. Next time you’re rushing through an airport and smell fresh pizza at 11 p.m., you’ll know exactly who to thank. #RobotPizzaRevolution #FutureOfFood #DonatosOnWheels

    24 min

  3. DEC 5

    Humanoids Summit and The Robotic Ecosystem with Jesica Chavez, VP Marketing. episode #299

    The humanoid revolution isn’t science fiction anymore; it’s happening right now, and it’s picking up speed in ways that are both mind-blowing and (let’s be honest) a little hilarious when you picture a robot handing out flyers at a Dunkin’ Donuts grand opening. Jesica Chavez Humanoids Summit Robo-Success Here are the big ideas that stood out from a recent conversation with one of the key organizers behind the upcoming Humanoid Summit (December 11–12) and the founder of Robo Success: Humanoids Are Closing Real-World Gaps—Fast Traditional industrial robots and cobots have been around for decades, but humanoids are different. They’re built to work in spaces designed for humans, doing the jobs we no longer want: repetitive, dangerous, dirty, or downright boring warehouse and logistics tasks. Younger generations are voting with their feet—no one dreams of moving boxes all day when they can code, create, or invent instead. No One Builds a Humanoid Alone: The Ecosystem Is Everything Building a viable humanoid isn’t a solo act. You need: Specialized partners for actuators, sensors, and ultra-dexterous hands (shout-out to companies mastering finger-level precision while others focus on torso power or locomotion) Massive shared datasets so robots can develop “muscle memory.” A future marketplace for task-specific data (think: construction motions, healthcare procedures, etc.) It’s the classic “picks and shovels” play: some companies will win by supplying the critical components and data layers everyone else needs. Teleoperation Today → True Autonomy Tomorrow Right now, many impressive humanoid demos are still teleoperated (a human is secretly driving). But every teleop session feeds the training loop. Companies like 1X are already taking pre-orders for home humanoids that will start teleoperated while they vacuum up real-world data to go fully autonomous. Early adopters wanted yesterday. The Use Cases Are Exploding (Some Wilder Than Others) Elderly care and special-needs assistance (a genuinely heartwarming—and massive—market) Security patrols, cooking, cleaning, lawn-mowing (still waiting for the perfect robotic landscaper) Entertainment and “because it’s cool” applications (yes, people are seriously pitching humanoid fight clubs and soccer matches) Startups Need Fractional Superpowers Early-stage robotics companies often can’t afford (or don’t need) full-time marketing, design, and growth teams. That’s where fractional services like Robo Success come in—budget-friendly, high-impact help to build brands, raise capital, and look legit before the big checks arrive. The Humanoid Summit: Where the Magic Happens This isn’t just another conference. It’s where CEOs, CTOs, investors, end-users from healthcare/logistics/construction, and the sharpest minds in the space collide. The real value? The hallway conversations, the impromptu demos, the “wait, you solved legged locomotion HOW?” moments that simply don’t happen anywhere else. Bottom line: We’re standing at the edge of an inflection point. In a few years, we’ll look back at 2025 the same way we now look at 2012 and Tesla’s first Autopilot demos—quaint, exciting, and just the beginning. Want in? The Humanoid Summit is happening December 11–12. Grab tickets, find partners, or just come witness the future being built in real time. And if you’re a robotics founder who needs to look investor-ready without breaking the bank, there are fractional teams ready to help you shine. The robots are coming. Some will mow your lawn. Some will hand your grandparents a glass of water at 3 a.m. And yes, a few might even play soccer against each other for our amusement. Either way, it’s going to be one hell of a show.

