Jerry Turner and his 12-year-old son Blaine both enjoy technology and AI. They believe machines like their robot “Bob” could make work easier and safer for some.
BALLINGER, Texas — To begin to understand Jerry Turner’s lifelong passion for technology, you won’t need to look much further than the old-school computer chips in his downtown Ballinger office. However, better evidence might be found in his 12 year old son, Blaine.
The father-son duo is all about programming, coding, servers and software. Jerry’s company Novacomm specializes in fiber optics- meaning technology is his full-time job. Blaine spends his free time working in multiple areas of the field, including creating video games and working in robotics.
“I saw videos… about (coding) when I was in fourth grade,” he said. “I’ve just really been into it since then.”
Like with many families, the “dog” is Blaine’s responsibility. The young prodigy writes the code to a robot dog named “Bob,” controlling the machine with a remote that connects to a cell phone. Bob’s attached cameras and sensors are built to survey landscape before fiber optic cables are installed.
The pair believes robots with similar functions could make industries like oil, gas and agriculture easier, safer and less expensive through automation. While he’s heard worries that the machines could take away jobs, Jerry said finding ways to use the technology as a tool could give professionals in the region an advantage ahead of an inevitable shift.
“It’s a growth in society,” he said. “You’re either gonna get on board or get left behind. It’s real simple.”
The duo says it can be hard to present robotics as an option in its hometown. Ballinger, a small city with fewer than 4,000 residents, largely focuses on farming and ranching- the local tradition not having included AI over generations.
Blaine is set to attend a camp at MIT after spending time at Rice earlier in July. He and his father hope having younger students get a chance to see what technology has to offer could spark an interest that could open the door to more opportunities in the future.