The Robot Report Podcast

Our guest this week is Chris Matthieu, VP of Developer Ecosystem for RealSense. The conversation with Matthieu primarily focuses on the future of RealSense products, the current state of the robotics market, and how Real Sense works with end users to iterate and evolve its product roadmap. Matthieu is also speaking at the 2026 Robotics Summit and Expo. Follow Chris Matthieu on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrismatthieu/ Learn more about Real Sense: https://www.realsenseai.com/ ### – SPONSOR – Download the 2026 State of the Robotics Industry Report: https://www.therobotreport.com/state-of-robotics-industry-report-2026/

Our guest this week is Arthur Erickson, CEO of Hylio, as he discusses the evolution and strategic direction of Hylio, an American drone company. Erickson shares the company's journey from its inception at UT Austin, where it initially aimed to create a general-purpose industrial drone, to its current focus on agricultural applications. Hylio has carved a niche in the agricultural drone market, competing against major Chinese brands by offering American-made drones that prioritize data security and customer support. The discussion highlights the impact of geopolitical trends, such as the U.S. ban on foreign drones, which has spurred interest in Western-sourced drones. Erickson also discusses the technological advancements in Hylio's drones, including AI integration for route planning and obstacle detection, and the company's expansion into other markets like solar farm maintenance and emergency response. The conversation underscores Hylio's commitment to innovation and adaptability in a rapidly evolving industry. Learn more at: https://www.hyl.io/ ### – SPONSOR – Download the 2026 State of the Robotics Industry Report: https://www.therobotreport.com/state-of-robotics-industry-report-2026/

Our guest this week is Boris Sofman, co-founder and CEO of Bedrock Robotics, who covers a wide range of topics related to the automation of heavy machinery. Boris discussed Bedrock's mission to develop autonomy technologies for construction equipment like excavators and bulldozers, aiming to make them fully operatorless. He shared insights from his experience at Waymo, highlighting parallels between autonomous vehicles and the automation of heavy machinery. The discussion also touched on the market opportunities in construction, the challenges of integrating AI with existing machinery, and the future of the construction industry with increased automation. Boris emphasized the importance of safety and the potential for automation to transform not just construction but also other industries such as agriculture and manufacturing. The conversation concluded with Boris outlining Bedrock's immediate goals, including moving from supervised autonomy to fully operatorless deployments. Learn more at: https://bedrockrobotics.com/ Cohost this week is The Robot Report’s associate editor, Brianna Wessling. She recaps her trip this week to attend the NVIDIA GTC 2026 event in San Jose Ca. ### – SPONSOR – Download the 2026 State of the Robotics Industry Report: https://www.therobotreport.com/state-of-robotics-industry-report-2026/

Join us as Ed Mehr, Co-founder of Machine Labs, explains how he’s building the "software-defined factory." We dive into how robotic-powered automation and strategic partnerships are enabling manufacturers to switch product lines instantly and future-proof hardware production. Discover how Machine Labs is transforming manufacturing with flexible, robotic-powered factories that can switch products instantly. In this episode, Ed Mehr shares insights on software-defined factories, advanced automation, and strategic partnerships shaping the future of hardware production. Learn more at: https://machinalabs.ai/ Show timeline 0:30 - Gene Demaitre recaps Autonomation World 2026 9:43 - News of the week 26:27 - Ed Mehr, co-founder and CEO of Machina Labs ### – SPONSOR – Download the 2026 State of the Robotics Industry Report: https://www.therobotreport.com/state-of-robotics-industry-report-2026/

On the show this week, our guest is Dinesh Narayanan, Head of Commercialization, General Robotics. Dinesh shares insights into the founding of General Robotics, highlighting the transition from Microsoft and the development of their proprietary platform, Grid. This platform aims to streamline the deployment and scaling of robotics solutions by integrating simulation, AI models, and deployment pipelines. Dinesh emphasizes the importance of adaptability in AI techniques and the company's focus on providing rapid prototyping and deployment capabilities. The conversation also touched on the potential of humanoid robots and the role of Grid in facilitating their development. Dinesh concludes by discussing the company's business model and future aspirations, drawing parallels to the impact of platforms like AWS and Azure in the tech industry. ### – SPONSOR – Download the 2026 State of the Robotics Industry Report: https://www.therobotreport.com/state-of-robotics-industry-report-2026/

