The robots are coming: Technology enthusiasts, developers learn about robotics - Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal

By Zack Orsborn

Daily Journal

OXFORD – Ever since the age of 15, Zack Watts, chief technology officer for MTrade, has been obsessed with technology.

He began dabbling into virtual reality, fascinated by the idea of creating his own world. He found that a career in software development was the way to explore his burgeoning curiosities.

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Kenny Sessions takes a picture of a robotic arm developed by Zack Watts at the North Mississippi Technology Group in Oxford.

Six years ago, Watts started the North Mississippi Technology Group, a 332-member group ranging from hardcore software developers to technology enthusiasts that meet monthly at the MTrade office in Oxford.

In the meetings, 47 so far, they discuss all things tech from artificial intelligence to Bitcoins, computer security, video game development, website design and coding languages.

At the most recent meeting, Watts led a discussion about his current obsession: robotics.

“I’ve been obsessed with robotics for about ten years,” he said. “While we’re driving, my wife will see me stare outside the window, and she can tell I’m thinking about something. She used to ask me what I was thinking about. Now she just says, ‘You’re thinking about robots, aren’t you?’”

Seven people of all ages, races and sexes gathered around a robotic arm Watts made with a 3D-printer and programmed to pick up small objects.

Watts typed a few lines of code into his laptop, causing the robot to pick up a single peppermint from a bowl.

The group members’ eyes widened, and one, Kenny Sessions, took out his phone to take a picture.

The world is on a precipice right now of an enormous rise in non-industrial robotics, Watts said.

“It’s a very exciting time to be a part of this,” he said.

The Rise of the Robots

In 2011, venture capitalist investments on robotics were just shy of $200 million, but funding exploded between 2014 and 2015.

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Members of the North Mississippi Technology Group predict an enormous rise in non-industrial robotics during the coming years.

“The numbers aren’t out for 2016, but it would not surprise me if it’s well over $1.3 billion dollars this year,” Watts said. “The reason I believe we are seeing such a dramatic increase in funding is that technology is more accessible today than it has ever been before.”

According to the Robotic Industries Association, 7,406 robots valued at approximately $402 million were ordered from North American companies during the first quarter of 2016, setting a new record.

One of the driving factors of growth, Watts said, is the expected minimum wage increase in many states.

The investments in robotics technology will make sense as soon as it’s unaffordable for businesses to hire human work, he said.

“If there is a problem, you can build a robot to build it,” Watts said. “Whether it’s cleaning couches, mowing yards, helping the elderly or washing a car, there are employers that are desperately looking for these skills.”

It took years of studying and trial and error before he began developing a robot that can wash cars.

“So much of this is just doing,” Watts said. “You don’t have to be brilliant or special. You just have to put in the effort. What I love about this is the accessibility of technology.”

Together

Before giving a presentation on how to program robots using open-source software, Watts asked the group, “Don’t you feel that you’re not doing what you know you could be doing, what you know your potential is? Don’t you just feel restless? Discontent?”

Long-time group member Kenny Sessions nodded his head.

He fell in love with technology when his brother received a Winchester BB gun and left it at home.

“I took it apart and put it back together. Except those two springs I left out,” Sessions said, causing all group members to laugh. “After that, I went to study electrical engineering. I’m always open to new technology.”

One of the first members, Shelly Maxey-Howell, wore a Bluetooth ear piece and a FitBit arm band to the meeting, her laptop case resting beside her.

Her love of technology stems from spending years researching computers.

“Everything is kind of interconnected,” she said. “My husband is a bit old school, though. He says I’m obsessed with computers. I carry it around everywhere. It drives him nuts.”

Together, they’ve built a video game together, stepped into virtual words and explored programming languages.

Instead of just talking about it, the group puts what they’ve learned into action.

“I love sharing ideas,” Sessions said. “Most of the time, we don’t have to explain it to each other. We get it. I also like the idea of discussion, yet with implementation. I like to make it happen.”

What will the group make happen next?

Their plan is to build a fully-functioning robot together.

zack.orsborn@journalinc.com

Twitter: @thedaily_zack

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