As handsome as they are, I don’t think we will see Mike and Tony in next season’s lineup of reality shows (although Mike is already contacting his agent to give it a shot). However I do believe we are seeing something special about these two ordinary guys who call themselves The Robot Whisperers.
I caught up with The Robot Whisperers during the recent IMTS tradeshow in Chicago, Illinois. IMTS is the largest bi-annual manufacturing technology show in the Western Hemisphere, where more than 80,000 attendees from over 100 countries came to see and buy equipment and tooling. Those lucky folks also had the opportunity to meet these two good looking guys who also happen to have a passion and knack for Robotics.
Here’s a recap of my chat with Mike and Tony:
Q: What about all the attention you’re getting and why the online series?
Tony: I think it is instrumental for our audience to connect with real people and build a relationship. The whole premise of the “The Robot Whisperers” is that we’re just two ordinary guys with an extraordinary passion for robotics who want to share our knowledge (and a few secrets) in using highly advanced 3D robotic simulation and programming tools. The technology is here now, and we want to help people understand it and learn how to use it in their production environments. Manufacturers and suppliers know that to survive and succeed, they must keep up with technology to find ways to cut costs, get more work and most importantly– stay ahead of their competitors. – Plus, the fans are great. Do you want an autographed 8×10 photo?
Mike: I’m in it fame and fortune of course! No, seriously (as he laughs) – But I am out of photographs, sorry! — I would just add to Tony’s comments that this e-series is also about learning how to improve your relationship with your robots. I don’t mean to run out and buy them flowers and candy. Your spouse or your mom might like that. But like any type of automated equipment, robots can only perform as well as they are programmed to do their tasks. You can’t reason with them or persuade them to do their job. If it is not done correctly, it could be disastrous to your production environment. Using a more advanced 3D robotic simulation and programming technology, such as the DELMIA solutions showcased in our series, OEMs, tooling suppliers or any sized company can avoid costly and dangerous mistakes. Plus, companies will realize that they can engineer more quickly and launch their products and production systems faster.
Just then a reporter from MCAD Café whisked them away for an onsite camera interview. I got the footage. Here is what the Robot Whisperers had to say…
The Robot Whisperers video interview on MCAD Cafè
Unfortunately not all 82,411 attendees could meet our Whisperers, but those who did had the chance to ask questions, get ideas and find answers to their most urgent manufacturing problems. So if you did miss them, be on the lookout: they might just show up at some event, in some city – somewhere! But until then, you can always find them online at www.3ds.com/therobotwhisperers
You also may be interested in their latest online series video trailer below:
or…
Episode 2, “Robotology for Arc Welding”
Happy (robot) programming!
Marc
Marc Rakowski works for Dassault Systèmes Americas.
