Craig Francisco from RōBEX, talks with Erik Nieves about Plus One's mission of ‘always-on’ logistics. Erik's passion for his business is truly inspirational.  This episode is a must listen for those looking to automate logistics and warehouse product handling.   Follow Plus One Robotics on LinkedIn! About Erik: Erik Nieves, CEO and co-founder Plus One Robotics Erik Nieves is co-founder and CEO of Plus One Robotics, a software company developing of 3D and AI software for robots in logistics automation. Prior to Plus One, Erik was Technology Director for Yaskawa Motoman Robotics where he was responsible for the technology roadmap and emerging applications. During his 25+ year tenure at Yaskawa, Erik held a variety of leadership positions in the U.S. and abroad.  Erik serves on the board of directors at Robotics Industries Association (RIA) and is a frequent speaker and contributor to public policy on robotics.

Ben Perlson and Craig Francisco talk about the current state of the supply chain and the future role of automation.   Current supply chain challenges in the U.S.  Why are we experiencing these delays? Automation and the future of supply chain. Get to know the DHL Innovation Center!   See below for several links that are referenced in the interview...…. About DHL Innovation Centers: In our Innovation Centers, we spearhead the future of logistics and drive customer-centric innovation across the world.  We welcome customers, partners, and other innovative thinkers to engage with DHL experts and benefit from a range of tailored activities and services. To truly go beyond potential.  DHL Innovation Center Video  Free Report: Logistics Trend Radar, 5th Edition  About RōBEX:  UNCOMMON EXPERIENCE & EXPERTISE™ More than a slogan, it is the definition of who we are and the strength we bring to customers’ challenges and opportunities. RōBEX team members have unique talents, skills, knowledge and understanding that--combined with imagination and applied creativity-- result in elegant solutions that safely optimize production processes. In sync with emerging technology, the scope and scale of our offerings continually expands. But customers count on RōBEX to deliver integrated robotic systems, turnkey installation, maintenance, repair, upgrades, fabrication, custom controls, mechanical and electrical system design, material handling and more. About DHL: DHL. LOGISTICS FOR THE CONNECTED AGE. When Adrian Dalsey, Larry Hillblom and Robert Lynn founded DHL in 1969, they didn’t know they would revolutionize the world of logistics. Today, DHL is the world’s leading logistics company. Our 400,000 people in over 220 countries and territories work every day to help you cross borders, reach new markets and grow your business. Or simply send a letter to your loved ones.

Craig Francisco and Wes Allen sit down to discuss the following questions you wanted covered in this episode!  Where do you see autonomous mobile robots being used in manufacturing? Where are manufactures spending money on automation? Why are we seeing supply chain lead times extending beyond the norm? Are you seeing warehousing/distribution facilities installing robots? What did Covid do for automation in general? For more information please contact RōBEX at [email protected]  More than a slogan, it is the definition of who we are and the strength we bring to customers’ challenges and opportunities. RōBEX team members have unique talents, skills, knowledge and understanding that--combined with imagination and applied creativity-- result in elegant solutions that safely optimize production processes. In sync with emerging technology, the scope and scale of our offerings continually expands. But customers count on RōBEX to deliver integrated robotic systems, turnkey installation, maintenance, repair, upgrades, fabrication, custom controls, mechanical and electrical system design, material handling and more.

In this episode, Craig Francisco answers the following questions from our listeners! What is FLEXX? Why did you create this program? Is this different than machine as a service? This sounds like a lease, is it? Why not use a lease format? How much does it cost? Where do you see this program going?  Will others do it as well? RōBEX FLEXX™ is an industry-unique program (Patent Pending) that establishes a monthly technology licensing fee which allows customers access to the latest automation technology via our proprietary systems. It promises important productivity benefits, while eliminating upfront capital investment. Not only does this technology licensing program offer tremendous value, it is not considered a capital lease. Email us at [email protected] to learn more! 

Host & RōBEX President Craig Francisco is joined by the founder of The Manufacturing Millennial, Jake Hall. Jake has amassed an incredible social media following through his content, with a simple goal in mind: Expanding the presence of younger generations in the manufacturing space through automation. This is an impactful, insightful conversation on how crucial automation is to the present and future of industry. Jake's passion for the topic comes through as he tackled the questions laid before him. A great conversation for anyone involved in automation, technology, manufacturing, or has an interest in the innovation trends effecting these fields. ABOUT JAKE: Jake Hall is the Manufacturing Millennial. He talks about the latest technology in the automation and manufacturing industry while making it engaging for all audiences. He is an experienced sales professional with extensive knowledge building lasting business relationships across multiple accounts, designing sales strategies, and creating and accomplishing project goals.  Jake graduated from Grand Valley State University with his bachelor’s in Product Design and Manufacturing Engineering and a minor in Biomedical Engineering. He worked during college in the automation, furniture and product design industries as well as starting a company after receiving investments and winning business and pitch competitions.

Van Garrett and Craig Francisco talk about all things AutoGuide!  Listen to this episode if you have an interest in learning more about the AMR technology and where you can expect to see the growth over the coming years.   About Van: Master communicator with a passion for developing creative sales and marketing strategy. For nearly 30 years Van has honed and proven his abilities as an innovative visionary, creator, and driver of market share in the areas of engineering and robotics. Having successfully started and exited two companies, he is ready to share his vast experience to help your businesses navigate AMR opportunities and pitfalls.  

