EPISODE · Jan 22, 2026 · 51 MIN
Robotics vs Automation in Cannabis Manufacturing ft. Nohtal Partansky
from The Dime · host Nohtal Partansky, Bryan Fields
Most cannabis automation fails for a simple reason.It optimizes motion instead of understanding.Automation executes. Robotics adapts.That distinction matters in an industry where variability is unavoidable and capital is limited.This episode breaks down why feedback loops matter more than machines, why fully automated facilities are still far off, and how teams should think about constraints before investing.This week, we sit down with Nohtal Partansky to cover:Why automation breaks under variabilityAutomation vs robotics, clearly definedHow to avoid expensive missteps Chapters00:00 Understanding Automation in Cannabis Manufacturing03:02 The Role of Robotics vs. Automation05:45 Consultative Approach to Automation08:54 Challenges in Cultivation Automation11:59 Designing for Variability in Automation15:01 Iterative Development and Customer Feedback18:08 Identifying Design vs. Customer Issues21:06 Adapting to Environmental Nuances23:55 Conveying Value in Automation Solutions27:09 Strategic Approaches to Automation in Supply Chain30:10 Optimizing Pre-Roll Production Processes33:44 Understanding Tolerance Levels in Manufacturing36:39 Intellectual Property in the Cannabis Industry42:26 Innovations in Cannabis Manufacturing45:32 Challenges in Automation and Scaling50:51 Improving Processes and Training in Cannabis OperationsSummaryIn this conversation, Bryan Fields and Nohtal Partansky delve into the intricacies of automation and robotics within the cannabis manufacturing industry. They discuss the differences between fully automated and automated processes, the consultative approach to implementing automation, and the challenges faced in cultivation. The conversation highlights the importance of feedback loops in robotics, the iterative design process, and the need for a deep understanding of customer needs. They also touch on the significance of protecting intellectual property while fostering innovation in a rapidly evolving industry.Guest Linkshttps://www.instagram.com/sortingroboticsinc/https://www.youtube.com/@sortingroboticshttps://www.linkedin.com/company/sortingrobotics/https://www.sortingrobotics.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/nohtal/Our LinksBryan Fields on TwitterKellan Finney on TwitterThe Dime on TwitterExtraction Teams: Want to cut costs and get more out of every run? Unlock hidden revenue by extracting more from the same input—with Newton Insights.At Eighth Revolution (8th Rev), we provide services from capital to cannabinoid and everything in between in the cannabinoid industry.The Dime is a top 5% most shared global podcastThe Dime is a top 10 Cannabis Podcast The Dime has a New Website. Shhhh its not finished.🎥 YouTube: The Dime📸 Instagram: The Dimehttps://www.newton-insights.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
What this episode covers
Most cannabis automation fails for a simple reason.It optimizes motion instead of understanding. Automation executes. Robotics adapts.That distinction matters in an industry where variability is unavoidable and capital is limited. This episode breaks down why feedback loops matter more than machines, why fully automated facilities are still far off, and how teams should think about constraints before investing. This week, we sit down with Nohtal Partansky to cover: Why automation breaks under variability Automation vs robotics, clearly defined How to avoid expensive missteps Chapters 00:00 Understanding Automation in Cannabis Manufacturing 03:02 The Role of Robotics vs. Automation 05:45 Consultative Approach to Automation 08:54 Challenges in Cultivation Automation 11:59 Designing for Variability in Automation 15:01 Iterative Development and Customer Feedback 18:08 Identifying Design vs. Customer Issues 21:06 Adapting to Environmental Nuances 23:55 Conveying Value in Automation Solutions 27:09 Strategic Approaches to Automation in Supply Chain 30:10 Optimizing Pre-Roll Production Processes 33:44 Understanding Tolerance Levels in Manufacturing 36:39 Intellectual Property in the Cannabis Industry 42:26 Innovations in Cannabis Manufacturing 45:32 Challenges in Automation and Scaling 50:51 Improving Processes and Training in Cannabis Operations Summary In this conversation, Bryan Fields and Nohtal Partansky delve into the intricacies of automation and robotics within the cannabis manufacturing industry. They discuss the differences between fully automated and automated processes, the consultative approach to implementing automation, and the challenges faced in cultivation. The conversation highlights the importance of feedback loops in robotics, the iterative design process, and the need for a deep understanding of customer needs. They also touch on the significance of protecting intellectual property while fostering innovation in a rapidly evolving industry. Guest Links https://www.instagram.com/sortingroboticsinc/ https://www.youtube.com/@sortingrobotics https://www.linkedin.com/company/sortingrobotics/ https://www.sortingrobotics.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nohtal/ Our Links Bryan Fields on Twitter Kellan Finney on Twitter The Dime on Twitter Extraction Teams: Want to cut costs and get more out of every run? Unlock hidden revenue by extracting more from the same input—with Newton Insights. At Eighth Revolution (8th Rev), we provide services from capital to cannabinoid and everything in between in the cannabinoid industry. The Dime is a top 5% most shared global podcast The Dime is a top 10 Cannabis Podcast The Dime has a New Website. Shhhh its not finished. 🎥 YouTube: The Dime 📸 Instagram: The Dime https://www.newton-insights.com/
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Robotics vs Automation in Cannabis Manufacturing ft. Nohtal Partansky
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