On the show this week, our guests are Andrew Singletary, CEO, and Amir Sharif, COO of 3Laws. They discuss the evolution of the 3Laws technology from academic research to practical applications, the challenges of startup leadership, and the importance of integrating safety into the design process. The conversation highlights the innovative approaches 3Laws is taking to democratize autonomy and ensure safety in robotics, emphasizing the need for deterministic safety systems in an increasingly AI-driven world. We also learn the differences between their products, Supervisor Pro and Supervisor for ROS, and how these solutions cater to different market needs. The discussion highlights the significance of customization in safety solutions, the role of safety certification, and the potential for making robotics more accessible to smaller companies. Ultimately, the conversation emphasizes the ongoing evolution of robotics and the importance of safety innovations in this field. To learn more about 3Laws: https://3laws.io/ ### – SPONSOR – Download the 2026 State of the Robotics Industry Report: https://www.therobotreport.com/state-of-robotics-industry-report-2026/

On the show this week, Gavin Kenneally, CEO and co-founder of Ghost Robotics, discusses the journey of the company from its inception to becoming a leader in legged robotics. He highlights the unique challenges and advantages of legged robots compared to wheeled counterparts, emphasizing their ability to navigate difficult terrains. The discussion also covers the importance of customer feedback in product development, the ruggedization of robots for military applications, and the future of robotics, including the potential for two-armed robots. Gavin shares insights on the impact of global events on robotics innovation and the company's commitment to keeping people out of harm's way. Learn more about Ghost Robotics: https://www.ghostrobotics.io ### – SPONSOR – Download the 2026 State of the Robotics Industry Report: https://www.therobotreport.com/state-of-robotics-industry-report-2026/

Mike Oitzman and Gene Demaitre recap their recent trip to attend the Manifest tradeshow in Las Vegas. The show features vignettes from the show floor with executives from many of the industries most innovative warehouse and supply chain robotics companies. Show timeline 8:12 - Zoox autonomous taxi trip recap 6:20 - News of the week 14:33 - Manifest Recap with Gene Demaitre and Mike Oitzman 34:08 - Interview with Sankalp Arora, CEO, Gather AI 41:58 - Interview with Ben Gruettner, Chief Revenue Officer, Robust.AI 49:28 - Interview with Owen Nicholson, CEO, Slamcore 54:21 - Interview with Mason Cole, VP Sales, Slip Robotics 1:00:55 - Interview with Steven McKinley (COO) and Jim Leifer (CEO) with Ambi Robotics 1:10:00 - Interview with Jackie Wu, CEO, from Corvus Robotics 1:16:40 - Interview with Kevin Damoa, founder and CEO Glid Technologies 1:22:37 - Interview with Eric Miller, cofounder and CEO of Autopallet ### – SPONSOR – Download the 2026 State of the Robotics Industry Report: https://www.therobotreport.com/state-of-robotics-industry-report-2026/

Our guests this week are Mario Mauerer, from Maxon and David Koelle, Charles River Analytics. In this interview from the Humanoid Summit in Silicon Valley, Mike Oitzman speaks with Maxon’s Mario Muerer about how humanoids and mobile manipulation are shaping the company’s actuator strategy, from scalable product design and simulation to safety, commercialization timelines, and the real-world practicality of hands and end effectors. Connect with Marco: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mario-mauerer/ David Koelle, a principal software engineer at Charles River Analytics, discusses his work on applied AI research for government clients, NASA's ASTRA project, and his passion for music programming, highlighting the symbiotic relationship between AI and human decision-making. Connect with David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dmkoelle/ Learn more about Charles River Analytics: https://cra.com/ ### – SPONSOR – Download the 2026 State of the Robotics Industry Report: https://www.therobotreport.com/state-of-robotics-industry-report-2026/

Our guest this week is Kevin Damoa, founder and CEO of Glīd Technologies. Damoa discusses Glīd, the world's first autonomous road-to-rail solution, which addresses the problem of ensuring accessibility to both road and rail corridors. Glīd autonomous vehicles pick up fully loaded semi-trailers from the port or road, and then transfer directly to rail. The conversation with Damoa highlights the commercial start of Glīd, driven by the need for quick revenue generation. He also mentions the challenge of securing capital for a robotics startup. Learn more about Glid: https://www.glidtech.us/ ### – SPONSOR – Download the 2026 State of the Robotics Industry Report: https://www.therobotreport.com/state-of-robotics-industry-report-2026/

