The human side of robotics: A young engineer’s business trip to Alabama

Until now, our blogs have focused on the technical side – our work, our clients, and how our automation solutions helps their businesses grow. But beyond robots, codes, and production lines, there’s a human side to these projects – the challenges, the experiences, and the personal growth that comes with it.

So this time we’re sharing a different kind of story – a firsthand account from one of our engineers, Marko, who spent four months in Alabama, USA on a major automation project. More than just a work assignment, it was a journey of adaptation, learning, and unexpected connections.

The following text is written by Marko.

Engineering Abroad: Stepping Into the Unknown  

There we were, stepping onto a new continent for the first time. Two young engineers, arriving in Alabama with small suitcases and big ambitions, ready to take on a major automation project. The stakes were high – machine breakdowns, long cycle times, and mounting pressure to improve efficiency. But this journey wasn’t just about work; it was about experiencing a new culture, meeting new people, and embracing the unknown.

The Challenge: Earning Respect as Young Engineers

Walking into a room of twenty seasoned engineers, we quickly realized that our youth was working against us. At first, no one took us seriously. We were outsiders, fresh faces with limited experience, and in their eyes, we had little to contribute. But as ideas ran dry and solutions failed, we stepped up. Slowly but surely, we earned our place. By the end of our stay, we weren’t just part of the team – we were leading the project. If you want to hear more about the technical side of it, check out our previous blog about How We Improved Part Quality and Reduced Cycle Time by 2/3. This time, though, I want to focus on the human side of the experience – the people, the culture, and the moments that made this trip unforgettable.

First Impressions: A Different World

From the moment we landed, I knew this place was unlike anywhere I’d been. The landscape, the architecture, the atmosphere – it all felt like another world.  If I had to sum up the South in a few words? Loud cars, wooden houses, guns, more guns, tornadoes, and people with hearts of gold. Southern hospitality is real, and let me tell you, the movies don’t do it justice. We were welcomed with open arms, invited into homes, and treated like family from day one.

The People: A Global Crew

Field work brings together people from all over the world, and this project was no exception. Our team was a melting pot – Serbia, the USA, Mexico, Canada, Brazil, China, Macedonia, the UK, Germany. Different backgrounds, different languages, but one shared mission: to streamline automation, enhance production, and empower the client’s workforce with the skills needed for long-term success.

The Experiences: Highlights from Alabama

This project was filled with unexpected, unforgettable experiences that really defined our time in Alabama. Some moments stood out more than others: 

• Shooting Range on a Farm – A new friend invited us to his farm, where we got a full lesson on gun safety, aiming, and firing. It was an experience like no other. 
• Karaoke Night – Let’s just say, some of us should stick to engineering. 
• Tornado Season – Living through a tornado in a wooden house with no power or internet was an experience I won’t forget. The sky turned green, the wind howled, and we were there like sitting ducks with nothing but sparkling water and ice cream. Horrifying yet oddly memorable. After this the bunkers were like a hotel. 

The Toughest Part: A Bittersweet Goodbye

Four months is a long time. I missed my family, my friends, and most of all, my girlfriend – now my fiancée and soon-to-be wife. It was during this trip that I realized: there was nothing to wait for anymore. Life doesn’t pause, and when you know, you know. But leaving was bittersweet. Saying goodbye to new friends, knowing I’d soon reunite with old ones.  The experience changed me. It made me appreciate the beauty of new places and cultures while deepening my love for home.

To all the friends we made in Alabama – if you’re reading this, I hope we meet again soon.

Sincerely,
Marko Perčić