Suma Reddy, CEO of agriculture robotics startup Future Acres, discusses the challenges farmers are facing today and how automation can help. 

I also discuss the most interesting stories of the week, including laser sounds from Mars, the truth about Tesla's "Full Self-Driving" beta software and rumors surrounding Amazon's secretive home robot Vesta.

Agribotics with Suma Reddy; Space Lasers; The Truth About Tesla FSD

Niels Jul Jacobsen, CEO of Danish startup Capra Robotics, joins the show to discuss the company's innovative mobile robotics platform. He also shares lessons learned from scaling and selling Mobile Industrial Robots, an AMR developer he founded in 2013.

Capra Robotics Website - https://capra.ooo/

https://www.therobotreport.com/watch-disneylands-spider-man-robot-crash-into-building/

https://www.therobotreport.com/watch-ghost-robotics-quadruped-go-swimming/

Niels Jul Jacobsen, CEO, Capra Robotics; Spider-Man Robot Fail

Samantha Johnson, founder and CEO of Boston-based startup Tatum Robotics, describes the company's anthropomorphic robotic system designed to sign tactile sign languages for people with deafblindness - they can't hear or see. Johnson dives into the challenging system design and the opportunities for such technology. Samantha also discusses her passion for helping the deafblind community, educating us about some of the daily challenges of those living with deafblindness.

Inside Samantha Johnson's quest to build robots for deafblind people

On the show this week, we check in with RGO Robotics cofounder and CEO Amir Bousani and Simon Jensen-Fellows from Verizon for an in-depth conversation about how AI is quickly evolving and how this will impact the perception and autonomy capabilities of mobile robots. Simon informs us on how Verizon's 5G network can support the edge computing and communication needs of the mobile robotics industry in the future. It's a look at how the architecture of the cloud and the edge is evolving to meet the growing needs of mobile robotics. 
We also cover the news of the week, including the announcement of a new funding round for mobile robotics software provider Formant, and we have a quick interview with Formant cofounder and CEO Jeff Linnell.

RGO Robotics and Verizon on the future of robotics perception and AI compute on the edge

Our guest this week is John Santagate, Senior Vice President, Robotics, Körber Supply Chain Software. John gives a look back at 2024 for the warehouse industry, as well as a look forward to what we might expect to come in the year ahead.
The cohosts also recap the robotics news from CES 2025, and the A3 business event from earlier this month.
We also cover the top news stories from the robotics industry, including the news of Intel spinning out RealSense as standalone company, and Symbotic acquiring the robotics division of Walmart.


Warehouse automation trends with John Santagate

Our guest this week is Jeff Cardenas, CEO and co-founder of Apptronik. We invited Cardenas onto the show to give us some insight into the $350 million in Series A funding round announced earlier this week for Apptronik.
Apptronik is an Austin TX based humanoid robot manufacturer, and this round of funding is the second largest for a U.S. based humanoid robot startup, after the $650M funding round for Figure a year ago.
Also on the show, we talk with Gene Demaitre, editorial director for The Robot Report, to catch up on what he saw and learned during his trip to the Manifest tradeshow this week.
Finally, we catch on other big news of the week, including Fanuc's recent Q3 fiscal numbers and a new lineup of laser weeders from Carbon Robotics.

How Apptronik is accelerating the humanoid robot race

Our guest this week is Fabio Gehrlicher, Director of Market Expansion at Wandelbots. 
In the interview, they discuss the company's journey, focusing on its flagship product, Wandelbots NOVA, an agnostic operating system for robots. 
Fabio explains how NOVA simplifies robot programming, the integration of AI for path planning, and the benefits of simulation-based programming. 
The conversation also covers the target audience for NOVA, the architecture of the system, and the challenges of transitioning from simulation to real-world applications. 
Fabio shares insights on the ROI of using NOVA and the learning curve for new users, as well as Wandelbots' expansion into the US market and their upcoming showcase at ProMat 2023.
Cohosts Steve Crowe and Mike Oitzman catch up on the news of the week, including financial stress at iRobot, and news that Google DeepMind is introducing two Gemini-based models to bring AI to the real world.
Gemini Robotics, is an advanced vision-language-action (VLA) model that was built on Gemini 2.0. It added physical actions as a new output modality for the purpose of directly controlling robots.
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Our sponsor this week is Wandelbots.
Simplify automation without limits. Wandelbots NOVA is the agnostic robotics platform that lets you program any 6-axis robot - whether coding from scratch or generating paths with real-world data. 
Test in simulation, deploy seamlessly, and optimize workflows across brands - without vendor lock-in.  Smarter automation starts here. 
Visit https://www.wandelbots.com/ to learn more.

