David Kilzer

Humanoid robots are moving from demos to factory lines faster than most facilities can rethink the systems around them. Building on themes from his TEDx talk—now past one million views—David Kilzer examines the Automation Paradox: investments that raise throughput and cut labor today can quietly harden the warehouse against cheaper, AI-enabled humanoids tomorrow. Drawing on warehouse automation, interface lock-in, and a brief look at Jevons’ paradox in the distribution center, he asks what electrical and systems engineers should leave open—standards, power, controls, and layout—so today’s efficiency does not become tomorrow’s stranded capital.

Biography:

David’s roots on a North Dakota farm sparked a lifelong curiosity for problem-solving, honed through hands-on work with agricultural machinery. This ingenuity led to a Mechanical Engineering degree from North Dakota State University, focused on thermal science and nuclear applications, and a Master’s in Business from Indiana University. After impactful roles at General Electric and Digital Equipment Corporation, David embraced entrepreneurship, founding/co-founding ventures like Computer Aided Systems, Inc., Consultleague, LLC, Deliver-EZ, LLC, and Strategic Transformation Advisors, Inc. His expertise in AI and robotics has driven innovative automation solutions, bridging cutting-edge technology with real-world impact. Supported by his wife of over 50 years, David raised three children and now enjoys nine grandchildren—though he’s learned to avoid mountain biking with them. His story reflects relentless curiosity and a commitment to shaping a smarter, more sustainable future through intelligent automation.

David

Biography:

David’s roots on a North Dakota farm sparked a lifelong curiosity for problem-solving, honed through hands-on work with agricultural machinery. This ingenuity led to a Mechanical Engineering degree from North Dakota State University, focused on thermal science and nuclear applications, and a Master’s in Business from Indiana University. After impactful roles at General Electric and Digital Equipment Corporation, David embraced entrepreneurship, founding/co-founding ventures like Computer Aided Systems, Inc., Consultleague, LLC, Deliver-EZ, LLC, and Strategic Transformation Advisors, Inc. His expertise in AI and robotics has driven innovative automation solutions, bridging cutting-edge technology with real-world impact. Supported by his wife of over 50 years, David raised three children and now enjoys nine grandchildren—though he’s learned to avoid mountain biking with them. His story reflects relentless curiosity and a commitment to shaping a smarter, more sustainable future through intelligent automation.