Keith Mattox

Cybersecurity professional for 20 years. I’m volunteering for Steve Hilton in California because if he doesn’t win, all things are lost. Who’s with me? 🇺🇸

[Keith Mattox @KeithWMattox]

George Devol is credited with inventing the industrial robot. In 1954, he filed the landmark U.S. patent (granted in 1961) for a programmable article transfer device—an automated, digitally controlled robotic arm designed for factory use. He coined the term “Unimation” (short for universal automation). Working with entrepreneur Joseph Engelberger, Devol helped turn the concept into reality. The first Unimate robot was installed in 1961 at a General Motors plant in New Jersey, where it handled hot die-casting and spot-welding tasks that were hazardous for human workers. Engelberger is often called the “father of robotics” for commercializing the technology through Unimation Inc., founded in 1956, and building the early robotics industry.
John E. Mattox (sometimes referenced in connection with the Mattox family line) did not invent the core technology or file the foundational patents—that credit belongs squarely to Devol. However, Mattox played a vital, hands-on role in transforming the promising but still-novel invention into a practical tool for real-world manufacturing. As an applications specialist and engineer at Unimation Inc. in Danbury, Connecticut, he focused on bridging the gap between the robot’s technical capabilities and its adoption in automated factories. His work emphasized showing manufacturers exactly how Unimate robots could be deployed effectively in demanding industrial environments, making automation not just theoretically possible but economically and operationally viable.
Mattox stood out for his expertise in applying robots to heavy, repetitive, and dangerous processes like forging. In July 1980, he authored a key article in Metal Progress magazine titled “How Industrial Robots Are Automating Forging.” This piece provided detailed, practical guidance on integrating industrial robots into forging operations—tasks involving extreme heat, heavy loads, and high risk of injury. His writing and presentations helped educate engineers and factory managers on programming, safety integration, workflow optimization, and productivity gains. He spoke at industry events as a Unimation representative, sharing real-case insights that accelerated the spread of robotics beyond early automotive uses into broader metalworking and manufacturing sectors.
In many ways, while Devol and Engelberger created the robot, John Mattox helped make it practical. He demonstrated its value in automated factories by tackling the nitty-gritty challenges of implementation: adapting robots to existing production lines, handling variable parts, improving cycle times, and enhancing worker safety. His contributions in the late 1970s and early 1980s were instrumental during a critical period when U.S. industry was evaluating whether robotics could deliver on its promise of higher efficiency and competitiveness. Without dedicated applications experts like Mattox showing tangible results in forging and similar processes, the broader rollout of industrial robots might have been slower and more limited.
This legacy of turning advanced technology into everyday factory solutions reportedly inspired the next generation in his family. His son, Keith Mattox, grew up hearing stories of early robots transforming dangerous manual labor into automated precision work. That exposure to innovation, problem-solving, and the real impact of engineering on industry left a lasting impression, fueling a personal interest in technology, systems, and forward-thinking applications—echoing the practical, results-oriented mindset his father brought to the robotics field.
John Mattox’s role reminds us that groundbreaking inventions often need passionate implementers to reach their full potential. He helped prove that industrial robots could reliably automate forging and other tough jobs, paving the way for the automated factories we see today.

[Keith Mattox @KeithWMattox]

@VictoriaZar0 @Stellaaa Sorry about that

[Keith Mattox @KeithWMattox]

@lukecombs Thanks, Luke

[Keith Mattox @KeithWMattox]

@lukecombs In light of all the negativity at the Grammys on Sunday, I thought I would share my post of the absolutely wonderful moment when you and Tracy Chapman sang a duet effort, her wonderful song “Fast Car”. It may have been the greatest moment in the history of the Grammys.

[Keith Mattox @KeithWMattox]

Just two years ago at the Grammys, superstar Tracy Chapman, a black women who’s a lesbian and socialist, but keeps her personal life and politics quiet, performed her 1988 breakout hit and highly acclaimed masterpiece “Fast Car”. She performed it with country superstar Luke Combs, a white man who doesn’t talk about his politics, but was once reported to have performed with a confederate flag on stage (although he was just a guest on stage, and may not have been aware of its presence). He had a huge hit with a cover version of “Fast Car” in 2023.

The duet was magical. It was one of the greatest moments in Grammy history. A black, lesbian socialist performing with a white southern conservative. During the performance, they smiled at each other and it was obvious they had a great deal of admiration and respect for each other. @lukecombs was so in awe that he bowed to her at the end of their performance.

Now all that has changed and the Grammys have become largely a forum for trashing Donald Trump. Trevor Noah even made fun of best selling rapper @NICKIMINAJ, just because she is a vocal supporter of President Trump.

No wonder people aren’t watching anymore and blacks are quitting the Democratic Party and registering as Republicans.
https://t.co/UfrtHDRASs

[Keith Mattox @KeithWMattox]

@MichaelGatesESQ @SteveHiltonx @GloriaJRomero @Herb4Controller @realSonjaShaw With God’s blessing

[Keith Mattox @KeithWMattox]

@Matt_Pinner Yes, I did

[Keith Mattox @KeithWMattox]

@MbarkCherguia No, it’s extremely ugly

[Keith Mattox @KeithWMattox]

@TaraBull I think I can see her vagina

[HowlingMutant @Howlingmutant0]

Remembering challenging one of my high school tormentors to a game of chess, MY domain, unwisely humiliating the ogre, enraging him to the point that he flipped over the table and tried to force me to suck my own dick in front of everyone and I had to wear a back brace all summer

[Keith Mattox @KeithWMattox]

@MrSoberPickle @johnnymaga That’s not nice

[Keith Mattox @KeithWMattox]

@Stellaaa @spencerpratt I’ll be there, Stella

[Keith Mattox @KeithWMattox]

@SteveHiltonx @POTUS Like President Trump I support Steve Hilton. God bless you.

[Keith Mattox @KeithWMattox]

@ginamilan_ I wouldn’t vote for Karen Bass if my life depended on it

[Keith Mattox @KeithWMattox]

@Stellaaa @spencerpratt @SteveHiltonx I voted for Steve Hilton and supported Spencer Pratt, but you follow me already

[Keith Mattox @KeithWMattox]

@Howlingmutant0 I don’t know what to say to that

[Keith Mattox @KeithWMattox]

@ginamilan_ We need to stop these fraudulent elections

[Keith Mattox @KeithWMattox]

@TomSteyer Go to hell, Tom Steyer

[Keith Mattox @KeithWMattox]

@TulsiGabbard @FreedomUSA1981 God bless you and your husband

[Keith Mattox @KeithWMattox]

@Stellaaa @Dan34017970 I’ll pay half

[Keith Mattox @KeithWMattox]

@Stellaaa You need to be careful Stella

[Keith Mattox @KeithWMattox]

@VictoriaZar0 @ginamilan_ Ok

[Keith Mattox @KeithWMattox]

@VictoriaZar0 @ginamilan_ Yes