The Robot Report Podcast

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.

Dave Coleman, Chief Product Officer and Founder of Picknik Robotics, dives into the future of AI-powered robotics in commercial settings beyond manufacturing. He discusses the versatility of humanoid robots showcased at recent competitions and highlights Singapore's role as a key hub for robotics innovation. The conversation touches on the importance of balancing traditional automation with AI advancements and the need for workforce reskilling. Coleman also shares insights on unique applications of robotics in niche markets, emphasizing their growth potential.

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/