Mike Bates

I’m Mike Bates. I’ve spent decades working with machines, people, and systems—mostly in construction, automation, and getting things done the old-school way. These days, I’m focused on what comes next: building tools, robots, and tech that help us work smarter and live better. I run TrustTech Robotics, where I’m working on ways to make humanoid robots safer and more trustworthy. I don’t come from Silicon Valley—I come from the job site. That means I care about things that actually work, solve real problems, and don’t fall apart when the pressure’s on. I’m here because I love building. I’m experimenting with AI, automation, and hardware—sometimes all at once. I don’t have all the answers, but I’ve got plenty of questions, and I’m always looking to team up with people who are serious about doing great work and having a little fun along the way. Let’s make something cool.