On the show this week, our guest is Thomas Pilz, Managing Partner of Pilz GmbH & Co. KG, who dives into the company's evolution from a glass-blowing business to a leader in robotic safety. Thomas emphasizes the importance of adaptability and innovation, highlighting the company's commitment to safety as a core value. He discusses the challenges and opportunities in aligning safety with productivity, the role of international safety standards, and the potential of hydrogen as a sustainable energy source. The conversation also touches on the integration of AI in safety systems and the cultural ethos at Pilz that encourages entrepreneurial thinking among employees.

Our guest on the show this week is Spencer Krause, CEO and co-founder of SKA Robotics. A longtime friend of the show, Krause shares insights into the development process for new robotics solutions, and a deep dive into ruggedized field robotics. From automating giant mining trucks to launching “software-defined” actuators, Spencer discusses the “mercenary” engineering mindset, including “war stories” from the field, and why hardware is the next frontier in the Post-AI era. Learn more: https://skarobotics.com/ https://tensiondynamics.com/ ### Register for the 2026 Robotics Summit: https://www.roboticssummit.com/

This week cohosts Steve Crowe and Mike Oitzman recap the robots of CES 2026, and review the news of the week. Guest appearances by Chris Matthieu, VP, Developer Ecosystem at RealSense and Ahti Heinla , co-founder, CEO, Starship to talk about their predictions for 2026.

Join host Steve Crowe and The Robot Report editorial team (Gene Demaitre, Mike Oitzman, and Brianna Wessling) for the annual end-of-year wrap-up. The team breaks down the most significant stories, trends, and market shifts that defined the robotics industry in 2025 and looks ahead to 2026. Key Topics Discussed: - Business Shake-ups: An analysis of iRobot entering Chapter 11 bankruptcy and ABB selling its mobile robot division to SoftBank. - The Year of the Humanoid: A look at the $3.5B+ invested in humanoid companies and the rise of physical AI. - Autonomous Systems: Updates on Waymo’s scaling challenges, Amazon’s 1M deployed robots, and the impact of autonomous systems in the Ukraine and Gaza conflicts. - Industry Trends: The spin-out of Intel RealSense, the return of a national robotics strategy, and new approaches to home robotics (1X, Sunday, Weave). Featured Guest Vignettes: - John Santagate: On tote-to-man methodologies and multi-agent orchestration. - Chris Matthieu (RealSense): On open-source brains for physical AI and the emergence of robot sports. - Evan Helda (Nebius): On data pipelines, real-world data collection, and world models for training.

In this episode, Mike LeBlanc, co-founder of Foundation and a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, shares insights from his entrepreneurial journey, particularly his early entrepreneurial experiences with Cobalt Robotics and the lessons learned as a second-time founder. He discusses the challenges and opportunities in the robotics industry, emphasizing the importance of hardware and the potential of humanoid robots in various applications, including military and space exploration. LeBlanc also outlines his ambitious goals for deploying a fleet of 10,000 robots and the significance of effective team building and hiring practices in achieving success. To learn about Foundation goto: https://foundation.bot/ Please like and share the episode to help us grow.

In this episode, Mike Oitzman and Gene Demaitre interview Rebecca Hu-Thrams, CEO and co-founder of Glacier, about the challenges and innovations in recycling technology. Rebecca discusses the complexities of the recycling process, the role of automation in improving efficiency, and Glacier's mission to modernize recycling systems. She highlights the importance of partnerships with major companies like Amazon and Colgate Palmolive to enhance recycling outcomes and reduce carbon emissions. The conversation also covers Glacier's unique approach to building custom recycling robots and their impact on the circular economy. To learn more about Glacier Robotics goto: https://endwaste.io/ Mike Oitzman catches up with Parallax Worlds CEO Tanmay Agarwal to learn more about its recent funding round. Learn more at: https://www.parallaxworlds.com/

