Story by: Eliza Heiman
MONTEVALLO, Ala. – Anthony Daniels is not your average robot programmer. Of course, while at work he’s by the book, but when he clocks out, its a different story. He becomes an adrenaline junkie who is hungry for the roads.
Daniels works on the robots that assemble cars. He makes sure that these robots are programmed correctly to weld and put together different car parts, and ensures the frames and body panels of the vehicles make it down the assembly line.
Daniels appreciates looking at the work once it is finished and watching everything run automatically.
“Knowing somewhere out there the next person that buys an Electric Silverado or a Ford Lightning,” Daniels said. “I helped make their frame.”
Daniels has worked for two companies so far: Phantom Robotics and JR Automation. Even though these companies are different, he says the jobs are practically the same.
Daniels has worked for Phantom Robotics for one year. He says he appreciates the flexibility and options his career in robotics programming gives him.
“I’m not tied down to one company,” says Daniels, “not unless I want to be.”
Obviously, sacrifice comes with a lot of it, but if you want it bad, it’s there.
Anthony Daniels
Daniels does love his job though; he has only been in the industry one year, but he has already seen so many different types of people that are climbing the ladder just like he wants to.
“Obviously, sacrifice comes with a lot of it, but if you want it that bad, it’s there,” said Daniels. “I’ve met some folks that are anywhere from 30 to 60 but are in different levels because they got to that point in their careers, and they were cool with it.”
One of the perks of the job is the occasional travel that comes along with it. Daniels has been to Michigan and Ohio and has appreciated the views he has seen along the way.
Daniel went to see the Michigan’s Great Lakes with his father. “They were way clearer than I thought they would be,” said Daniels. “It was pretty cool.”
This is not a common experience for the average father and son, but this line of work allows for some “pretty great” memories to be made.
Stunting on the side
When Daniels is not hard at work programming robots, he trades cars and motorcycles. This is a hobby Daniels has had for two years, and he does not intend to stop just because he is on the move.
Daniels has a had a love for bikes and cars since he was young. “So when I was a little kid my dad got me this Lightning McQueen, 12 volt electric cart,” Daniels said. “I was drifting that at like 8 years old.”
In high school, Daniels got his first drift car, a 1999 Miata. He shared this car with his friend, and they would take it to Midpond for an occasional spin.
Daniels’ best memory with his cars were “neck and neck with my 2004 GT I had and my MK3 Supra,” said Daniels. “My track car was a demon.”
Daniels got his first bike about two years ago, a 2007 Honda CBR 600 RR he bought through Facebook Marketplace. This is where Daniels gets all his bikes and cars and is a way of keeping him tied to the community.
Recently, bikes have become more and more popular. With the rise in gas prices, it is a cheaper alternative for young adults to get around and ride in style.
When Daniels got his first bike it felt “unreal.” “I was so happy that I was finally getting my first bike.”
Outside of his regular riding Daniels has recently got into stunting. He has joined a bike group in Birmingham that has allowed him to practice his stunts with his friend.
“Me and my buddy we ride around the streets of Birmingham doing tricks and wheelies,” said Daniels. “It’s been a lot of fun!”
Motorcycles can be fun, but they do come with their dangers, and Daniels has had his fair share of crashes.
“I crashed one of them 19 hours after I bought it,” he said. “I sent it off a cliff at about 50 miles per hour.”
The memories that come along with it make it worthwhile though. The experience that Daniels has gotten riding with his friends is something that he wouldn’t trade for the world.
His best memories are “just riding around with the guys in Birmingham, and just having a good time.”
Whether he’s working on six-joint robots or riding the streets of Birmingham, Daniels is just here to make some memories.
Vallo Vision News 