Ep. 233 - From Controls to Full-Scale Robotics Integration How Bright IA Leads in Automation

Описание: In this episode of Manufacturing Hub, hosts Vladimir Romanov and Dave Griffith sit down with Davide (David) Pascucci, founder of Bright IA (https://brightiatx.com/
), for an in-depth conversation about what it truly takes to build, grow, and succeed in the world of robotics integration and industrial automation.

Davide shares his incredible journey from Italy’s oil and gas sector to leading one of Texas’s most promising automation firms. His story highlights the reality of moving from traditional controls work to full-scale robotics integration. Listeners will learn how his company evolved from small local projects into complex manufacturing solutions involving welding cells, painting robots, and palletizing systems used across multiple industries including food and beverage, fabrication, and renewables.

The discussion explores how system integrators can strategically position themselves in the modern automation ecosystem. Davide explains the importance of vendor relationships, revealing how open collaboration with companies like Fanuc and KUKA helped his firm grow while avoiding common pitfalls faced by new integrators. He provides practical insights into how to evaluate robot brands, manage the mechanical design and safety aspects of projects, and find the right balance between in-house engineering and subcontracting work.

Listeners will also hear a detailed perspective on the Texas manufacturing landscape, where oil and gas still dominate but are now accompanied by a new wave of innovation from defense, aerospace, semiconductor, and AI-driven industries. Davide explains how these shifts are creating a demand for flexible automation and robotics expertise across the region.

If you are an engineer, systems integrator, plant manager, or decision-maker in manufacturing, this episode will give you a firsthand look into the future of robotics integration. It will help you understand how to evaluate partners, manage projects, and prepare your organization for the next generation of automation.

Timestamps
00:00 Introduction and overview of the Systems Integrator theme
03:00 Davide’s journey from Italy to Texas and his shift from oil and gas to robotics
06:00 How Automation Stars of Texas was created and what the event represents
07:30 The Texas manufacturing ecosystem and opportunities in automation
12:00 The learning curve of programming robots and managing motion systems
16:00 Deciding when to specialize versus subcontracting mechanical and electrical work
19:00 Lessons from growing Bright IA and balancing costs, scope, and risk
21:00 Building strong relationships with robot manufacturers such as Fanuc and KUKA
26:00 The importance of vendor support and collaboration for small integrators
29:00 Managing CAD and mechanical design in robotics projects
33:00 The reality of collaborative robots compared to industrial robots
36:00 Evaluating low-cost robotic arms and the trade-offs of price versus support
41:00 How simulation and digital twins improve quoting and validation
48:00 Why some robotics projects fail and how to recover or redesign them
52:00 Working with European and Asian OEMs and lessons in market adaptation
01:04:00 Predicting the future of robotics and automation in the next three years
01:07:00 Career advice for engineers looking to transition into robotics
01:13:00 Davide’s vision for new robotic product development and AI applications

Books Mentioned
Extreme Ownership – Jocko Willink and Leif Babin
Buy Back Your Time – Dan Martell
The Bible

Guest
Davide (David) Pascucci
Founder and President, Bright IA
Website: https://brightiatx.com/
LinkedIn:   / davidepascucci  

Bright IA is an automation and robotics integration firm based in Texas, providing complete engineering solutions for manufacturing environments, including welding systems, palletizing, safety integration, and industrial control design.

Hosts
Vladimir Romanov – Founder of Joltek (https://www.joltek.com), Electrical Engineer, Consultant, and Co-Host of Manufacturing Hub
Dave Griffith – Founder of Dave Griffith Consulting, Automation Consultant, and Co-Host of Manufacturing Hub

Related Joltek Resources
Industrial Robotics Explained: https://www.joltek.com/blog/industria...
System Integrators and Their Role in Manufacturing: https://www.joltek.com/blog/system-in...
Safety in Industrial Automation: https://www.joltek.com/blog/safety-in...

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