Barrett Ames' Robots Wield Nailguns and Circular Saws To Build Normal American Homes

🎙️ Barrett Ames, CTO of BotBuilt, joins Tool or Die to discuss how his company is revolutionizing home construction with robotic framing technology that dramatically reduces build time. We explore how BotBuilt's approach differs from failed construction startups by focusing on flexibility and real-world applications, the severe labor shortage in construction, and how Barrett's background in NASA robotics and DARPA challenges led him to tackle America's housing crisis.TIMESTAMPS:* 00:00 Introduction* 02:00 BotBuilt's approach to construction automation* 08:40 Why previous construction automation efforts failed* 14:00 Working with building inspectors and code compliance* 19:30 Barrett's background in robotics at NASA and DARPA* 26:20 The T-shaped skills needed for industrial innovation* 34:50 Handling construction labor shortages* 41:30 The future of robotic construction technology* 48:20 Building tech companies outside traditional tech hubsKey Topics:* How BotBuilt's robots cut framing time from 14-21 days to 4-8 hours* The skilled labor crisis in construction (40% of contractors over age 50)* Robot-built panels vs traditional stick-built and 3D printed construction* The role of computer vision and AI in handling inconsistent lumber* Why North Carolina provides unique advantages for hardware startups* The future of automation in electrical, plumbing, and other construction trades👉 Follow: https://x.com/botbuilt_ Website: botbuilt.comTOOL OR DIE is produced by Johnson & Roy (Johnson-Roy.com), a strategic advisory firm specializing in technology, mobility, manufacturing, and robotics. Your hosts are Joel Johnson, a former technology journalist and media executive who pioneered brands like Gizmodo, Jalopnik, and Wirecutter, and Alex Roy, a General Partner at New Industry Venture Capital (NIVC.us) known for breaking the Cannonball Run record and his work in autonomous vehicles.Follow them at:* LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/alexroy | linkedin.com/in/joeljohnson* X: @alexroy144 | @joeljohnson* Web: johnson-roy.com#Manufacturing #Construction #Robotics #Housing #AmericanManufacturing #Automation #NorthCarolina Get full access to TOOL or DIE at www.toolordie.com/subscribe