    32 min

  4. DEC 1

    Picking a Winner for Warehouse Robotics with Sean Pineau, VP Sales, Locus Robotics. Episode #298

    Artificial intelligence is quietly reshaping entire industries faster than most leaders are prepared to admit. We examine real-world deployments of AI in finance, healthcare, logistics, and creative fields—revealing both staggering efficiency gains and the uncomfortable disruptions that follow. Meet Sean Pineau Locus Robotics Topics include the accelerating collapse of traditional middle-management roles, the rise of new high-value human-AI hybrid positions, and why most corporate “AI strategies” currently resemble expensive PowerPoint theater.  It’s a blend of pragmatic optimism with sober warnings about data sovereignty, regulatory whiplash, and the very real chance that today’s cutting-edge model becomes tomorrow’s embarrassing legacy system. The actual ROI timeline for enterprise AI adoption (longer than the LinkedIn influencers claim, shorter than your CIO fears) Why healthcare diagnostics and financial fraud detection turned into the killer apps nobody predicted five years ago The quiet revolution in supply-chain optimization that saved multiple Fortune 500 companies from the 2024–2025 inventory apocalypse Creative industries: where AI went from “job killer” to “world’s most overworked intern” practically overnight The emerging class of “prompt engineers” who now out-earn traditional MBAs at certain hedge funds (yes, really) Key Insights & Mildly Unsettling Truths: Organizations treating AI as a cost-cutting tool rather than a capability multiplier are already losing to those who see it as a new operating system for human intelligence. The skills most at risk aren’t the credentialed ones—they’re the ones requiring neither creativity nor basic human judgment (looking at you, 87-step compliance checklists). Every company is now a data company; the ones pretending otherwise are just waiting for a more honest competitor to explain it to their market cap. Notable Quotes: “The future isn’t ‘man versus machine.’ It’s man with a mediocre machine versus man with an exceptional one.” “AI doesn’t eliminate jobs—it eliminates jobs that can be done better by something that doesn’t need health insurance or sleep.” “We’re not in an AI bubble. We’re in an expectations bubble that’s about to violently re-align with reality.” The tool changes; the ability to communicate value doesn’t. Pragmatic advice for leaders, creators, and individual contributors navigating this shift—less utopian dreaming, more tactical adaptation for a world where competitive advantage increasingly belongs to those who can effectively direct intelligence rather than just possess it. Essential listening for anyone whose job description might quietly vanish while they’re busy adding “ChatGPT power user” to their résumé.

    31 min

  5. NOV 18

    Robo Fight Club, UCB Berkeley's GLITCH and MALWARE, with Gursimar Virk, Club Co-President. Episode #297

    Robo Fight Clubs: Shattering Competition and Launching Careers “The First Rule of Robot Fight Club… Is You DO Talk About Robot Fight Club!” Cue the bass drop, the flickering neon, the slow-motion sparks…What Happens in the Arena… Gets Posted in 4K. Meet Gursimar Virk Combat Robotics at Berkeley 260-pound legacy beasts named “Glitch” once ruled the Discovery Channel Their new lightweight psycho little brother, “Malware” — 15 pounds of pure chaos with a name that makes IT hackers proud Duct-tape MacGyver repairs between rounds while the bracket clock ticks down One legendary match: a pro bot launched our hero ten feet in the air… only for the underdog to land, spin up, and absolutely OBLITERATE the favorite in the greatest comeback since “You do not talk about Fight Club” became a meme The Underground Is Real (and It Wants Berkeley Engineers): Hidden warehouses in SF. Overseas humanoid companies test-driving million-dollar robots stateside. Secret late-night invitations sliding into the team president’s DMs: “Come pilot our 6-foot battle humanoids. Bring friends. Bring weapons. Winner gets funding… and maybe a job.” This isn’t a competition.  This is Robot Fight Club. First rule of Robot Fight Club: THERE ARE NO RULES Why This Is the Ultimate Career Launchpad Every exploded bot = a masterclass in rapid prototyping, failure analysis, and not crying in front of 120 teammates. Every all-nighter welding session at 3 a.m. = resume gold that startups and VC firms are literally fighting over. Every time Malware flips another robot into the ceiling = another LinkedIn recruiter losing their mind. Venture funds. Shadowy humanoid overlords running underground leagues. They’re not waiting for graduation — they’re ringside with contracts and term sheets. The verdict? The kids who spend college turning robots into fireworks are about to turn the entire robotics industry into their personal playground. Tony from Timpl leads the marketing efforts of the national staffing agency with specializes in manufacturing. Contact them today for a staffing quote and safety walk-through.

