What AEC Taught Me About Scalable Robotics: Lessons for Business Leaders

By Chris Callura, VP of Partnerships & Operations, Chang Robotics

The Unexpected Career Shift 

When people hear about my career shift from construction to robotics, they usually raise an eyebrow. I spent the early part of my career in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry, focused on project execution, cost control, and schedule adherence. My foundation was built at Georgia Tech, where I earned a bachelor's in building construction and later returned for my MBA to round out my executive leadership skills. 

I came up in project management—contracts, suppliers, site schedules, the works. So, how did I end up in robotics? It started with a conversation. I had known the company owners, Matthew, Kate, and Ross, at Chang Robotics for years and was intrigued by their work. The vision they painted—of using automation to transform industries—resonated deeply with me. It reminded me of the complex projects I used to lead, just with a new frontier: autonomous systems. The kicker? The technology in this space was far beyond what I expected. From cutting-edge software to the rising role of AI, I was blown away. 

What AEC and Automation Have in Common 

At first glance, AEC and robotics might seem like entirely different worlds. But when it comes to project execution, they're more alike than you'd think. Whether you're building a factory or deploying an autonomous mobile robot fleet, clients expect a structured, transparent, and results-driven process. 

At Chang Robotics, we follow a stage-gated approach that mirrors the AEC workflow: feasibility, concept, detailed design, procurement, execution and validation. This phased method allows our clients to assess value and risk at each step and pause if extenuating circumstances arise. It's a level of discipline and transparency that decision-makers appreciate, especially when significant capital investment is involved. 

Lessons from Design-Build That Robotics Needs 

In the AEC world, "design-build" means more than drawing blueprints. It’s about integrating cost, safety, workforce considerations, and vendor collaboration from day one. That mindset carries over seamlessly into automation. 

At Chang Robotics, we aren’t tied to a single vendor or technology. We’re solution-agnostic because what works in one application might be a total mismatch in another. For instance, existing hallway widths could rule out certain types of automated guided vehicles (AGVs) but be ideal for AMRs. My job is to maintain deep partnerships across the ecosystem so we can handpick the right solution for the problem at hand. 

We also involve stakeholders early—from plant managers to executives—so that design reviews aren’t "ta-da" moments. They're confirmations of alignment. Final reviews should be formalities, not surprises. That kind of early collaboration, carried over from design-build principles, is critical in robotics and automation also. 

Why Automation Needs a Construction Mindset 

When you’re automating an existing facility, beyond installing machines, you're driving behavioral change. Stakeholder coordination is essential. In construction, everyone knows what they’re signing up for: permits, hardhats, foundations. But in automation, we’re often asking teams to rethink their day-to-day operations. That requires detailed communication, documentation, and a lot of education through the change. 

Risk management, a staple in AEC, translates directly to robotics. We document risks throughout the lifecycle of a project—safety, technical, operational, cultural. We test, iterate, and perhaps most importantly, we pilot. 

Unlike traditional construction projects, which often require large up-front investments and infrastructure commitments, automation gives you room to experiment. You can pilot a robot for two months, see how it performs, and decide whether to scale. It’s scalable, adaptable, and low-risk—all music to a business owner’s ears. 

Real-World Lessons in Action 

We once partnered with a manufacturer whose conveyor system was the lifeblood of their operation. Shutting it down wasn’t an option. So we asked: How would you upgrade this without stopping production? Through open dialogue and detailed planning, we designed an automation solution that worked around their live operations. That level of flexibility and early engagement is what sets us apart. 

Even in new industries—like healthcare, which was unfamiliar territory for us at first—we’ve been able to apply the same foundational principles to deliver success. That's the beauty of cross-industry lessons: if you have the right approach and discipline, it's transferable. 

Looking Ahead: Automation with Purpose 

For companies exploring automation, my advice is simple: start with a feasibility study and a pilot. More importantly, find the right partner—someone who understands your industry, your goals, and your culture. At Chang Robotics, we don’t just drop off a robot and walk away. We collaborate, iterate, and provide continuous support as an extension of the customer’s engineering and operations teams. We build systems that work in the real world. 

Long-term thinking matters. Facility design, workforce planning, and IT systems all need to evolve with automation in mind. We’re seeing a shift where automation isn’t an afterthought—it’s at the forefront of business strategy. That shift is what excites me most. 

My background in AEC has given me a unique lens: technology alone doesn’t drive transformation. Success depends on execution, cultural fit, and the strength of your partnerships. That’s the mindset we bring to every project at Chang Robotics.