RobotBuildersClub.org

Ali Afzal
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RobotBuildersClub.org is a podcast, knowledge base and community for founders, engineers, and operators building real robots in the real world. Each episode features candid conversations with people turning ideas into machines covering the full journey from early prototypes and architecture decisions to manufacturing, scaling, and deployment. We dig into what actually breaks, what teams get wrong, and the hard-earned lessons that don’t show up in pitch decks. If you’re building hardware at the intersection of robotics, AI, and manufacturing, or thinking about making the leap this is your club.

  1. Jul 2

    Human Side of Robotics

    In this episode, our host Ali Afzal, explores with Lindsay Ouellette, the crucial human factors influencing robotics adoption, public perception, and social impact. Lindsay, a researcher blending psychology and robotics, shares her unique perspective on how societal narratives, psychological biases, and cultural differences shape our interaction with robots. Key Topics: The gap between robotic portrayals and realityHow media, science fiction, and marketing influence public perceptions of robotsThe psychological underpinnings of robot abuse and moral behaviorStrategies for better community engagement and transparent communication in deploying roboticsThe importance of behavioral science in designing robots that foster trust and acceptanceThe role of gender, leadership, and societal values in shaping the future of AI and roboticsPractical insights for founders: hiring psychologists, nudging behaviors, and storytellingOptimism for AI and robotics to improve human lives amid challengesTimestamps: 00:00 - Introduction 02:05 - Lindsay's research focus: human-robot interaction 04:07 - Robots are Porn? 05:31 - Disconnection caused by the spectacle: if robots are not sexy, they are less valued 07:20 - Are industry promises honest or exaggerated? The end game of humanoid robots 08:36 - Lindsay's journey: from yoga and dance to understanding power, abuse, and robots 11:16 - Why people kick robots: environmental factors and moral behavior insights 13:36 - The "say-do" gap: moral self-perception vs blatant behavior 15:08 - The impact of sensationalized content and social media algorithms 16:59 - What abuse reveals about our collective moral character 18:23 - The normalization of everyday aggression through interactions with robots and AI 20:23 - How deployment strategies influence public perceptions and trust 22:11 - The significance of infrastructure, community engagement, and transparency 23:03 - The legal recognition of delivery robots as pedestrians in Pennsylvania 24:39 - Cultural differences: Eastern acceptance and reverence for technology vs Western skepticism 33:08 - Key advice for robotic startups: hire behavioral scientists, understand variability, shape behavior 39:37 - Optimism about AI and robotics: leveraging technology ethically for societal good 44:58 - The role of gender and leadership in shaping the future of human-robot interaction 50:58 - The importance of inclusive, human-centered design and storytelling in robotics 52:43 - Future visions: a society where technology enhances human well-being and community 55:40 - Closing thoughts on values, reverence, and cultural evolution in the age of AIResources: Book: Nudge by Richard H. Thaler and Cass R. SunsteinLindsay Ouellette - SubstackHuman-Robot Interaction (HRI) research articlesThe Boston Dynamics' Atlas robotTesla Optimus robotConnect with Lindsay: LinkedIn

    Human Side of Robotics

  2. Jun 11

    What Robotics Hiring Trends Reveal About the Future?

    In this RobotBuildersClub.org podcast episode, Greg Toroosian, CEO of Samson Rose discusses with our Host, Ali Afzal, what the hiring trends reveal about the evolving state of robotics, and offers practical advice for aspiring roboticists and startup founders. Keywords robotics, talent acquisition, startup hiring, automation, AI, hardware, industry trends, networking, career advice Key topics Robotics industry growth and verticals Talent acquisition and hiring trends Startup challenges and founder advice Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Context of Robotics Hiring 03:12 Current Trends in Robotics Talent Acquisition 09:37 Greg's Journey into Recruitment and Robotics 15:04 The Growth of Robotics and Its Impact on Industries 18:42 Skills in Demand and Hiring Trends 22:47 Navigating the Job Market for New Graduates 30:06 Challenges in Talent Acquisition for Startups 34:40 Attracting Talent in Startups 37:01 Common Hiring Mistakes in Robotics 39:31 The Impact of Podcasting on Networking 49:35 The Future of Robotics and Automation 54:56 Rapid Fire Insights on Robotics Links: Machine Mind Show Samson Rose Greg Toroosian