    27 min

  6. NOV 12

    The Biggest Robotic Opportunity with Chris Harbert, Tompkins Solutions. Episode #296

    What a time to be alive. We are at the start of the next great industrial revolution! Robotics and automation will change forever the manufacturing ecosystem. Chris Harbert Tompkins Solutions  Sky-high consumer expectations are driving businesses to keep up with demand. Listen to insights on how industries like pharmaceuticals and automotive are gearing up for the future, the shift toward employee-friendly automation, and tips for navigating the noisy world of tech options. Consumer-Driven Logistics Challenges: Rising consumer expectations globally are putting pressure on warehousing and logistics. The demand for variety, customization (e.g., engraved cell phones delivered by drones), and fast delivery creates complex fulfillment challenges, especially during peak seasons like holidays. Excitement in Automation and Robotics: The warehousing and automation sector is dynamic due to the puzzle-like challenge of meeting consumer demands. Innovations in technology and strategies offer opportunities to solve complex logistics problems, making the field engaging and rewarding. Small and Mid-Sized Companies Adopting Automation: Historically, large companies led automation due to their resources. Now, small and mid-sized businesses can leverage insights from big players via expert integrators and white papers. The shift is driven by more accessible, less disruptive automation solutions. Automation Adoption Stats: 80-90% of fulfillment operations still lack automation (e.g., conveyors, robotics), despite high consumer demand. Past barriers included high costs ($10M+ projects) and operational shutdowns, limiting automation to mega-corporations with multiple facilities. Brownfield vs. Greenfield: Brownfield projects involve integrating automation into active warehouses without halting operations, likened to "fixing a car while driving." Greenfield projects start from scratch in new facilities, allowing full design control but are less common. Modern Automation Solutions: Advances like AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles), AMRs (Autonomous Mobile Robots), and software enable incremental improvements without overhauling operations, making automation viable for smaller warehouses. Industries Ripe for Automation: Established Players: Large 3PLs (e.g., DHL, GXO) and retailers (e.g., Macy’s, Walmart) have long benefited from automation. Underserved Segments: Automotive aftermarket, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and medical supplies are emerging due to growing demand and tailored technological advancements. Challenges in Automotive: Diverse products (e.g., mirrors, carburetors) require specialized solutions compared to lightweight apparel, which dominated early automation. Software in Automation: Integrators may develop proprietary software (e.g., warehouse management, control, and execution systems) but often adapt existing or client-preferred solutions (e.g., Manhattan’s platform) to fit specific needs, avoiding one-size-fits-all approaches. Omnichannel Fulfillment: Consumers demand flexible options (e.g., ship to store, home, or alternate locations), blending online and in-store experiences. Retailers like Home Depot exemplify this, offering multiple delivery choices, complicating logistics but meeting consumer expectations. Cart Abandonment and Delivery Speed: Studies show 70-80% of online carts are abandoned, often due to slow or inconvenient delivery options. Retailers lose significant revenue when competitors offer faster, cheaper shipping, driving the need for automation to optimize fulfillment. Case Study: Specialty Retailer: A retailer lost sales to a wholesaler offering faster, cheaper shipping for the same product. Automation was pursued to match the wholesaler’s efficiency, preserve profit margins, and compete effectively. Choosing Automation Partners: With many providers (e.g., 3,000 AMR manufacturers) making similar claims (2-3x pick rates, halved labor costs), companies should seek agnostic partners who explore tailored solutions rather than pushing specific products. Quick recommendations after brief discussions are a red flag. Labor Shortage and Beyond: Automation is no longer just about cost-cutting but addressing labor shortages (e.g., unfilled warehouse roles) and boosting output without expanding payroll. It also improves employee quality of life by reducing physical demands (e.g., replacing cart-pushing with system management), enhancing safety, and offering upskilling opportunities. Philosophical Shift in Automation: The focus has shifted from headcount reduction to employee well-being and operational resilience. Companies aim to retain veteran workers, improve job satisfaction, and align with consumer-driven demands for efficiency and speed. Future Trends: Industries like pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and automotive parts are poised for automation growth due to high-volume needs and omnichannel opportunities. Advanced software and distribution solutions will support these sectors’ evolution. Visit our WEBSITE for more content