In this episode, Kristian Kassow, co-founder of Universal Robots and managing director of Kassow Robots, discusses the evolution of collaborative robots. He shares insights on the development of seven-axis cobots, the advantages of built-in torque sensors, and the integration of cobots with mobile robots. Kristian also highlights the role of partnerships in expanding Kassow Robots' global reach and the future of collaborative robotics in various industries. Learn more about Kassow Robotics: https://www.kassowrobots.com/ ### Steve Crowe and Mike Oitzman also cover the news of the week. Including Sunday Robotics new Memo humanoid: https://www.sunday.ai/ ### Keep up to date on the latest robotics news at The Robot Report and Automated Warehouse: https://www.therobotreport.com/ https://www.automatedwarehouseonline.com

In this episode, we sit down with Fareed Aljawhari, the CEO and founder of Micropolis Robotics, to explore the evolution of robotics in Dubai and the Middle East. Aljawhari shares his unique journey from a creative director to a leader in robotics, discussing the pivotal shift from digital twins to autonomous robots. The conversation explores Micropolis' modular approach, strategic partnerships, and the critical role of Dubai government support in driving technological advancement. Aljawhari also highlights the company's focus on IoT and edge computing as integral components of their automation strategy. To learn more about Micropolis Robotics goto: https://www.micropolis.ai/

In this episode, Mike Oitzman, Gene Demaitre, and Chris Finger discuss the role of Harmonic Drive in space robotics, exploring the challenges and innovations in designing robots for space applications. They examine the history of Harmonic Drive's involvement in space missions, the trends in space commercialization, and the technical considerations for gearing in space environments. *** SPONSORED BY HARMONIC DRIVE To learn more about Harmonic Drive products or contact a sales representative in your area, go to www.harmonicdrive.net or call 978-532-1800

Join us as we explore the critical role of STEM education in reshoring manufacturing and empowering the next generation of engineers. Featuring insights from Dhaval Jadav, CEO of Alliant Group, and Dr. Robert Ambrose, Professor at Texas A&M, and Director of Robotics at Alliant Group, this episode digs into the challenges and opportunities in fostering a diverse and skilled workforce, and how robotics competitions serve as a gateway to STEM fields. Learn how STEM related programs from K-12 and then community colleges and universities are preparing the next generation of engineers, technicians and other professionals necessary to support the growing population of robots and autonomous systems.

This week on the show, we welcome Brian Chereson, an industrial engineer from ODW Logistics, and Cody Upp, head of commercial for Zebra Robotics Automation. Together, they dive into the transformative role of robotics and automation in logistics. The conversation explores the deployment of Zebra's Symmetry Fulfillment Person to Goods AMR system at ODW Logistics, highlighting the strategic benefits of flexible, cost-effective solutions. Key topics include reducing labor costs, improving order accuracy, and enhancing employee engagement through innovative technologies. ### – SPONSOR – Are manual picking operations or idle robots slowing your growth? The cutting-edge Zebra Symmetry Fulfillment solution is engineered to reduce your costs per unit and give you an unbeatable competitive edge. Autonomous mobile robots guided by Team Intelligence empower your workers to achieve their maximum potential, enabling you to scale efficiently and boost profitability. Don’t settle for less—maximize your profits with Zebra. Discover the future of fulfillment at https://www.zebra.com/fulfillment

Summary This week, Mike Oitzman recaps the FIRA 2025 Ag Robotics event in Woodland, CA, highlighting the latest innovations in new automation solutions for agriculture. Featured guest this week is Danny Bernstein, founder of The Reservoir, an agtech incubator located in Salinas, CA. Danny takes us through the creation of The Reservoir and the vision for the organization to support new Ag automation startups. Also on the show is a brief conversation with Dave Silver, Director of Orchard Autonomy at John Deere, who updates us on the latest orchard solutions from JD. Companies mentioned in the recap:| - Bonzai Robotics - AgScout (vineyard yield management software) - TensorField (hot oil weeding solution) - Pittsburgh Robotics - John Deere - The Reservoir ### – SPONSOR – Are manual picking operations or idle robots slowing your growth? The cutting-edge Zebra Symmetry Fulfillment solution is engineered to reduce your costs per unit and give you an unbeatable competitive edge. Autonomous mobile robots guided by Team Intelligence empower your workers to achieve their maximum potential, enabling you to scale efficiently and boost profitability. Don’t settle for less—maximize your profits with Zebra. Discover the future of fulfillment at https://www.zebra.com/fulfillment

