Analysis:
eKAMI was started in 2017 by Kathy Walker, who spent many years in the coal business herself, including 15-plus as a member of the National Coal Council, a federal advisory committee that helps shape policies about matters relating to coal. Many coal miners are born into the business, and those living in Appalachia often live below or straddle the poverty line. In 2008, regulatory pressure from President Obama forced many coal mines to close. The industry coined this the “War on Coal.”

Robots are often viewed as a threat to human jobs, but not in this case. This is a great example of how re-skilling helped AutoGuide fill labor shortages and positioned dislocated coal miners for future career success. It also provides a potential blueprint on how to re-skill more displaced coal miners and diversify the local economy by creating additional advanced manufacturing opportunities. - Steve Crowe

Former coal miner Matt Neace is now installing and servicing AutoGuide's mobile robots.