?? Universal Robots Ecosystem Meets... Jake Hall - The Manufacturing Millennial

?? The Collaborative Future of Manufacturing ??: A Conversation with Jake Hall, The Manufacturing Millennial

In the fast-evolving, ever-changing world of manufacturing, few voices stand out as clearly as Jake Hall 's. Known widely as The Manufacturing Millennial , Jake has been at the forefront of advocating for the integration of robotics, automation, and advanced technology into the manufacturing sector.

His passion for the industry is SO contagious, and in a recent interview at Universal Robots ' Collaborate 2025 event, I had the opportunity to dive deeper into what excites him about robotics, how our industry can attract young talent to the industrial manufacturing workforce, and what inspires his passion for manufacturing.

?? What Excites You Most About Robotics and Automation?

When I asked Jake about what excites him most in the world of robotics and automation, his answer was immediate and energetic:

“Anything that is going to make it easier for companies to easier integrate automation on the floor.”

Jake emphasized that it’s not just about replacing human labor but augmenting human capabilities. He sees robotics as a tool that can work hand-in-hand with human workers to achieve things previously thought impossible. For him, the future of manufacturing is not about a race between man and machine, but a collaboration that drives the industry forward.

He also highlighted the importance of minimal risk automation solutions to give manufacturers the ability to produce and compete in the global economy.

"It is getting easier for small to medium sized businesses, who don't have an entire engineering department to deploy an automation solution. It's lower risk. It's lower cost for the mom and pop shop and the manufacturing space as a whole. Oftentimes the mom and pop shops have the hardest battle to compete in the global economy where they're manufacturing parts that a company overseas is bidding, and often at a 20% or 30% lower cost. Smart automation is able to make our manufacturers cost competitive."

???? Attracting Younger Talent to the Automation Workforce

One of the more thought-provoking questions I posed to Jake was about how we, as an automation community, can do better in attracting younger talent to this field. As we all know, it is a critical challenge, and many industries—including manufacturing—are grappling with an aging workforce and a lack of younger workers entering the field.

Jake's own career in this space began very early.

"Manufacturing has always been a passion of mine. I started working for a manufacturer when I was about 15 years old in high school as a shop kid. I was a broom boy; sweeping the floors, cleaning the bridgeports, cutting a bunch of metal, grinding, deburring and getting things ready for welding. I enjoyed building and seeing how things were made, combined with going to FIRST Robotics in high school and driving robots around."

Jake also pointed out that there’s a significant disconnect between what young people are taught about careers in manufacturing and the reality of the opportunities available.

“What we need to do is showcase that robotics, automation technology and working in the manufacturing facility is exciting. It creates a fun career full of opportunities.”

He believes the key is education and exposure. By integrating more hands-on experiences with emerging technologies into school curriculums—especially at the high school and college level—we can give students a better understanding of what modern manufacturing looks like. He also talked about the changing opportunities for students to get their degrees and work in this cutting-edge space.

"If a sophomore or junior in high school can learn how to tie in a robot with a vision system, they automatically open up what they believe their opportunities are when they graduate. They can say, 'You know what, I really enjoyed working with robots, but I don't think I can go and get an engineering degree. It might not be in the budget, but I want to work with it. Well now I can go get a mechatronics or robotics technician degree from a local community college and begin working for a manufacturer.' It sets them up for so much success down the road."

But to truly engage the younger generations, he emphasized the necessity for manufacturers to invest in education. Manufacturing today is not about making widgets—it’s about sustainability, creating jobs, and developing solutions that address global challenges.

??? What Inspires You Most?

Finally, I asked Jake about the inspiration behind his work and advocacy. His answer wasn’t simply tied to the technologies themselves, but rather in the people behind them. He is deeply inspired by the innovation, creativity, and passion with which people are searching for solutions to the world's most complex problems in manufacturing.

“What I love about this industry is that every time I go to a trade show, or every time I talk with a company, people are trying something new. I was at the FABTECH Expo in Orlando last year, and saw a company coming out of South Korea ???? ( Hyundai Welding ) that was using a UR3e on magnets that could go inside of a massive container or massive ship and lay down weld beads! And I look at something like that for the first time and say, 'This is why I love this industry'.”

For Jake, it’s about community—whether it’s the manufacturers building the machines, the engineers designing automation systems, or the workers on the shop floor embracing new technology. He draws energy from the collaborative nature of the industry and the "endless opportunities" available to inspire the next generation of workers.

?? Looking Ahead: A Call to Action for the Manufacturing Industry

As Jake’s insights highlight, the future of manufacturing is full of promise, and robotics and automation will undoubtedly play a key role in shaping that future. But for our industry to continue to grow and evolve, we must do more to create an environment that fosters innovation, an ecosystem of driven and creative problem solvers, and workspaces that attract and inspire our young talent. It’s about changing perceptions, offering new learning opportunities, and showcasing the true value of a career in manufacturing.

Jake Hall ’s passion and vision remind me that the manufacturing industry isn’t just about machinery—it’s about people, and it’s about the future. If we can tap into the energy of the next generation and inspire them to see the limitless potential, we can ensure that the workforce of tomorrow will be just as dynamic, innovative, and driven as the technology that powers it.

? Join the conversation! What inspires you and what do you think is the best way to engage the next generation in manufacturing? Let us know in the comments below! ?

About Jake Hall: Jake Hall , also known as The Manufacturing Millennial , is a passionate advocate for the integration of robotics, automation, and technology in the manufacturing industry. He is committed to changing the perception of the manufacturing industry, inspiring young people to explore careers in the field, and sharing his knowledge with others through content creation and speaking engagements.

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