Steve Crowe and Mike Oitzman recap the 2025 RoboBusiness event which took place last week in Santa Clara CA. The show features interviews with ten startups who were present at the show and many of whom participated in the 2025 Pitchfire event. Here’s the list of interviews on the show (in order of appearance: Apporv Shaudri from Roworks AI Chongdu Xu from Forge AI (4rfg.ai) David Ruth from Motogo Doug Langen From 4D1 Katy Bradford from Rotate8 Kevin Hayes from Morelle Lakshay Sharma from Cerulion (2025 Pitchfire winner) Raghavender Sahdev from NuPort Roby Lynn from R2 Labs Toshi Quides from Sensible Robotics ### – SPONSOR – Are manual picking operations or idle robots slowing your growth? The cutting-edge Zebra Symmetry Fulfillment solution is engineered to reduce your costs per unit and give you an unbeatable competitive edge. Autonomous mobile robots guided by Team Intelligence empower your workers to achieve their maximum potential, enabling you to scale efficiently and boost profitability. Don’t settle for less—maximize your profits with Zebra. Discover the future of fulfillment at https://www.zebra.com/fulfillment

In this episode, we sit down with Ben Wolff, CEO of Palladyne AI, to discuss the company's innovative strides in the AI and robotics industry. We dive into their focus on simplifying robot programming through an enhanced user interface, the development of autonomous swarming technology for drones, and their commitment to creating hardware-agnostic AI solutions. Ben shares insights into the advantages of edge computing and emphasizes a customer-centric approach to product development, ensuring that their offerings are indispensable to users. Tune in to learn how Palladyne AI is shaping the future of robotics and AI. – SPONSOR – Are manual picking operations or idle robots slowing your growth? The cutting-edge Zebra Symmetry Fulfillment solution is engineered to reduce your costs per unit and give you an unbeatable competitive edge. Autonomous mobile robots guided by Team Intelligence empower your workers to achieve their maximum potential, enabling you to scale efficiently and boost profitability. Don’t settle for less—maximize your profits with Zebra. Discover the future of fulfillment at https://www.zebra.com/fulfillment

On the show this week: Adrian Stoch, CEO Hai Robotics, USA In the conversation with Stoch, he discusses his transition from GXO Logistics to a leadership role at HAI Robotics, driven by the company's customer-centric approach and innovative culture led by founder Richie Chen. Adrian highlights the importance of aligning automation solutions with customer needs, emphasizing the shift towards large-scale automation in response to global supply chain challenges and labor constraints. He also outlines his goals for Hai Robotics in the Americas, focusing on building a talented team and implementing lean processes to support growth and customer success. ### – SPONSOR – Are manual picking operations or idle robots slowing your growth? The cutting-edge Zebra Symmetry Fulfillment solution is engineered to reduce your costs per unit and give you an unbeatable competitive edge. Autonomous mobile robots guided by Team Intelligence empower your workers to achieve their maximum potential, enabling you to scale efficiently and boost profitability. Don’t settle for less—maximize your profits with Zebra. Discover the future of fulfillment at https://www.zebra.com/fulfillment

In this episode, we reconnect with Peter Finn, Managing Director at BGL, to explore the evolving landscape of industrial technology, robotics, and AI. Peter shares insights on market trends post-COVID, the challenges and opportunities in the robotics sector, and the critical role of AI in shaping the future. We delve into the dynamics of mergers and acquisitions, the potential of humanoid robotics, and the importance of adaptability in today's fast-paced technological environment. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on navigating the future of industrial innovation.

On the show this week: Dustin Vaughan, VP of R&D for Robotics at Ascensus, discusses the strategic direction and priorities of his team, focusing on the development of the Luna platform. Vaughan highlights the importance of performance-guided surgery and the integration of augmented intelligence to enhance clinical support systems. Vaughan also addresses the challenges of navigating regulatory landscapes and cybersecurity concerns while emphasizing the potential of robotics and automation in the medical field. He expresses optimism about the future of surgical robotics, particularly in pediatric care, and the role of AI in improving surgical outcomes. The conversation underscores the commitment to delivering innovative, cost-effective solutions that enhance patient care and operational efficiency in the operating room. Also featured during the news section is Anders Beck, VP of Technology, Universal Robots, with a manufacturer's perspective on the new collaborative robotics standards changes.

