Summary

In this episode, hosts Billy Riggs and Vipul Vyas discuss the urgent need for the U.S. to keep pace with advancements in robotics and AI, particularly in light of China's rapid progress. They explore the implications of cultural distrust and political paralysis in the U.S. that hinder innovation, while also emphasizing the importance of building trust in technology. The dialogue highlights the need for a strategic approach to AI and robotics in the U.S. to ensure competitiveness and ethical standards in the face of global challenges.

Takeaways

• The U.S. is experiencing a cultural distrust towards technology.
• China is accelerating its AI and robotics capabilities with state support.
• The U.S. needs a strategic government approach to AI and robotics.
• Cultural fear and political paralysis are hindering U.S. innovation.
• Building trust in technology is essential for future advancements.
• AI can improve accessibility and engagement in local governance.
• The U.S. must recognize its position relative to global competitors.
• Historical analogs can inform current technological challenges.
• The importance of ethical standards in AI development is growing.
• A collaborative approach is necessary to address technological disparities.

Sound Bites

• “The American edge isn’t American — it’s glocal. Our competitiveness depends on how we engage with the rest of the world, not how we isolate from it.” — Billy Riggs
• “Ninety percent of China’s economy is on track to integrate AI. That’s not experimentation — that’s commitment.” — Vipul Vyas
• "Distrust is America’s biggest barrier to innovation. We don’t have a technology problem — we have a confidence problem.”— Billy Riggs
• “Trust isn’t conferred — it’s earned. We’ll believe in AI the same way we came to believe in credit cards: when it works every time.”— Vipul Vyas
• “We need a U.S. strategy for AI and robotics — not just policies to regulate them, but a vision to lead with them.” — Billy Riggs
• "China builds factories of the future; we debate factories of the past." — Vipul Vyas

Additional Resources

• Carnegie Endowment: https://carnegieendowment.org/emissary/2025/09/ai-china-90-percent-economy-why-wont-work?lang=en
• Washington Post: China best on AI Dominance https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/07/31/china-ai-united-states-control/
• NY Times: More Robots in Chine that Rest of the World https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/25/business/china-factory-robots.html
• San Jose Launches AI Language Access: https://sanjosestandard.com/san-jose-city-clerk-launches-artificial-intelligence-initiative-to-increase-language-access-at-city-council-meetings/

Chapters

00:00 - The Urgency of AI and Robotics

03:50 - The Global Entry Example: Do We Trust Technology?

05:49 - China's Acceleration in AI and Robotics

06:21 - Are we hesitating while China is accelerating?

09:46 - The U.S. Response to AI and Robotics

15:15 - Local Innovations in AI for Accessibility

17:04 - Addressing Cultural Distrust and Political Challenges

21:25 - The Need for a Strategic U.S. Approach

21:47 - A need for a Sputnik moment

25:37 - Values and Ethics in AI Development

26:51 - Back to Billy's Global Entry Experience: Building Trust in Technology

In this episode, Billy Riggs explores the intersection of autonomous vehicles and urban design, questioning whether these vehicles should be context-sensitive to their environments. As he says: "What if AVs weren’t just about moving people, but about placemaking? What if their design reflected the neighborhoods they serve and became part of the visual DNA of cities?" He discusses the current state of autonomous vehicle technology, the challenges of achieving level five autonomy, and the implications of Tesla's ambitions in robotics. Riggs emphasizes the importance of visual identity in urban transportation and reflects on historical examples, such as the streetcar era, to illustrate how vehicles can integrate with their surroundings. He concludes by advocating for a future where autonomous vehicles contribute to the visual and cultural fabric of cities.

Takeaways

• Autonomous vehicles should be designed with context sensitivity in mind.
• The visual relationship between vehicles and urban design is crucial.
• Level five autonomy is unlikely to be fully achievable due to physical limitations.
• Tesla's focus on robotics could redefine its future value.
• Historical transportation systems provide valuable lessons for modern design.
• Vehicles can reflect local identity and contribute to civic pride.
• Sustainability should be a key consideration in vehicle design.
• Adaptive design could enhance the integration of AVs into urban environments.
• Public transportation can benefit from the integration of autonomous vehicles.
• The design of future vehicles should reflect the neighborhoods they serve.

