The Roboticist Chronicles

What does it take to stay relevant in the rapidly evolving world of automation for over two decades? Jose Elizalde shares his transition from a field electrician at Intercontinental Airport to becoming a top-tier designer at ARC Specialties. Discover how a commitment to "paid education" and mastering complex global safety codes can turn a job into a lifelong career of innovation. The &qu...

In this episode of The Roboticist Chronicles , host Dan Allford sits down with guests Gregory Culp and Soumya Mitra from Hypertherm, the global leader in plasma cutting technology. The conversation spans over four decades of industry evolution—from Dan’s early days using plasma for "hot taps" at plutonium plants in 1983 to the latest breakthroughs in robotic integration. Key topics discu...

In this episode, host Dan Alford welcomes back Nathan Sumrall, Welding Engineer at Superior Cladding, for a deep dive into the creativity required to survive and thrive in modern manufacturing. Nathan reveals how his team "tricks" standard robotic systems into performing complex, "off-label" applications—like welding massive conical parts with explosion-bonded Monel—that the ma...

In this episode of The Roboticist Chronicles, host Dan Allford sits down with mechanical engineering student Jaxon Baker, a repeat guest on the podcast. Jaxon, a rising senior, discusses his involvement with the Formula SAE and Baja SAE programs, which Allford considers to be highly valuable extracurricular activities. The programs allow students to gain hands-on engineering and design experience...

In this episode of The Roboticist Chronicles, host Dan Allford of ARC Specialties welcomes Tom Fuhlbrigge and Carlos Martinez from Scalable Robotics . Discover their innovative vision-based system that allows users to simply "show" a robot what to do, eliminating complex programming. Learn how this technology is transforming processes like welding, cladding, and cold spray, making them m...

Join Dan Allford and John Martin of ARC Specialties as they reveal "The Dark Side of Machine Building" – the often-unseen struggles of failed automation projects. They discuss the prevalence of expensive, non-functional robots that end up collecting dust, and the financial burden on customers who might pay multiple times for a system that still doesn't work. This episode dives into...

 Join Dan Allford and Johnny Tyler live from the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) in Houston, Texas, in May 2025, as they delve into the surprising high-tech nature of the event, showcasing how robotics and automation are revolutionizing the oil and gas industry and beyond. Discover ARC Specialties' groundbreaking offshore robotic riser system and other innovative robots like the "Ba...

Join Dan Allford as he speaks with @Bart Taylor, the driving force behind the Greater Houston Manufacturers Association (GHMA). They discuss Bart's journey from media to championing local manufacturing, the untapped potential of Houston's industrial ecosystem, and the GHMA's vision for connecting and promoting the region's makers to a national and global audience. Greater Houst...

Join us for an in-depth look at Welding Consultants, LLC. , a leading provider of welding inspection and nondestructive testing services. In this episode, we sit down with Matthew Brinkman , VP of Operations and Senior Welding Engineer, to  explore the company's history, delve into the intricacies of various testing methods, and discuss the critical role of quality control in ensuring the saf...

Calling all future automotive engineers! This episode dives into the world of Baja SAE with Jackson Baker, a sophomore mechanical engineering student at Texas A&M. Jackson recently served as chief engineer for his university's Baja team, leading the design and construction of an off-road vehicle to compete in a grueling endurance race. Tune in to hear Jackson discuss: His internship exper...

In this episode of the Roboticist Chronicles, your host Dan Allford invites Jean Rabatin, a distinguished industry expert from Yaskawa Motoman, to share her wealth of experience in the realm of robotics and automation. Jean recounts stories from her early days in the field and sheds light on the challenges of integration spanning over two decades. Uncover the fascinating evolution of robotics, exa...

Join us on a thrilling adventure as The Roboticist Chronicles Podcast hits the road! In this special episode, we're on location at the FABTECH Expo in Chicago's McCormick Place, immersing ourselves in the world of welding technology. Johnny Tyler and Dan Allford take you through the expo, reuniting with old acquaintances and forging new connections, all while uncovering the latest innova...

Join us for an extraordinary episode recorded live at Fab Tech 2023 in Chicago! We're honored to host the legendary Sam Kiser, a friend, and mentor in the world of welding. Sam recently clinched the prestigious Laurence Savage Award for his groundbreaking work, and he's here to share his incredible journey. In this episode, Sam unveils the fascinating story behind his award-winning inven...

Welcome to The Roboticist Chronicles, where we bring you stories of innovation in robotics and automation.   In this episode, we welcome Esteban Vazquez to the podcast. Esteban wears many hats at ARC Specialties being a welder, fitter, and now installation tech.  We dive into Estaban's blossoming career and talk about what its like being a "Dreamer" in America. Watch the Video

Welcome to The Roboticist Chronicles, where we bring you stories of innovation in robotics and automation. In this episode, we're on location at OTC 2023 in Houston, Texas, one of the largest oil and gas conferences in the world. Joining us today is Bryan O'Neil , the Director of Global Offshore & Power Generation Segments  at Lincoln Electric , a company that is leading the charge i...

From the floor of the Offshore Technology Conference in Houston, TX. Dan Allford is joined by Matt Gresens , Sr. District Manager at FANUC America Corporation.

We are joined by Ryan T. Zboril , CEO of Pitts & Spitts . Pitts & Spitts is an American fabrication that shop that focuses on smokers and grills. Pitts & Spitts offers a full family of products including traditional offset smokers, wood pellet grills, charcoal grills, travel grills, combination pits, fire pits and much more. To help you achieve BBQ greatness, we also offer high quality...

 We join Stuart Shepherd at the #HowToRobot booth at Fabtech 2022 in Atlanta, GA. to discuss how #HowToRobot is connecting those in the market for robotic solutions to the large network of robot suppliers who can help get the job done. Check out the video here.

 In this episode of The Roboticist Chronicles, Todd Buster, president of Horizon Development & Construction, stops by H.A.T. Studio to discuss commercial building on this installment of Dan's Business Secrets. 

In this episode of The Roboticist Chronicles, Chris Tomlinson, columnist for the Houston Chronicle, stops by H.A.T. Studio to discuss journalism on this installment of Dan's Business Secrets.

In this episode of The Roboticist Chronicles, Aaron Lloyd, Managing Attorney at Lloyd & Lorkowski, PLLC, stops by H.A.T. Studio to discuss corporate law on this installment of Dan's Business Secrets.