  3. May 15

    Deploying Robots Successfully

    Today on RobotBuildersClub.org Podcast discover how robotic companies are managing deployment success and operational excellence across industries. Richard Petrazzini, CEO of Robotic Crew, shares insights on supporting robotic fleets at scale, industry trends, and the tech evolution from task-specific robots to humanoids. In this episode: The critical shift from robot deployment to operational reliability and scalabilityMistakes that cause field failures and how to prevent them through better support systemsWhy the handoff process from product development to operational support is vitalThe expanding global landscape: where the most innovation is happening in roboticsWhy robotics will increasingly be integrated into every business, becoming the new standardThe path toward humanoid robots and the breakthroughs needed to get there Timestamps: 00:00 - Robotics success metrics beyond shipping02:00 - Keeping robot fleets operational at scale03:45 - Why robots fail in the field05:00 - The importance of post-deployment support08:00 - From product mindset to service mindset09:45 - Global robotics deployment challenges13:30 - Applying diagnostics lessons to robotics16:45 - Privacy, trust, and user engagement18:10 - Managing increasingly complex robot fleets19:50 - Vendors, end users, and future command centers22:00 - IT infrastructure parallels in robotics24:13 - Fleet management and modular robotics systems27:00 - Robotics innovation across the US, Europe, and LATAM29:00 - The growing robotics talent gap30:50 - Robotics and US manufacturing resurgence33:00 - Adaptability and resilience in tech progress34:05 - Focused robots vs humanoids35:50 - Teleoperation and robotic perception37:30 - From task-specific robots to humanoids40:00 - Insights from Modex and global robotics hubs44:25 - Surprising innovations and global competition48:20 - Why the US leads robotics innovation52:25 - Family, opportunity, and global careers55:00 - What to learn now: Python, economics, support ops56:10 - Human creativity and adaptability59:00 - Human-robot interaction in 2050Resources & Links: Robotic CrewModex ConferencePittsburgh Robotics (CMU)Boston DynamicsConnect with Richard Petrazzini: LinkedIn

    Deploying Robots Successfully

  4. May 1

    Queen of PCB Shares Robot Building Insights

    In this episode of RobotBuildersClub.org Podcast, Ali Afzal explores the intricate world of PCB design and manufacturing through the lens of the Queen of PCB Manufacturing - Jennie Nguyen, CEO of PCB Tech. Jennie shares her insights on supply chains, regulatory standards, offshore vs. domestic manufacturing, and how robotics startups can navigate this complex ecosystem effectively. Key Topics:The strategic importance of early decision-making in PCB design, testing, and supply chain considerationsHow to choose manufacturing locations based on product type, regulation, and geopolitical factorsCost estimates for PCBA in high-volume applications like autonomous vehiclesRegulatory impact on PCB design for sectors such as DOD and medical devicesHow to future-proof supply chains amid geopolitical uncertaintiesThe advantages of US-based manufacturing and its limitations in cost competitivenessPractical advice for robotics entrepreneurs on product development cycles from prototypes to mass productionThe evolving role of AI and technical skills needed for new entrants in roboticsInsights into global manufacturing ecosystems: China, Vietnam, Philippines, and the USATimestamps:00:00 - Coming out of engineering: next steps in robotics hardware 02:01 - Jennie Nguyen's journey to CEO of PCB Tech 04:04 - Breakdown of PCB Tech's customer sectors and growth areas 09:58 - Designing PCBs for robotics vs. consumer electronics 11:03 - Impact of regulation: DOD, medical, and certification processes 13:31 - How a robotics startup can navigate the PCB supply chain 15:00 - Cost considerations for PCBA in high-volume applications 17:08 - Profit margins in mass production and typical mistakes to avoid 19:07 - How global sourcing and sourcing scale reduce costs 21:02 - Manufacturing ecosystems: China, Vietnam, Philippines, US trends 23:36 - The future of domestic and high-value PCB manufacturing in the US 25:41 - When to outsource manufacturing and in-house considerations 27:20 - Design for manufacturability (DFX) and testing strategies 31:53 - Jennie’s vision for PCB Tech: Impact, impact, impact 34:33 - Women in PCB and robotics: challenges and opportunities 36:46 - Advice for women entrepreneurs and engineers entering robotics 38:34 - Skills in demand: AI, geopolitical awareness, technical competence 42:19 - Adapting to geopolitical risks in product design 44:40 - Future of PCB and manufacturing in the next decade 49:24 - Visualizing the world in 2050: Jetsons-style innovation and positivity 50:24 - Closing thoughts on leadership, investment, and industry evolution Resources & Links:Understanding SMT (Surface Mount Technology)ISO 13485 Certification DetailsAS9100 Aerospace StandardITAR Regulatory InformationGlobal Supply Chain InsightsConnect with Jennie Nguyen:LinkedIn