Sound Bites

• Level five autonomy is a myth. Just like humans cannot drive in all conditions, vehicles cannot violate the laws of physics. There will always be operational limits. — Billy Riggs 
• We’re rewiring transportation, we’re rewiring the economy, we’re rewiring our cities for innovation. Should we also think about rewiring the visual vernacular of our streets? — Billy Riggs 
• Historically, we’ve seen moments when transportation and the built environment spoke the same design language—from the ornate ironwork of streetcars to the Art Nouveau entrances of the Paris Metro. — Billy Riggs 
• Cities have always had their icons of design identity—the yellow taxi in New York, the double-decker bus in London, tuk-tuks in Bangkok. Could autonomous vehicles be the next iteration? — Billy Riggs 
• There might be a middle ground: a core vehicle that stays standard, but with modular skins and adaptive layers that let it visually tune itself to its environment.” — Billy Riggs 
• What if AVs weren’t just about moving people, but about placemaking? What if their design reflected the neighborhoods they serve and became part of the visual DNA of cities? — Billy Riggs 

Chapters
00:00 - Introduction to Autonomous Vehicles and Context Sensitivity
02:15 - Recent Developments in Autonomous Vehicle Technology
06:08 - Challenges and Opportunities in the Autonomous Vehicle Market
11:01 - The Visual DNA of Cities and Transportation
16:14 - Context-Sensitive Design for Autonomous Vehicles
21:26 - A Counterpoint on the Unique Design Vernacular
24:26 - The Future of Autonomous Vehicles and Urban Design

In this episode of Rewiring the American Edge, host Billy Riggs talks with architect and professor Stefan Al about the intersection of artificial intelligence and architectural design. They explore how the biggest current use case for AI in architecture is conceptual visualization, and "how just one text prompt can replace hours of modeling and rendering." Riggs and AI talk about how AI has the potential to democratize architecture, and the implications for creativity and sustainability, and also about how it requires a human-in-the-loop. Their conversation touches on the risks associated with AI in design, emphasizing the need for human oversight and the importance of mastering fundamental skills in architecture and the importance of human contact and connectivity.

Takeaways

• AI is currently used in early visualizations in architecture.
• The construction industry is risk averse, limiting AI's application.
• AI can help reduce construction waste significantly.
• Human oversight is crucial when using AI in design processes.
• AI has the potential to democratize architectural design.
• AI can optimize skyscraper design by simulating wind effects.
• The creative process may become homogenized with AI tools.
• AI can assist in cost estimation and project management.
• Education should focus on fundamentals without AI assistance.
• AI can improve sustainability in building operations.

Sound Bites

• At first, all the buildings started to look the same… but as a tool matures, people get better at using it. AI won’t replace creativity—it will evolve it. — Stefan Al
• We’ve made progress on operational carbon—but embodied carbon is harder. AI could be the tool that finally helps us measure and reduce it efficiently. — Stefan Al
• AI might not fully automate construction, but in modular housing, in factory settings—it can dramatically reduce costs. — Stefan Al
• If we want to tackle housing affordability, we need to apply AI in modular construction and beyond. That’s where the biggest impact could be. — Billy Riggs
• A typical single-family home wastes half its materials. That’s insane—and AI could help fix it. — Stefan Al
• AI can’t be the final output—especially in construction, where documents are legal instruments. Human oversight is non-negotiable. — Stefan
• Technology should serve people—not the other way around. — Billy Riggs

Chapters
00:00 - Introduction to AI and Architectural Design
07:29 - The Current State of AI in Architecture
15:26 - AI's Impact on Creativity in Design
23:14 - Sustainability and AI in Architecture
28:07 - The Future of AI in Construction and Design

In this reflective episode, Billy Riggs and Vipul Vyas review the key themes and insights from their first 16 episodes of 'Rewiring the American Edge.' They discuss the importance of American cities as economic engines, the impact of automation and AI on labor, the concept of universal basic infrastructure, and the need for cities to adapt to global challenges. The conversation highlights the necessity for innovation and governance in maintaining competitiveness in a rapidly changing world.

Takeaways

• American cities are crucial for national competitiveness.
• The American edge is defined by global influences.
• Automation and AI can create new job opportunities.
• Universal basic infrastructure is essential for community wealth.
• Cities need flexibility to adapt to external pressures.
• Trust and governance are vital for city functionality.
• Innovation drives workforce education and adaptation.
• Global competition requires cities to be nimble and proactive.
• The pacing problem of technology versus governance is significant.
• Reflecting on past episodes helps identify future directions.

