
Rob Smithson
Rob Smithson is a proven, innovative business leader, with extensive experience in building high performance teams, business growth financing, business development, and strategic planning and execution in organizations ranging from venture-backed start-ups to Fortune 50 corporations. He has held positions in the aerospace, robotics, factory automation, transportation, and sustainable energy industries. Rob holds more than 150 U.S. and international patents. He cofounded three startup companies, raising a total of more than $150M in angel, venture, and strategic investor capital. He has advised, evaluated, and coached numerous other early stage companies. His education includes a B.S.E. from Auburn University, M.S.M.E. from the University of Texas at Austin, and a M.S.T.C. from the McCombs School of Business. He was named a Fellow of the Society of Automotive Engineers, International in 2009. Read Rob's full bio.
Job Creation and the Robot Apocalypse
The coming “robot apocalypse” can both save and create jobs in the developed world, especially in the United States, which has barely scratched the surface on the application of robotics to manufacturing.
Rob Smithson
7 min read
Outsourcing, Automation, and Econometrics
It is important to look beyond statistics to understand how and when jobs are displaced by technology, business process innovation, or outsourcing to low cost countries.
Rob Smithson
4 min read
Universal Basic Prosperity
Technology and automation will change the types of jobs that are available, but workers will continue to be needed to support economic progress and prosperity.
Rob Smithson
5 min read