Craig Francisco discusses three automation trends he believes will see major growth during 2021.   AMR Collaborative Robotics FLEXX (MaaS) About Craig: I help manufacturing and distribution leaders improve safety, increase productivity, and improve overall quality.  This is my passion! I’ve spent the last 20 years navigating businesses through the tech bubble, financial crisis, 9/11, the great recession, and now the pandemic, I’ve learned what it takes to implement a waste identification process that uncovers automation opportunities no matter the economic circumstances.  I have a passion for mentoring future leaders, leading teams, and helping companies increase manufacturing and distribution velocity through waste identification and automation.  𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈 𝐎𝐅𝐅𝐄𝐑 𝘼𝙐𝙏𝙊𝙈𝘼𝙏𝙄𝙊𝙉 𝙁𝙊𝙍 𝙈𝘼𝙉𝙐𝙁𝘼𝘾𝙏𝙐𝙍𝙄𝙉𝙂 𝘾𝙊𝙈𝙋𝘼𝙉𝙄𝙀𝙎 I lead an amazing team of highly motivated individuals who specialize in robotic automation. Check out our website to see our capabilities! 🦾  https://robex.us/ Listen to our podcast to hear experts within the industry!  🎙️   https://anchor.fm/robex 🕒  Schedule a 30 minute discovery (ZOOM review) 💻   https://calendly.com/craigfrancisco/robex 𝐓𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐌𝐎𝐍𝐈𝐀𝐋𝐒 📣  “Craig is the consummate professional and inspirational leader.  He consistently displays strategic vision and provides unwavering commitment to strategic alliances.” – Sid Adler 📣  “Craig has the reputation for getting things done with above average results.” – Rob Callahan   📣  “Craig uses a smart analytical approach to breakdown habits and business planning initiatives.  My entire team achieved new personal sales records after working with him.” – Matt Golladay 𝐆𝐄𝐓 𝐈𝐍 𝐓𝐎𝐔𝐂𝐇 𝐓𝐎𝐃𝐀𝐘 📩 [email protected] (Automate your manufacturing) 💬 Send me a private message on LinkedIn  📞 Text me (419-345-9113) Close The Gap.  𝐂𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐠

In this episode, Craig Francisco talks with Wes Garrett about uncovering new opportunities to automate production processes in the packaging and warehouse world.  If you're new to automation or looking to continue the journey, this episode is for you!   Wes Garrett is an Account Manager in the Authorized System Integrator (ASI) Group responsible for the integrator’s in FANUC’s network whose focus are Packaging and Warehousing applications. Wes has 17 years of experience in the robotics industry and has been with FANUC for 15 years. His career includes turnkey systems engineering, product management, and network sales. As a product manager Wes championed the FANUC’s palletizer robots and software along with supporting highspeed picking and packing champions. Wes has a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan Tech University.

Are you a leader in manufacturing looking to learn more about the Machine as a Service Model? Craig Francisco and special guest Michael Senske discuss all things MaaS.     About Michael Senske:  Michael A. Senske, President & CEO Mr. Senske joined Pearson Packaging Systems 1997.  During his tenure at Pearson Packaging Systems, he has held a wide variety of positions including Product Manager, Director of Business Development, and Vice President Sales & Marketing.   Mr. Senske assumed the role of President & CEO in 2005.  Prior to working at Pearson Packaging Systems, he worked in the Product Support Services division of the Consumer Division Unit at Microsoft Corporation.  Mr. Senske graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Washington, and he is a graduate of Harvard Business School’s Owner/President Management Program.  Mr. Senske serves on the board of directors for Colmac Holding Company as well as on the boards of the Association of Washington Business (past chair) and The Washington Round table.

If you're interested in growing your brand on LinkedIn you have to listen to this episode!  Craig Francisco interviews Shay Rowbottom on using video to leverage brand awareness on the LinkedIn platform. Shay Rowbottom is a LinkedIn influencer and digital marketing entrepreneur, specializing in creating social media video content to attract attention and bring more eyeballs to your business. “I believe there’s still few people in the world who truly understand social media video marketing and the logic behind it.” -Shay Rowbottom. Through her unique background working in video licensing, Shay cultivated a specific, but rare, expertise on how and why something is destined to go viral. Her first agency specialized in curating, licensing, editing, and distributing custom video clips, tailored to her client’s audience, and her clients were among the highest performing blogs on Facebook. Throughout the three years Shay worked on Facebook, she had amassed billions of impressions, aka data, on video content. She forged relationships with over 5,000 content owners across the globe, distributed tens of thousands of video clips throughout the platform, and at her peak she was averaging over 1 Billion views per month on Facebook for her clients. This led to doing marketing for product companies as well, and utilizing the blog owner’s followings to post more direct ads on consumer products. Her team would then take the data accumulated from organic video content, and run re-targeting campaigns through Facebook ads manager, reaching the right buyers and increasing sales for the product companies. In May of 2018, Shay decided to take everything she’d learned and apply it to her own personal brand, on LinkedIn, in an attempt to get more leads for her Facebook agency at the time. What she found was not only leads, but an insanely low competition rate on LinkedIn when it came to creating video content. She quickly realized the opportunity on LinkedIn for organic growth was incomparable to other platforms, and within 6 months of creating videos consistently for her page, had grown to over 25,000+ followers and generated over 2 Million video views on LinkedIn. It was around that time she decided to call it quits at her first agency. She sold her shares and pivoted completely, to found a new video marketing agency, specializing in helping business owners attract their target market and close more deals through the use of organic video content, specifically on the LinkedIn platform. You can follow Shay’s company page on LinkedIn for free video marketing tips weekly: Shay Rowbottom Marketing