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RobotBuildersClub.org

RobotBuildersClub.org

By: 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.

2026 Ali Afzal
Economics Leadership Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • What Robotics Hiring Trends Reveal About the Future?
    Jun 11 2026

    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

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 1 min
  • Deploying Robots Successfully
    May 15 2026

    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 scalability
    • Mistakes that cause field failures and how to prevent them through better support systems
    • Why the handoff process from product development to operational support is vital
    • The expanding global landscape: where the most innovation is happening in robotics
    • Why robotics will increasingly be integrated into every business, becoming the new standard
    • The path toward humanoid robots and the breakthroughs needed to get there

    Timestamps:

    • 00:00 - Robotics success metrics beyond shipping
    • 02:00 - Keeping robot fleets operational at scale
    • 03:45 - Why robots fail in the field
    • 05:00 - The importance of post-deployment support
    • 08:00 - From product mindset to service mindset
    • 09:45 - Global robotics deployment challenges
    • 13:30 - Applying diagnostics lessons to robotics
    • 16:45 - Privacy, trust, and user engagement
    • 18:10 - Managing increasingly complex robot fleets
    • 19:50 - Vendors, end users, and future command centers
    • 22:00 - IT infrastructure parallels in robotics
    • 24:13 - Fleet management and modular robotics systems
    • 27:00 - Robotics innovation across the US, Europe, and LATAM
    • 29:00 - The growing robotics talent gap
    • 30:50 - Robotics and US manufacturing resurgence
    • 33:00 - Adaptability and resilience in tech progress
    • 34:05 - Focused robots vs humanoids
    • 35:50 - Teleoperation and robotic perception
    • 37:30 - From task-specific robots to humanoids
    • 40:00 - Insights from Modex and global robotics hubs
    • 44:25 - Surprising innovations and global competition
    • 48:20 - Why the US leads robotics innovation
    • 52:25 - Family, opportunity, and global careers
    • 55:00 - What to learn now: Python, economics, support ops
    • 56:10 - Human creativity and adaptability
    • 59:00 - Human-robot interaction in 2050

    Resources & Links:

    • Robotic Crew
    • Modex Conference
    • Pittsburgh Robotics (CMU)
    • Boston Dynamics

    Connect with Richard Petrazzini:

    • LinkedIn

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 1 min
  • Queen of PCB Shares Robot Building Insights
    May 1 2026

    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 considerations
    • How to choose manufacturing locations based on product type, regulation, and geopolitical factors
    • Cost estimates for PCBA in high-volume applications like autonomous vehicles
    • Regulatory impact on PCB design for sectors such as DOD and medical devices
    • How to future-proof supply chains amid geopolitical uncertainties
    • The advantages of US-based manufacturing and its limitations in cost competitiveness
    • Practical advice for robotics entrepreneurs on product development cycles from prototypes to mass production
    • The evolving role of AI and technical skills needed for new entrants in robotics
    • Insights into global manufacturing ecosystems: China, Vietnam, Philippines, and the USA
    Timestamps:

    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 Details
    • AS9100 Aerospace Standard
    • ITAR Regulatory Information
    • Global Supply Chain Insights
    Connect with Jennie Nguyen:
    • LinkedIn
    Show More Show Less
    51 mins
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