    Queen of PCB Shares Robot Building Insights

  5. Apr 27

    Apple to Uber: Inside a Robotics Founder’s Exit Journey

    Bibhrajit Halder, CEO of SafeAI delves into the journey of scaling the autonomous mining robotics company Safe AI, the challenges of organizational growth, the deployment and sales cycle, the mindset and thought process of fundraising, the importance of storytelling for investors, and the exit story of SafeAI to Pronto and eventually to Uber. Ali unpacks Bibhrajit's decision to exit, the acquisition process, the sense of unfinished business, and future plans. We also cover advice for new graduates and a lightning round of insights and perspectives on the future of autonomy and physical AI. You don't want to miss this episode! Takeaways The importance of understanding the physical world when building physical AIThe challenges of scaling from prototype to production Sticking to the fundamentals of understanding a problem is crucial for scaling a businessBuilding relationships and trust is essential in closed ecosystemsThe mindset and thought process of fundraising is critical for startup successStorytelling is important for investors to understand the vision and potential of a businessThe sale and exit story of Safe AI to Uber.Unfinished business in the autonomy industry drives future plans and a focus on physical AI. Chapters 00:00 The Journey of Autonomy05:49 Transition to Safe AI and Entrepreneurial Journey11:48 Physical AI and the Challenges of the Physical World22:07 Scaling from Prototype to Production26:47 Understanding the Physical World33:03 Scaling Safe AI41:15 Deployment and Sales Cycle52:25 Fundraising and Storytelling01:05:09 Exit Story: Sale to Pronto01:11:17 Advice for New Graduates01:22:33 Lightning Round: Insights and Perspectives

    Apple to Uber: Inside a Robotics Founder’s Exit Journey

  6. Apr 20

    Physical AI Meets Fulfillment: The Infrastructure Behind Instant Commerce

    In this episode of RobotBuildersClub.org, Yegor Anchyshkin, CEO of Instock.com reveals how their robotic system is revolutionizing fulfillment and logistics. Discover how automation is becoming accessible, scalable, and cost-effective for micro-fulfillment centers near consumers. Key insights include: The vision of democratizing warehouse automation through compact, vertical systems that utilize lightweight magnetic robots.The advantages of digital twin technology for rapid, high-fidelity simulation and layout modeling before deployment.Strategies to minimize disruption during implementation, emphasizing small beginnings and phased rollouts.The evolving role of software: controlling swarm behavior, pre-calculating trajectories, and hardware management via simulation tools.The criticality of user experience and intuitive design for operational adoption, including quick onboarding and safety assurances.The future landscape: smaller, more adaptable warehouses, reducing costs, and bringing automation closer to consumers.Challenges in the robotics industry: balancing promise and realistic deployment, and managing investment risks amid hype.

