Kevin Blankespoor, VP of product engineering at Boston Dynamics, takes us inside the development of Stretch, the box-moving robot the company introduced this week. Blankespoor describes the evolution of the product design, the many system integration challenges, plans to improve the Pick vision system going forward, similarities between Atlas, Spot and Stretch, and much more.

Boston Dynamics' VP of Product Engineering on Developing Stretch

In Oakland, California, Mark Bradley stands out as a seasoned professional with extensive expertise in retail, IT, and banking. His career is distinguished by his strategic leadership approach and continuous drive for technology innovation. Alongside his professional endeavors, he is deeply passionate about various interests, including composing music, engaging in outdoor adventures, playing softball, video gaming, indulging in vegan cuisine, and participating in community service activities.

Mark's professional journey in IT began at Peet's Coffee in Emeryville, California. Initially serving as a customer service coordinator, his keen interest in technology quickly led him into more specialized IT and digital product management roles. Here, he thrived on solving complex challenges and advancing technological solutions.

During his tenure at Peet's Coffee, Mark excelled in Software QA and Program Manager roles. He led pivotal projects, including the significant overhaul of the company's website, and managed a diverse team of quality assurance engineers, business analysts, and off-shore QA personnel. His strategic oversight significantly improved the company's operational systems, especially in inventory management and supply chain optimization for grocery store deliveries.

As he progressed to become a Digital Product Manager, Mark's responsibilities expanded to include strategic planning alongside senior stakeholders, where he adeptly managed product roadmaps and supervised the entire lifecycle of product development, from conceptual design to market launch and post-launch support. His focus on optimizing user experience was critical in ensuring product success.

Mark's expertise and leadership at Peet's Coffee garnered attention from more giant corporations, leading to a role at Safeway (part of Albertson's), where he initially served as Senior Product Manager. His impact in this role was swiftly recognized, earning him a promotion to Director of Product for Mobile Apps. In this capacity, he drove the development of mobile app features that significantly enhanced user engagement and streamlined the customer experience, leveraging innovative technology to boost business outcomes.

Following his success in retail, Mark was recruited by U.S. Bank as the Vice President of Products and Head of Mobile Apps. This role marked his entry into the financial services industry, where he has been instrumental in shaping and implementing the bank's mobile strategy. His leadership in this area has enhanced the bank's mobile services' functionality and solidified its reputation as an innovator in digital banking.

Raised in Jacksonville, Florida, by a single mother, Mark Bradley was instilled with values of diligence and the importance of education from a young age. He supported his family through various jobs while pursuing his educational goals. His academic and musical passions led him to earn an Associate's Degree in Music Performance, Classical Guitar from NMSU, and a Bachelor's Degree in Business Analysis and Consulting from Sonoma State University, all while working full-time.

In his personal life, Mark shares a deep connection with his wife, Jami, whom he met during their college years. They have been together for eighteen years, married for nine. Together, they plan to adopt a dog, eager to provide a loving home to a new family member. His life is a testament to his commitment to professional excellence and personal happiness, underscored by his enduring relationships and wide-ranging interests.

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

Boston Dynamics' VP of Product Engineering on Developing Stretch

The Robot Report Podcast