Wandlebots on the future of robot programming

On the show this week the co-hosts recap what they saw and learned about at the Promat and NVIDIA GTC 2025 trade shows. You'll hear the latest news and product announcements from the robot companies in attendance.

Recap: Promat and GTC 2025 show highlights

Our guest this week is Ali Kashani, co-founder and CEO of Serve Robotics, who discusses the company's impressive growth, including a 700% revenue increase, and plans to scale their fleet of delivery robots significantly. He shares insights on partnerships, particularly with Magna for manufacturing and Uber for delivery services, and the challenges of expanding into new markets like Miami. The discussion also covers the role of AI in enhancing robot capabilities, the importance of adapting workflows for restaurant partners, and the future of last-mile delivery. Ali reflects on the journey from startup to public company and the endless possibilities for robotics in various sectors.

Visit https://www.serverobotics.com/ to learn more.

Co-hosts Steve Crowe and Mike Oitzman recap the news of the week.

###
Our sponsor this week is Wandelbots.
Simplify automation without limits. Wandelbots NOVA is the agnostic robotics platform that lets you program any 6-axis robot - whether coding from scratch or generating paths with real-world data. 
Test in simulation, deploy seamlessly, and optimize workflows across brands - without vendor lock-in.  Smarter automation starts here. 
Visit https://www.wandelbots.com/ to learn more.

Ali Kashani on the Future of Last-Mile Logistics

Our guests this week are Nick Thompson, CEO and co-founder of BOW, and Daniel Camilleri, CTO and founder of BOW. 
BOW is a robotics platform that aims to simplify the development of robotic applications. They discuss the challenges in the robotics industry, the features of the BOW SDK, and the company's business model. The conversation also touches on partnerships, the integration with ROS, and the future of robotics, particularly in relation to AI and task-oriented development.

Our sponsor this week is Enidine.
Established in 1966, Enidine is a premier supplier of highly engineered products to extend equipment life, improve comfort, and increase safety and reliability throughout global industrial end markets.

Enidine’s engineering team has designed custom energy absorption, vibration isolation, and noise attenuation solutions for a wide variety of challenging applications, including automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS) and factory automation. 

Its wide array of innovative components has proven to be critical to our customers’ success.

Learn more by going to https://www.enidine.com/en-us

Building a Universal Robotics Platform with BOW

Our guest this week is Angus Pacala, CEO and Co-founder of Ouster Lidar.
In this conversation, Pacala, discusses the advancements in lidar technology, particularly the introduction of their new 3D zone monitoring feature. He explains the benefits of 3D lidar over traditional 2D systems, emphasizing safety and flexibility in industrial applications. The discussion also covers the evolution of Ouster's hardware, the importance of software-defined capabilities, and the future growth potential in various markets, including humanoid robotics. Pacala highlights the challenges of cost reduction and the need for innovation to stay competitive in the rapidly evolving landscape of lidar technology.

###
Our sponsor this week is Enidine.
Established in 1966, Enidine is a premier supplier of highly engineered products to extend equipment life, improve comfort, and increase safety and reliability throughout global industrial end markets.

Enidine’s engineering team has designed custom energy absorption, vibration isolation, and noise attenuation solutions for a wide variety of challenging applications, including automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS) and factory automation. 

Its wide array of innovative components has proven to be critical to our customers’ success.

