In ep 7, we explore how ceiling-based robotic systems are poised to transform storage, logistics, and automation in residential, commercial and industrial spaces. Ken Miller, CEO of Stakabl.com shares his journey from complex system design to pioneering a robotics platform for micro fulfillment and beyond that leverages underutilized overhead space, promising a smarter, more efficient logistics and supply chain future.

Key Topics:

• The origin story of Stakabl and the innovative ceiling grid concept
• Why overhead space is an untapped resource for storage and robotics
• Applications spanning smart homes, micro-fulfillment centers, and reverse logistics
• The detailed mechanical design process behind Stakabl, from sketches to CAD to prototypes
• Challenges in integrating multiple sub-systems and ensuring scalability
• The analogy between art (painting) and engineering in system design
• The role of experience versus youth in engineering and building hardware products
• Designing for maintenance, longevity, and safety in robotic systems
• The parallels between the shipping container revolution and Tray-based ecosystems
• Vision for ceiling robotics as a category and data-driven logistics platform

The conversation covers topics related to revolutionizing packaging ecosystems, logistics and order fulfillment, micro fulfillment centers, lessons from manufacturing and hardware founders, design principles, personal commitment, leadership and decision-making, designing for longevity and maintenance, and advice for mechanical engineers.

00:00 Introduction to Ken Miller and Stakabl Robotics

01:14 The Eureka Moment: Rethinking Storage Solutions

03:40 Applications of Stackable Robotics in Homes and Industry

06:01 The Vision for the Future of Robotics

08:22 Ken Miller's Journey: From Engineer to Entrepreneur

10:21 The Design Process: From Concept to Prototype

12:59 Exploring the Stackable System: Components and Functionality

15:21 Challenges in Mechanical Design and Integration

17:43 Safety Considerations in Overhead Robotics

19:11 The Future of Robotics: Environmental Impact and Sustainability

25:38 The Potential of Ceiling Robotics

32:51 Micro Fulfillment and Logistics Innovations

39:03 Lessons from Manufacturing and Hardware Development

44:50 Lightning Round: Quick Insights and Reflections

Resources:

www.stakabl.com

www.RobotBuildersClub.org

https://www.linkedin.com/company/robotbuildersclub-org

In this episode, Shak, CEO of Hello Robo (www.hellorobo.co), shares insights on designing intuitive interfaces for robotics, emphasizing the importance of trust, safety, and understanding human behavior. Discover how UX principles translate to robotics and why focusing on user experience can accelerate adoption and improve deployment outcomes. In this episode:

• Shak's journey from design to robotics and the founding story of Hello Robo
• Challenges in designing human-robot interfaces and the role of empathy
• The balance between engineering-driven and user-centered design in robotics startups
• Key features that foster operator trust and safety
• The importance of rapid iteration and testing with real users
• How emotional design and micro-movements make robots feel more human
• The future of multimodal interfaces: voice, AR, haptics, and beyond
• Lessons learned from deploying robots in real-world environments
• Leadership tips for building a resilient and human-centric team

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction and Shak’s background in design and robotics

02:30 - The importance of responding to community and fostering connections

05:00 - Transition from UX to robotics and founding Hello Robo

07:20 - Common challenges in human-robot interface design

09:45 - How operators perceive and trust robotic systems

11:17 - When should robotics startups develop their own interfaces?

13:49 - The misconception of autonomy and the importance of trust phases

15:42 - How to handle information overload and visibility in interfaces

18:29 - Critical UI elements for safety, such as emergency stops

21:12 - Building confidence and transparency during robot deployment

22:37 - Emotional design: making robots feel trustworthy and safe

24:49 - What operators really need versus what founders assume they want

26:51 - Rapid feedback cycles: testing and iterating with real operators

28:04 - Exploring multimodal interfaces—voice, AR, haptics

31:28 - VR in robotics and its current challenges and potential

33:50 - Understanding what real-time system data operators should see

36:20 - The process of tailoring interfaces for specific users and contexts

38:04 - Overcoming cultural and habit barriers in adoption

39:33 - The critical role of safety and managing risk

41:00 - The importance of simple and decisive control mechanisms

43:39 - Leadership insights: building a human-centric, resilient team

45:32 - Advice for entrepreneurs entering the human-robot interface space

48:43 - The subtle art of micro-movements and emotional cues in robots

51:52 - Future outlook: AI, robotics, and societal shifts

54:45 - Lightning round: quick takes on interfaces, features, and sci-fi dreams

Resources & Links:

• Hello Robo — Official website
• Shak's LinkedIn
• RobotBuildersClub.org