🎙️ Barrett Ames, CTO of BotBuilt, joins Tool or Die to discuss how his company is revolutionizing home construction with robotic framing technology that dramatically reduces build time. We explore how BotBuilt's approach differs from failed construction startups by focusing on flexibility and real-world applications, the severe labor shortage in construction, and how Barrett's background in NASA robotics and DARPA challenges led him to tackle America's housing crisis.
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Introduction
02:00 BotBuilt's approach to construction automation
08:40 Why previous construction automation efforts failed
14:00 Working with building inspectors and code compliance
19:30 Barrett's background in robotics at NASA and DARPA
26:20 The T-shaped skills needed for industrial innovation
34:50 Handling construction labor shortages
41:30 The future of robotic construction technology
48:20 Building tech companies outside traditional tech hubs
Key Topics:
How BotBuilt's robots cut framing time from 14-21 days to 4-8 hours
The skilled labor crisis in construction (40% of contractors over age 50)
Robot-built panels vs traditional stick-built and 3D printed construction
The role of computer vision and AI in handling inconsistent lumber
Why North Carolina provides unique advantages for hardware startups
The future of automation in electrical, plumbing, and other construction trades
👉 Follow: https://x.com/botbuilt_ Website: botbuilt.com
TOOL OR DIE is produced by Johnson & Roy (Johnson-Roy.com), a strategic advisory firm specializing in technology, mobility, manufacturing, and robotics. Your hosts are Joel Johnson, a former technology journalist and media executive who pioneered brands like Gizmodo, Jalopnik, and Wirecutter, and Alex Roy, a General Partner at New Industry Venture Capital (NIVC.us) known for breaking the Cannonball Run record and his work in autonomous vehicles.
Follow them at:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/alexroy | linkedin.com/in/joeljohnson
X: @alexroy144 | @joeljohnson
Web: johnson-roy.com
#Manufacturing #Construction #Robotics #Housing #AmericanManufacturing #Automation #NorthCarolina
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