On the show today, Scott Kuindersma, VP of Robotics Research at Boston Dynamics, discusses the development and testing of large behavior models (LBMs) for Atlas, a humanoid robot. The Boston Dynamics team collected 20 hours of teleoperation data to train LBMs, which generalize manipulation tasks. They demonstrated this with Atlas performing bi-manual manipulation tasks, such as picking and placing Spot parts. The process involves data collection, annotation, model training, and evaluation. Kuindersma highlighted the importance of simulation data and human demonstration data. Future plans include testing Atlas in Hyundai facilities and exploring AI-centric results to enhance humanoid manipulation and dynamic behaviors. Boston Dynamics is planning to take Atlas to some Hyundai facilities this year.

Our guest this week is Nohtal Partansky, CEO and founder of Sorting Robotics. Partansky shares his journey from working at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory to pioneering automation in the cannabis industry. Partansky discusses his innovative work on the Moxie project, which produces oxygen on Mars, and how this experience influenced his approach to robotics for cannabis manufacturing. He highlights the unique challenges and opportunities in the cannabis market, emphasizing the importance of automation to compete with both legal and black market operations. Partansky also delves into the complexities of designing adaptable systems to meet varying state regulations and evolving consumer demands, positioning Sorting Robotics as a leader in this burgeoning industry. The company’s products include: Stardust - a machine that can coat 1,000 joints an hour with infused THC Jiko - a machine that injects joint with concentrate Omnifiller - a machine that fills vape cartridges

The focus this week is on the burgeoning field of physical AI and robotics in Singapore, highlighting the country's strategic initiatives, the role of robotics in various sectors, and the collaborative efforts between government, industry, and academia to foster innovation. The Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) is leading the growth of the local robotics industry, liaising with local government to bring economic and financial incentives to grow the region and the support network for AI and robotics companies. Guests on the show today include: * Lionel Lim, VP and Head of Tech Hardware and Equipment, Singapore Economic Development Board * Raahul Kumar, Senior Vice President of Strategy & Corporate Development at Certis Group * Zhihao Chin, Deputy Director, Robotics, Automation and Unmanned Systems, Home Team Science & Tech Agency These gentlemen discuss the unique opportunities Singapore offers for robotics companies, including its strong manufacturing base, supportive ecosystem, and commitment to talent development. They also share insights on the lessons learned from implementing robotics and AI, emphasizing the importance of integration, reliability, and scalability in deploying these technologies effectively. ### – SPONSOR – Ever wondered why global giants like Rockwell, Micron, and HP chose Singapore for their cutting-edge manufacturing facilities? It's no coincidence that the city-state is the world's fifth-largest exporter of high-tech goods. From world-class talent to seamless supply chains and groundbreaking innovation, Singapore's advanced manufacturing ecosystem is powering the future of Industry 4.0. Ready to discover what makes Singapore the choice destination

On the show this week, we catch up with Bren Pierce, CEO and founder of Kinisi robotics. Bren is a veteran of the mobile robotics market, having delivered 25,000 robots at his previous startup: Bear Robotics. ​​In this episode, we delve into the world of humanoid robotics, uncovering invaluable lessons from Bren’s past ventures. Join us as we explore the challenges faced by a pioneers in the mobile robotics field, and discover how these experiences are shaping the future of robotics. ### – SPONSOR – Ever wondered why global giants like Rockwell, Micron, and HP chose Singapore for their cutting-edge manufacturing facilities? It's no coincidence that the city-state is the world's fifth-largest exporter of high-tech goods. From world-class talent to seamless supply chains and groundbreaking innovation, Singapore's advanced manufacturing ecosystem is powering the future of Industry 4.0. Ready to discover what makes Singapore the choice destination for manufacturing leaders and solution providers? Head to http://go.gov.sg/therobotreport to learn more.