    32 min

  7. NOV 4

    The Future of Robotic Manufacturing with Mark Gagas, COO, Sensory Robotics, Episode #295

    Picture a future where robots and humans work in sync, and danger is replaced by opportunity. This episode explores the surge in manufacturing automation, spotlighting a retailer’s bold deployment of 17,000 robots. Yet, for smaller companies, robotics feels out of reach—high costs, technical complexity, and the need for a bold leader to drive change. Meet Mark Gagas, COO at Sensory Robotics. Enter Sensory Robotics, born from a surprising twist. At a high school robotics event, the founder showcased a VR sword-fighting robot that stopped when kids got close. A Toyota Group onlooker saw potential, sparking a pivot from gaming to revolutionary safety solutions. Traditional robots are caged for safety, requiring complex protocols like lockout/tagout. Sensory’s SR1 system changes that, using 3D time-of-flight sensors to create a virtual safety net around existing robots. It maps the workspace in real-time, pausing robots when humans enter and resuming when clear—a seamless blend of safety and productivity. SR1 is a game-changer: it bolts onto current systems, slashing costs and bypassing safety workarounds. It promises safer workplaces, potentially cutting workers’ comp claims and boosting hiring. Hardwired via Ethernet with 400ms latency (adjustable to 200ms), its Safe Visionary 2 sensors eliminate blind spots, adapting to any compatible hardware. Sensory Robotics is already in major automotive, aerospace, DOD, and consumer goods firms, with new Michigan installs and a big DOD contract. The future shines brighter with SR Mobile, bringing safety to AGVs in warehouses, and SR2 (Q1 2026), embedding safety into robot arms for easy licensing. Could this tech reach self-driving cars? Speed and latency pose challenges, but the dream is alive. For staffing, where safety is a constant worry, SR1 is a lifeline, fostering trust and secure workplaces for all. Key Takeaways: SR1 makes human-robot collaboration safe and affordable. From VR gaming to safety innovation, Sensory’s story is one of serendipity. SR Mobile and SR2 promise broader, safer automation. Safer workplaces cut costs and attract talent. Check out all our content HERE

    27 min

  8. OCT 30

    Finding Brand Authenticity: from Shark Tank to Shelf Episode #294

    Enjoy this throwback episode: Kun Yang and his co-founder Mohammed Hassoun are on a journey to create the greatest cactus company in the world. Mo rediscovered a delightful childhood drink made from the prickly pear cactus. Kun recognized the health benefits. They knew the drink would "check the functional boxes", but that wasn't the essence behind the beverage. Sustainability and 'Good for You' are major benefits of the cactus for sure! But could they find authenticity in the brand that aligns with their personal values? Entrepreneurs, this is no easy endeavor. It can be lonely. It is painfully slow at times. But the journey is worth it.   Thank you for sharing your journey with us all, Kun.  Connect with Kun Yang: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyang2/ Pricklee: https://pricklee.com/ Youtube Sharktank episode: https://youtu.be/CdEBhhQVtkw

    38 min
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About

It's better to ride a trend than bet against it - a famous investor once said.  Join me each week as I interview executives to discover industry trends and the future of work.

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  • Creator
    Tony Moore
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    296
  • Rating
    Clean
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    jobTopia with Tony Moore