    Physical AI Meets Fulfillment: The Infrastructure Behind Instant Commerce

  7. Apr 3

    Making Robots Safe For Humanity

    This RobotBuildersClub.org episode explores the critical role of safety in robotics, emphasizing how engineering decisions and market pressures shape outcomes. Amir Sharif, COO of 3Laws, shares his insights on developing universal safety layers, the myths around humanoid robots, and how safety can become a driver of performance and trust, not just a regulatory afterthought. If you're involved in robotics, AI, or autonomous systems, this discussion offers clarity on navigating safety in an uncertain and rapidly evolving landscape. In this episode: The inspiration behind 3Laws and its connection to Asimov's laws of roboticsWhy safety layers are essential for autonomous systems beyond physical barriersThe limitations of current safety approaches in industry and the need for deterministic safety layersHow safety influences performance, trust, and market acceptance of robotsThe impact of regulatory standards across different industries (defense, automotive, medtech)The misconceptions fueling humanoid robot hype and the importance of task-specific designThe analogy of cybersecurity’s assumption of breaches with robotics safety designWhy cascading failures pose the biggest risk in autonomous factories and supply chainsThe generational shift in safety perception and trust in autonomous technologyThe economic and strategic importance of integrating safety into product development Resources & Links: 3Laws - Safety layer for autonomous systemsIsaac Asimov’s Laws of RoboticsCisco SystemsPalo Alto NetworksIEEE Robotics StandardsISO Robotics Safety StandardsComputer History Museum

    Making Robots Safe For Humanity

  8. Mar 25

    Ceiling Robotics Revolution: Future of Space Utilization

    In ep 7, we explore how ceiling-based robotic systems are poised to transform storage, logistics, and automation in residential, commercial and industrial spaces. Ken Miller, CEO of Stakabl.com shares his journey from complex system design to pioneering a robotics platform for micro fulfillment and beyond that leverages underutilized overhead space, promising a smarter, more efficient logistics and supply chain future. Key Topics: The origin story of Stakabl and the innovative ceiling grid conceptWhy overhead space is an untapped resource for storage and roboticsApplications spanning smart homes, micro-fulfillment centers, and reverse logisticsThe detailed mechanical design process behind Stakabl, from sketches to CAD to prototypesChallenges in integrating multiple sub-systems and ensuring scalabilityThe analogy between art (painting) and engineering in system designThe role of experience versus youth in engineering and building hardware productsDesigning for maintenance, longevity, and safety in robotic systemsThe parallels between the shipping container revolution and Tray-based ecosystemsVision for ceiling robotics as a category and data-driven logistics platform The conversation covers topics related to revolutionizing packaging ecosystems, logistics and order fulfillment, micro fulfillment centers, lessons from manufacturing and hardware founders, design principles, personal commitment, leadership and decision-making, designing for longevity and maintenance, and advice for mechanical engineers. 00:00 Introduction to Ken Miller and Stakabl Robotics 01:14 The Eureka Moment: Rethinking Storage Solutions 03:40 Applications of Stackable Robotics in Homes and Industry 06:01 The Vision for the Future of Robotics 08:22 Ken Miller's Journey: From Engineer to Entrepreneur 10:21 The Design Process: From Concept to Prototype 12:59 Exploring the Stackable System: Components and Functionality 15:21 Challenges in Mechanical Design and Integration 17:43 Safety Considerations in Overhead Robotics 19:11 The Future of Robotics: Environmental Impact and Sustainability 25:38 The Potential of Ceiling Robotics 32:51 Micro Fulfillment and Logistics Innovations 39:03 Lessons from Manufacturing and Hardware Development 44:50 Lightning Round: Quick Insights and Reflections Resources: www.stakabl.com www.RobotBuildersClub.org https://www.linkedin.com/company/robotbuildersclub-org

    Ceiling Robotics Revolution: Future of Space Utilization
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About

RobotBuildersClub.org is a podcast, knowledge base and community for founders, engineers, and operators building real robots in the real world. Each episode features candid conversations with people turning ideas into machines covering the full journey from early prototypes and architecture decisions to manufacturing, scaling, and deployment. We dig into what actually breaks, what teams get wrong, and the hard-earned lessons that don’t show up in pitch decks. If you’re building hardware at the intersection of robotics, AI, and manufacturing, or thinking about making the leap this is your club.

Information

  • Creator
    Ali Afzal
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    14
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Ali Afzal