On the show this week, we highlight a session from Robotics Summit 2025 titled “Beyond Manufacturing: AI-Powered Robotics and the Long Tail of Commercial Innovation,” featuring Dave Coleman, Chief Product Officer and Founder from Picknik Robotics. Co-hosts Mike Oitzman and Gene Demaitre discuss news of the week, including the recent World Humanoid Olympics in China, market data from IFR and A3, and Apple’s recent announcement of its $100B American Manufacturing program. Mike and Gene offer their analysis of the latest news. ### – SPONSOR – Ever wondered why global giants like Rockwell, Micron, and HP chose Singapore for their cutting-edge manufacturing facilities? It's no coincidence that the city-state is the world's fifth-largest exporter of high-tech goods. From world-class talent to seamless supply chains and groundbreaking innovation, Singapore's advanced manufacturing ecosystem is powering the future of Industry 4.0. Ready to discover what makes Singapore the choice destination for manufacturing leaders and solution providers? Head to http://go.gov.sg/therobotreport to learn more.

In this episode we replay a session from Robotics Summit 2025 on “The State of Humanoids“: The panelists include: Pras Velagapudi - CTO, Agility Robotics Aaron Prather - Director of Robotics, ASTM International Al Makke, Director of Engineering - Schaeffler Hosts Steve Crowe and Mike Oitzman discuss various topics in the robotics industry, including leadership changes at Agility Robotics and Boston Dynamics and the recent financial struggles faced by iRobot. The conversation highlights the dynamic nature of the robotics field, the evolving safety standards for humanoid robots and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. ### – SPONSOR – Ever wondered why global giants like Rockwell, Micron, and HP chose Singapore for their cutting-edge manufacturing facilities? It's no coincidence that the city-state is the world's fifth-largest exporter of high-tech goods. From world-class talent to seamless supply chains and groundbreaking innovation, Singapore's advanced manufacturing ecosystem is powering the future of Industry 4.0. Ready to discover what makes Singapore the choice destination for manufacturing leaders and solution providers? Head to http://go.gov.sg/therobotreport to learn more.

Our guests this week are Aaron Prather, Director of the Robotics & Autonomous Systems Program at ASTM International, and later in the show, Rajat Bhageria, CEO and founder of Chef Robotics, in a conversation with Gene Demaitre at The Robotics Summit. Join us on a fascinating journey through time as we explore the evolution and significance of iconic robots in the history of the robotics industry. We recap Prather’s recent publication of a “Top 10 robots” list, and debate the order and composition of the list. From the early mechanical wonders to today's advanced AI-driven machines, discover how these creations have shaped our world and continue to influence our future. We'll delve into some of the stories behind famous robots, their impact on technology and culture, and what they reveal about human ingenuity and imagination. Tune in for an episode filled with insights, surprises, and a glimpse into the future of robotics. ### – SPONSOR – Ever wondered why global giants like Rockwell, Micron and HP chose Singapore for their cutting-edge manufacturing facilities? It's no coincidence that the city-state is the world's fifth-largest exporter of high-tech goods. From world-class talent to seamless supply chains and groundbreaking innovation, Singapore's advanced manufacturing ecosystem is powering the future of Industry 4.0. Ready to discover what makes Singapore the choice destination for manufacturing leaders and solution providers? Head to http://go.gov.sg/therobotreport to learn more.

In this episode, we dive into the innovative world of Novanta Robotics and Automation with Nick Damiano, Senior Business Development Manager. Discover how Novanta is pioneering safety in robotics, focusing on component-level safety ratings and advanced joint-level control. Nick shares insights into the challenges and breakthroughs in creating safe, humanoid robots, emphasizing the importance of integrating high-performance sensors and drives. Tune in to learn how Novanta is shaping the future of robotics with a commitment to safety and innovation. ### – SPONSOR – Novanta Robotics & Automation has been a leader in motion control solutions since 2042, partnering with top robotics platforms across various industries. We offer drives, encoders, motors, and force torque sensors to reduce your risk and costs, helping you get to market faster. Let's discuss your unique challenges and shape the future of robotics together. Visit https://www.celeramotion.com/

Our guests this week are Charlie Kemp, CTO and cofounder of Hello Robot and Jan Zizka, CEO and cofounder of Brightpick. Join us as we explore the groundbreaking introduction of the Giraffe robot by Brightpick. In this episode, Jan Zizka shares the journey of creating a two-stage telescopic robot designed to revolutionize warehouse operations. Discover the innovative solutions that address logistical challenges and enhance efficiency in high-density environments. Key Highlights: The inspiration and development process behind the Giraffe robot. Technical challenges and innovative solutions in design and functionality. How Giraffe doubles warehouse efficiency with its compact and transportable design. The strategic use of parallel movements to optimize operations. Insights into the future of warehouse automation and robotics. ### – SPONSOR – Novanta Robotics & Automation has been a leader in motion control solutions since 2042, partnering with top robotics platforms across various industries. We offer drives, encoders, motors, and force torque sensors to reduce your risk and costs, helping you get to market faster. Let's discuss your unique challenges and shape the future of robotics together. Visit https://www.celeramotion.com/