Learn more by going to https://www.enidine.com/en-us


The Future of Safety in Robotics with Ouster

Our guest in this episode is Giovanni Campanella, the Industrial Automation and Robotics General Manager at Texas Instruments (TI).
In this conversation, co-host Mike Oitzman speaks with Campanella about TI's extensive portfolio in industrial automation and robotics, highlighting key product lines and the company's collaboration with various robotics companies. Giovanni shares insights into the challenges of designing humanoid robots, the evolving demands in robotics, and the importance of safety in design. They also explore the expansion of robotics into new sectors such as healthcare and agriculture, and how TI engages with engineers to provide tailored solutions. The conversation concludes with a look at future trends in robotics and the skills needed for systems engineers in this rapidly changing field.
###
Our sponsor this week is SDPSI.
Let’s dive into the critical role of precision, quality, and alignment in robotics design and assembly.
At SDP/SI, our 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 SDP/SI can elevate your robotics applications. Discover the difference!
Visit https://sdp-si.com/ to learn more.

Safety and Efficiency in  Robotics Design

This week, co-hosts Mike Oitzman and Gene Demaitre recap the 2025 Automate show in Detroit, MI. 
In additional to their personal experiences and take-aways from the event, we also feature show floor interviews with:
- Ujjwal Kumar, Group President Teradyne Robotics
- Marc Segura, President of ABB Robotics
- Carole Franklin, Director of Standards Development, Robotics, at Association for Advancing Automation on the new ISO/AWI 25785-1 humanoid safety standard
- Mathias Entenmann, cofounder and CEO of CeiliX

###
Our sponsor this week is SDPSI.
Let’s dive into the critical role of precision, quality, and alignment in robotics design and assembly.
At SDP/SI, our 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 SDP/SI can elevate your robotics applications. Discover the difference!
Visit https://sdp-si.com/ to learn more.

Automate 2025 Recap

Our guest in this episode is Geoffrey Biggs, CTO of the Open Source Robotics Foundation. He updates us on the recent ROS 2 Kilted Kaiju release, the pending ROS 1 sunset and the future of OSRF.
Co-host Steve Crowe returns from Georgia with an update on the 2025 ICRA event. He discusses the event and all of the various robot demos at the event. ICRA is primarily a research-focused robotics event, and it offers attendees the opportunity to see the latest research projects from labs around the world.
###
Our sponsor this week is SDPSI.
Let’s dive into the critical role of precision, quality, and alignment in robotics design and assembly.
At SDP/SI, our 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 SDP/SI can elevate your robotics applications. Discover the difference!
Visit https://sdp-si.com/ to learn more.

ICRA Recap; OSRF on ROS 1 Sunset

Our guest in this episode is Nicolas Radford, CEO and co-founder of Persona AI. Persona is commercializing a multi-purpose humanoid to personify AI, enabling the next wave in robotics. No longer are robots confined to the factory floor performing pick and place, welding, or painting, but they are now capable of tasks traditionally reserved only for human-level coordination and mobility.
We hear about his new venture with Persona, and teaming up with Jerry Pratt, another well-known roboticist in the humanoid space.
Learn more about Persona at: http://persona.ai/
###
Our sponsor this week is SDPSI.
Let’s dive into the critical role of precision, quality, and alignment in robotics design and assembly.
At SDP/SI, our 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 SDP/SI can elevate your robotics applications. Discover the difference!
Visit https://sdp-si.com/ to learn more.

Persona AI developing industrial humanoid

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


Building a U.S.-based supply chain

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/

How Robotics is Changing the Apparel Industry

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.

Celebrating 200 Episodes; Evolution of robotics in space exploration

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.


The Road Ahead for Robotics: Insights from Motional's Major and Foundation's Pathak

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/


Farmer-First Future: Agtonomy's Approach to Smart Agriculture

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/


Trends in Supply Chain Robotics with John Santagate

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.

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– 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/

Reaching New Heights: The Giraffe Robot's impact on warehouse efficiency

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/


Exploring the future of humanoid robotics with Novanta

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.

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– 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.

The Robot Revolution: Top 10 robots of all time

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.

The State of Humanoids: Where is the market headed?

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.

Beyond Manufacturing: AI-Powered Robotics and the Long Tail of Commercial Innovation

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.

The startup journey, from prototype to production

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


Inside Singapore's Physical AI Revolution

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

Robots and Regulations: Transforming the Cannabis Industry

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.

From Teleoperation to Autonomy: Inside Boston Dynamics' Atlas Training

Join Steve Crowe and Mike Oitzman each week for discussions with leading roboticists, innovative robotics companies, and other key members of the robotics community.

The Robot Report Podcast

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