Soundbites

• Billy Riggs: “What makes America a global competitor is that it is everything global about America — being open to trade, to immigration, to new ideas and new people.”
• Billy Riggs: “This edge is not fixed. It’s shifting. And if any city wants to compete, you’ve got to stay nimble, you’ve got to educate yourself, you’ve got to be imaginative.”
• Vipul Vyas: “American cities are our economic locomotives. If they’re anything less than optimally functioning, we as a country are not going to be very competitive.”
• Billy Riggs: “Cities are laboratories. They’re where innovation collides with everyday life.”
• Billy Riggs: “Automation isn’t just a net job eliminator. It’s a growth engine — it creates jobs, it doesn’t contract them.”
• Vipul Vyas: “Universal basic infrastructure is a form of wealth. Roads, sidewalks, schools — these are things that make us all better off, even if we don’t put a dollar figure on them.”
• Billy Riggs: “The pacing problem is real — technology moves much faster than the wheels of government.”
• Billy Riggs: “Trust and governance have to exist. That’s the glue.”
• Vipul Vyas: “Our cities have to compete. That’s the new world.”
• Billy Riggs: “We weren’t sure we’d keep this podcast going, but the response has been incredible. We’re getting questions from the Netherlands, Ireland, Hong Kong — this is a global conversation.”

Chapters
00:00 - Reflecting on Episodes & Insights
02:27 - The Role of American Cities in Global Competition
04:18 - Automation, Innovation, and the Future of Work
06:51 - Universal Basic Infrastructure and Economic Implications
09:00 - Navigating Geopolitical Tensions and Academic Freedom
11:19 - Urban Planning and the Future of Cities
13:26 - AI Policy and the Pacing Problem
15:42 - Key Themes and Future Directions

In this episode, the Billy Riggs and Vipul Vyas explore the intersection of blockchain technology and urban planning with expert Justin Hollander. They discuss how blockchain can enhance community engagement, streamline public processes, and even influence future city planning on Mars. The conversation delves into the challenges of governance in space communities and makes bold predictions about the future of blockchain in urban design.

Takeaways

• Blockchain can revolutionize urban planning by enhancing community engagement.
• Current public participation methods in planning are often ineffective.
• Decentralization in blockchain allows for more transparent community input.
• Smart contracts can automate and streamline planning processes.
• Urban planners need to adapt to new technologies like blockchain.
• The future of cities may involve planning for extraterrestrial environments.
• Governance in space will require clear processes and transparency.
• Blockchain can help track the flow of funds in urban projects.
• Polymarket could provide valuable insights for urban planning.
• Innovative applications of blockchain can address inefficiencies in city management.

Sound Bites

• Blockchain offers a different way—input that’s decentralized, immutable, and transparent. Nobody owns it, nobody can erase it.” — Justin Hollander
• “Imagine your zoning data, permit applications, and environmental reviews all on a single distributed ledger—no delays, no mysterious queues, just transparency.” — Billy Riggs
• “With blockchain, cities can finally follow the money—where it flows, how it’s spent, and whether it actually reaches the people it was meant for.” — Vipul Vyas
• “SFLuv is like a dollar wrapped in local paper. Keep it local and you’re rewarded—earn it locally, spend it locally, grow your community.” — Billy Riggs
• “What do you think about a DAO for Mars? Governance managed through smart contracts might be the way we avoid dystopian futures in space.” — Justin Hollander
• “I just have one word for you: Polymarket. Transparent, decentralized betting markets could transform how planners forecast the future.” — Justin Hollander
• “By 2035, I think we’ll see blockchain IDs for transit, food, housing credits, even your driver’s license.” — Billy Riggs

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction to Blockchain and Urban Planning

04:37 - The Role of Blockchain in Urban Planning

10:02 - Public Engagement and Blockchain

14:00 - Blockchain's Impact on Urban Infrastructure

17:59 - Local Currencies and Community Engagement

22:25 - Thinking Beyond Earth: Urban Planning on Mars

28:58 - Governance in Space Communities

33:41 - Predictions for Blockchain and Space Design

Additional Resources

PAS 99: Blockchain for Planners:

https://planning-org-uploaded-media.s3.amazonaws.com/publication/download_pdf/PAS-QuickNotes-99.pdf

Blockchain and Distributed Autonomous Community Ecosystems: Opportunities to Democratize Finance and Delivery of Transport, Housing, Urban Greening and Community Infrastructure

https://transweb.sjsu.edu/research/2165-Blockchain-Financial-Ecosystem-Infrastructure

