Young Talent Leading the Way in Building Michigan’s Drone and Robotics Industry

Westwood AI specializes in autonomous drone systems and data automation, including its “Ranger Engine,” a versatile core technology used for applications ranging from commercial roof inspections to military runway analysis.

As Greenman has built the business, he has found an impressive source of talent close to home: high school and college students in West Michigan with years of hands-on robotics experience.

“The last three years, I have primarily hired high school and young college kids to build this business,” Greenman says. “I was absolutely floored when I started digging into it and I saw the expertise that we had here in West Michigan in particular at junior, senior level, even in high school, let alone some at the collegiate level.”

The conversation highlights the depth of robotics experience some young people are developing well before entering the workforce. Greenman notes that students can graduate from high school having already spent years developing real-world skills.

“You have young men and women that are coming out of high school, 18 years old with 10 years of real world robotic experience,” he says.

For Westwood AI, that young talent has played an important role in building the business and advancing its work in autonomous drone technology.

Listen to The Small Business Weekly Podcast Episode 545 to hear the full conversation with Dakoyta Greenman and learn more about Westwood AI, autonomous drone technology and the young talent helping shape Michigan’s robotics industry.

About the Small Business Weekly Podcast

The Small Business Weekly Podcast, presented by the Small Business Association of Michigan, delivers a new interview with an entrepreneurial expert each week – featuring practical advice and success stories designed to support and inspire Michigan’s small business community.