How Robotics Empowers Individuals and Enhances National Security with Jay Douglass, COO of the Arm Institute

Jay Douglass has been around robotics and technology for a long time. After a long history with Carnegie Mellon, he’s now the COO of the ARM Institute. This organization is creating a nationwide group of elite manufacturing, academic, technology, and government organizations that share the common mission of a robust U.S. manufacturing ecosystem, impacting everything from the US economy in general, all the way to national defense.In this episode, Jay gives us a peek behind the scenes of what happens at the ARM Institute and how he got started there. He delves into the main problems the Institute exists to address as well as the progress they’ve made since their establishment.Jay goes on to explain why it’s economically and politically important for America to build a strong manufacturing base. While he’s at it, he shares some interesting manufacturing insights from a historical standpoint.In this episode, find out:What the ARM institute doesHow small enterprises can take advantage of roboticsHow Jay transitioned from business development to being the COO of the ARM instituteThe kind of projects funded by the ARM instituteHow the ARM institute empowers the manufacturing workforceWhy scalability and skillset gaps are major issues plaguing the American manufacturing industryHow a strong manufacturing base could benefit national securityHow to connect with the ARM instituteEnjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!Tweetable Quotes:“America needs a real manufacturing base — we can’t have an economy that’s largely based on food production and popular culture.”“We’re not prototyping products as much as we are prototyping their manufacturing process.”“What we do is to help the smaller manufacturers get better and more competitive so they can deal with the challenges of the evolving economy.”Links & mentions:ARM Institute, a national membership-based consortium that accelerates the development and adoption of innovative robotics technologies that are the foundation of every advanced manufacturing activity today and in the futureRoboticsCareer.org, the ARM Institute’s site containing links to thousands of robotics training programsMake sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full listof resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.