AI Excavation Technology is Making Operators 300% More Efficient and Reduces Mistakes with Ken Gray

In this episode of The ConTech Crew, host Jeff Sample and co-host Trent Leinenbach welcome Ken Gray, Co-Founder of Dig Robotics and former Chief Innovation Officer at Caterpillar. Ken shares his journey from childhood dreams of working with heavy equipment to leading innovation in the construction and mining industries. The conversation discusses how Dig Robotics is revolutionizing excavation by using AI, machine vision, and automation to enhance operator performance and efficiency. Ken explains why construction isn’t slow to adopt technology; it just demands real, measurable value.

Key Takeaways:

• Ken’s journey from engineering at Caterpillar to co-founding Dig Robotics.
• The evolution of heavy equipment from mechanical machines to high-tech systems.
• How AI, machine vision, and automation improve excavation productivity.
• The importance of defining innovation in construction technology.
• Why construction companies adopt new tech only when it provides clear business value.

Episode Breakdown with Timestamps:

[01:29] – Introduction to Ken Gray and his background in heavy equipment innovation.

[02:05] – AI excellence in Construction Summit next week on April 2nd.

[02:54] – Ken’s early passion for construction equipment and engineering.

[09:54] – Advice on career growth and leadership in construction technology.

[15:08] – The evolution of heavy equipment from mechanical to digital.

[25:20] – Dig Robotics’ mission: Enhancing human operators, not replacing them.

[34:42] – How AI-driven feedback helps operators achieve peak efficiency.

[44:43] – The future of automation and operator training.

[48:49] – Final thoughts on approaching innovation in construction.

AI Excellence in Construction Summit: PlacerSolutions.io

Follow the Guest:

Dig Robotics (LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/company/digrobotics/

Ken Gray (LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/in/kengrayinclusiveinnovation/ 

Follow The ConTech Crew:

Website: https://thecontechcrew.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBDRThvRmSpyTZmMWY4EAjg

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-contechcrew/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheConTechCrew/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecontechcrew/?hl=en

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecontechcrew

Twitter (X): https://x.com/TheConTechCrew

Hashtags:

#ConTechCrew #Excavation #ConstructionTech #AI #Automation #HeavyEquipment #Innovation #DigRobotics