SFLuv Coin: Empowering Merchants, Empowering Communities

https://sfluv.org/

The First City on Mars: An Urban Planner’s Guide to Settling the Red Planet
https://www.amazon.com/First-City-Mars-Planners-Settling/dp/3031075277

Planning the Red Planet, Planning Magazine

https://www.planning.org/planning/2025/may/planning-the-red-planet/

This conversation explores the evolving landscape of education and the necessity of lifelong learning in the context of rapid technological advancements and changing workforce demands. Co-hosts Billy Riggs and Vipul Vyas discuss the importance of aligning educational outcomes with industry needs, the potential for decentralization in the workforce, and the challenges faced by existing educational institutions in adapting to these changes. They emphasize the urgency of addressing these issues to maintain global competitiveness and the role of micro-credentials in modern education.

Takeaways

• Lifelong learning is essential for career success.
• The future of work requires alignment between education and industry needs.
• Micro-credentials may provide a solution to outdated educational models.
• Decentralization could democratize access to education and job opportunities.
• Existing institutions may struggle to innovate due to their established structures.
• Global competition necessitates a focus on upskilling the workforce.
• AI has the potential to change the landscape of job creation.
• Education must adapt quickly to keep pace with technological advancements.
• The cost of education is becoming a barrier for many Americans.
• There is a risk of falling behind in global innovation if changes are not made.

Sound Bites

• "Upskilling our workforce will define American competitiveness on the global level.” — Billy Riggs
• “Bootcamps used to be for coders. Now they’re for prompt engineers.” — Vipul Vyas
• “AI could democratize the means of production—or accelerate inequality. It depends on how we use it.” — Vipul Vyas
• “We’re training people for yesterday’s jobs while industries are moving ahead three steps faster.” — Billy Riggs
• “Unless we invest in education and training, we risk falling behind not just in AI but across the global economy.” — Billy Riggs

Chapters

00:00 - Building a Smarter Workforce

06:51 - The Future of Work and Lifelong Learning

13:39 - Aligning Education with Industry Needs

17:04 - Global Workforce Dynamics and Competition

20:43 - The Urgency for Educational Reform

22:39 - The Importance of Lifelong Learning

25:13 - Aligning Education with Workforce Needs

26:17 - The Future of Learning and Adaptation

Additional Resources
Gauntlet AI Bootcamp: https://www.gauntletai.com/

NYTimes Goodbye, $165,000 Tech Jobs. Student Coders Seek Work at Chipotle: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/10/technology/coding-ai-jobs-students.html

In this conversation, co-hosts Billy Riggs and Vipul Vyas talk with Parker Huncilman from Huncilman Sheet Metal Fabrication / Nix Industrial about the evolution of Midwestern manufacturing. Parker discusses, the challenges of the capital environment and how chose to merge with another family business rather than accept a private equity buy-out in a recent leadership transition of his 5th generation family business. The hosts talk about design and fabrication challenges, competition, impact of automation and AI on the industry, and the importance of cultivating a strong workplace culture. They explore the challenges and opportunities facing the manufacturing sector in America, particularly in the context of a changing workforce and the need for innovation.

Takeaways

- AI is reducing geographic limitations to innovation in places like the Midwest.

- Huncilman Sheet Metal has a rich legacy dating back to 1896.

- Automation and AI are reshaping the manufacturing landscape.

- Cultural transformation is essential for attracting young talent.

- Investing in technology is crucial for future competitiveness.

- The manufacturing sector is experiencing a resurgence in the U.S.

- Younger generations are more adept at using advanced technology.

Sound Bites

- "We're trying to break that mold."

- “The better the equipment gets to be able to facilitate the tech-driven individual, that's where you start to get your employment base from.”

- "The biggest thing with culture is when you say you're going to do something, you better do it. Otherwise, culture will fall immediately."

- "We have a higher demand for fabricated product… and we have a receding supply base."

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction to Midwestern Manufacturing and Innovation

03:26 - The Legacy of Huncilman Sheet Metal Fabrication

07:52 - The Geography of Innovation in Manufacturing

16:12 - Embracing Technology and AI in Manufacturing

24:37 - Talent Acquisition and Workplace Culture in Manufacturing

28:39 - The Future of American Manufacturing

Additional Resources
https://www.huncilman.com/
https://nixindustrial.com/