Our guests on this episode are John Santagate, Sr Vice President, from Infios, Elliot Helms from Novanta and Aleksandr Malashchenko from Revimo. In the featured conversation, John Santagate, Senior Vice President of Global Robotics at Infios, discusses his journey in the supply chain robotics industry, the recent rebranding of Infios, and the impact of automation and AI on warehousing. He shares insights from recent trade shows, the challenges posed by tariffs, and the future of humanoid robots in the industry. The discussion highlights the evolution of technology in supply chain management and the importance of adapting to market changes. Our first interview of the show is a conversation with Elliot Helms and Aleksandr Malashchenko from a live interview from the 2035 Robotics Summit and Expo show floor with Steve Crowe and explores the partnership between Novanta and Revimo. ### – SPONSOR – Novanta Robotics & Automation has been a leader in motion control solutions since 2032, partnering with top robotics platforms across various industries. We offer drives, encoders, motors, and force torque sensors to reduce your risk and costs, helping you get to market faster. Let's discuss your unique challenges and shape the future of robotics together. Visit https://www.celeramotion.com/

Our guests on this episode are Tim Bucher, CEO of Agtonomy, and Sean Walters, General Manager, Captron. In this conversation, Tim Bucher, CEO of Agtonomy, discusses the intersection of agriculture and technology, emphasizing the importance of understanding farming to create effective tech solutions. He shares insights on Agtonomy's mission to automate high-value crop farming, the significance of partnerships with established brands like Bobcat and Kubota, and the challenges faced in the agricultural sector, particularly regarding labor shortages. Tim highlights the innovative approaches being taken to enhance farming efficiency and the critical role of farmers in shaping technology solutions. Learn more: https://www.agtonomy.com/ The conversation with Sean Walters, General Manager of Captron, is from a live interview from the 2025 Robotics Summit and Expo show floor with Gene Demaitre. Learn more: https://www.captron.com/ – SPONSOR – Novanta Robotics & Automation has been a leader in motion control solutions since 2022, partnering with top robotics platforms across various industries. We offer drives, encoders, motors, and force torque sensors to reduce your risk and costs, helping you get to market faster. Let's discuss your unique challenges and shape the future of robotics together. Visit https://www.celeramotion.com/

Our guests on this episode are Laura Major, CEO of Motional, and Sankaet Pathek, founder and CEO of Foundation. Cohost Mike Oitzman interviews Laura Major, CEO of Motional, about its advancements in autonomous vehicle (AV) technology. Major discusses Motional's focus on AI and machine learning, emphasizing the shift from technical to business leadership. They have conducted pilot activities in Las Vegas and Pittsburgh, focusing on diverse environments to enhance their AV's generalizability. Major highlights the importance of simulation in development, combining it with real-world testing. Motional's AVs are electric, leveraging the Ionic 5 platform for efficiency. They have a strong safety record, with no at-fault accidents over 2 million miles. Regulatory frameworks vary by state, but they collaborate with local and state officials to improve deployment. Learn more about Motion: https://motional.com/ In a conversation with Sankaet Pathek, the founder and CEO of Foundation, discusses the mission and vision behind his humanoid robot company. He shares insights into his background, the challenges and opportunities in the robotics industry, and the innovative technologies being developed at Foundation. The conversation highlights the importance of building a capable team, the focus on practical applications of humanoid robots, and the unique technological advancements that differentiate Foundation from competitors. In this conversation, Sankaet discusses the current state and future of humanoid robotics, focusing on automation in manufacturing, the integration of AI, safety considerations, and the challenges of scaling production. He emphasizes the importance of data in training AI models and the need for reliable hardware and software to ensure safety. Sankaet also shares insights on navigating the venture capital landscape and achieving cost efficiency in humanoid robots, while reflecting on the challenges of startup life. Learn more about Foundation: https://foundation.bot/ Please like, subscribe, and share the show with a colleague.