78: Overcoming Technology Hesitancy with Plus One Robotics CEO Erik Nieves

Erik Nieves is a robotics expert and an individual who believes technology should be used to elevate human existence and well-being. Erik has a very long history in the robotics world and is the CEO and Co-Founder of Plus One Robotics, a company that makes vision software for logistics robots. More than that, they deliver a novel approach that allows industrial robots and humans to work together. If you’re trying to figure out what all this means, you’ll want to listen to this interview…

In this episode, Erik breaks down the problem of technology hesitancy, what that means for companies’ bottom lines, and the overall labor shortage in this industry. He explains how robots can help, but also where humans need to step in and lend a helping hand.

Erik explains why we need to be empathetic to those who are a little technology hesitant and try to understand why that is. He also shares some stories of how he first got started in robotics, what it’s done for his career, and why he’s never looked back since.

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3 Quick Things from this Episode

  1. “Robots work, people rule,” is about admitting that robots can only go so far. They need to work alongside humans, not instead of them.
  2. Technology hesitancy can affect productivity and employee happiness, which is bad news for the growing labor problem in manufacturing.
  3. Those who are already convinced of the benefits of robotics should be empathetic to those who are hesitant. We need to understand why they’re hesitant in the first place.

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Tweetable Quotes

  • “Robots are pretty good, but they’re not going to be all the way. So when they need help, they raise their hand and go, can you give me a leg up on this? And that’s when the human intervenes.”
  • “If you are hesitant to bring in technologies that will get the work done a different way, well guess what, you’re just going to run your people ragged.”
  • “Robots work, people rule is first off an admission that technology can only take you so far.”

Please Scroll Down for Recommended Resources from this Episode

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What We Discuss with Erik

  • How Erik first got started in robotics
  • What the phrase “robots work, people rule” means
  • Why technology hesitancy can be a bad thing for manufacturing
  • Why we need to understand why people are hesitant
  • The mindset shift that needs to happen for people to embrace robotics
  • Why keeping technology exclusive to remain competitive as a brand is bad for everyone

Recommended Resources

  • Plus One Robotics, providing vision software for logistics robots that delivers an unparalleled approach to human-robot collaboration to tackle the challenges of variability and workforce shortages
  • Señor Veggie, a low-key, colorful eatery featuring an eclectic menu of organic, locally-sourced vegan eats in San Antonio, TX

Connect with Erik and Plus One Robotics

LinkedIn | Twitter | YouTube | Erik Nieves