The Robot Report Podcast

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/

Laura Major, President and CEO of Motional, is leading advancements in autonomous vehicles, focusing on AI, safety, and regulatory compliance. She shares successes from pilot programs in Las Vegas and Pittsburgh, emphasizing the role of simulation in development. Sankaet Pathak, Founder and CEO of Foundation, discusses the vision behind his humanoid robotics company, tackling industry challenges and the significance of practical applications. Their insights highlight the future potential of robotics in diverse fields such as manufacturing and logistics.

Welcome to our 200th episode! Our guest in this episode is Dr Robert Ambrose, Texas A&M professor and Chairman of Robotics and Artificial Intelligence at Alliant. In this conversation, Dr. Rob Ambrose discusses his extensive experience in robotics and artificial intelligence, particularly during his time at NASA. He highlights the evolution of robotics in space exploration, the transition to commercial applications, and the importance of education in fostering the next generation of engineers. Dr. Ambrose emphasizes the need for the U.S. to regain its leadership in robotics amidst growing competition from countries like China, and he advocates for a proactive approach to innovation and automation in various industries. We take a walk down memory lane and recap some of our favorite moments on the show from the last five years. Steve Crowe, Gene Demaitre, and Mike Oitzman talk through some stats from the show over 200 episodes. We also want to thank our special guests on this episode who stopped by for a quick message, including Jonathan Hurst, Aaron Prather, Kevin Lawton, Victor Splittgerber, and Joe Wieciek. And thanks to all of our fans of the show. We love meeting you at shows. Please like, follow/subscribe, and leave a review. The best way to help us grow is to share the show with a colleague.

Our guest in this episode is Cam Myers, founder and CEO of CreateMe. He discusses the innovative application of robotics and adhesive technology in garment production. He shares insights on the challenges faced in automating clothing manufacturing, the benefits of using adhesives over traditional sewing methods, and the potential for reshoring production in response to changing tariffs. The discussion also touches on the future trajectory of CreateMe, emphasizing sustainability and the importance of adapting to consumer demands. Learn more about CreateMe at: https://www.createme.com/

In this conversation, Robert Kufner, CEO and President of SDP/SI, discusses the evolution of the company in response to the changing demands of the tech industry, particularly in automation and robotics. He highlights the importance of customer feedback and investment in advanced manufacturing technologies. The discussion also covers the impact of the changing tariff landscape on SDP/SI and its customers, emphasizing the company's strong position as a US manufacturer. Finally, Kufner addresses sourcing challenges and the future of materials needed for manufacturing. Let’s dive into the critical role of precision, quality, and alignment in robotics design and assembly. S-D-P S-s engineering experts go beyond the standard manufacturing process by reviewing your designs before production, offering cost-effective, space-saving solutions that streamline your entire assembly process. Discover how we help robotics companies achieve unprecedented accuracy and efficiency. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how S-D-P S-I can elevate your robotics applications. Discover the difference! Visit https://sdp-si.com