Episode 152: Dexterous Robot Hands - Rich Walker
In this episode, Claire Asher talks with Rich Walker, director of Shadow Robot, about the evolution and current state of dexterous robot hands. Walker recounts the company's humble origins, their flagship anthropomorphic Shadow Hand, and the newer, robust non‑human hand developed for Google DeepMind that sacrifices a human‑like form for durability and data‑rich manipulation. The discussion explores why five‑finger designs aren’t mandatory, the trade‑offs between actuator weight and arm performance, and the difficulty of defining "dexterity" across fields ranging from biosafety labs to surgery.
860: Making a Mechatronic Tremor Suppression Glove for People with Parkinson's Disease - Dr. Ana Luisa Trejos
In this episode, Dr. Ana Luisa Trejos, an associate professor at Western University, discusses her work in mechatronic systems engineering, focusing on a wearable glove designed to suppress hand tremors in Parkinson’s patients. She explains how the glove integrates lightweight sensors and...
Guest: Christelle Keefer of A3 on Gaps in Automation Skills; Robot Density Is Growing; Fleets Flex in AI
In this episode, Christelle Kiefer, Director of Training and Certifications at the Association for Advancing Automation (A3), discusses the growing automation skills gap and the need for broader robotics literacy across all roles in supply chains. She highlights A3’s efforts,...
Episode 151: Robots to Study the Ocean - Simona Aracri
In this episode, host Claire Asher talks with Simona Aracri of Italy's National Research Council about cutting‑edge robots designed for extreme oceanic environments—from polar seas to glacial lakes. Aracri explains how their interdisciplinary team merges marine engineering and physical oceanography...
Attabotics Returns with a Clearer Path Forward
The episode explores the resurgence of Attabotics, a high‑density robotic fulfillment system, after its bankruptcy and its new partnership with Lafayette, a long‑standing automation integrator. Guests Bruce Robbins (founder of Lafayette), Art Eldridge (SVP of Sales & Software at Attabotics),...
Persistent Flight in the Stratosphere - Justin Selfridge, Phd. And CEO of Devorto
In this episode, Dr. Justin Selfridge, founder and CEO of DeVorto, explains the Tethered Uni‑Rotor Network (TURN), a novel aircraft architecture that uses multiple small rotor‑like drones tethered to a central hub and spun to keep ultra‑thin wings under tension,...
The Company Helping Paralyzed People Move And Thrive Again - EP 64 Dave Marver
In this episode, Dave Marver, CEO of Onward, explains how the company’s spinal cord stimulation platform, ArcIM, combined with a minimally invasive epidural brain‑computer interface (BCI), can translate a patient’s movement intentions into real‑time leg stimulation, enabling paralyzed individuals to...
The Rosheim Joint: A Hidden Breakthrough in Wrist Design
In this episode the host and guest dive into the evolution of the Rosheim Joint—a wrist mechanism that balances extreme stiffness with full 180° motion. They trace its lineage from Victorian-era gear‑heavy designs, through the costly custom‑machined OmniRist generations, to...
DoorDash’s Autonomous Delivery Strategy with Ashu Rege
DoorDash Labs’ Vice President Ashu Rege outlined the company’s autonomous delivery roadmap, highlighting the in‑house DOT robot and the broader Autonomous Delivery Platform (ADP) that can support varied delivery formats. He contrasted DoorDash’s approach with robotaxi firms, emphasizing cost efficiencies...
The Companies Changing Warfare Forever: Palantir & Anduril Execs on Drones, AI & the Future of War
In this episode, former Palantir and Anduril executives discuss how Silicon Valley firms are reshaping modern warfare through AI‑driven drones, data platforms, and rapid manufacturing. They trace the historical shift from a broad industrial base to specialized defense firms, argue...
Right-Sized Packaging: A Box Last Approach Means Lower Costs & Less Waste
In this episode, Kevin Lawton talks with Jeff Belcher and Craig Hall of CMC Packaging Automation about the evolution of automated, right‑sized packaging—from early mailing and holiday‑cake boxes to today’s e‑commerce solutions. They explain how CMC’s Carton Wrap and Genesis...
The Future of RealSense 3D Vision with Chris Matthieu
In this episode, host Steve Crow and senior editor Mike Oitzman chat with Chris Matthieu, VP of the developer ecosystem at RealSense (formerly Intel RealSense), about the future of 3D vision technology and its applications in robotics. Chris shares insights...
#360: Doordash W/VP of Autonomy Ashu Rege
In this episode, DoorDash VP of Autonomy Ashu Rege discusses the company’s shift from traditional robot‑taxi concepts to a focused delivery robot strategy, highlighting the “Goldilocks” approach of using lightweight, sidewalk‑compatible bots that balance speed, mass, and safety. He explains...
Episode 150: House Building Robots - Vikas Enti
In this episode, Claire Asher talks with Vikas Enti, co‑founder and CEO of Reframe Systems, about how their robotic micro‑factory platform enables mass‑customized, climate‑resilient homes. Enti explains the end‑to‑end workflow—from site analysis and automated design to robot‑guided panel fabrication and...
#363 Uncrewed Vessels and Unprecedented Data
During its seventh Allocation Round, the UK held Europe’s largest offshore wind auction, awarding contracts for 8.4 GW of new capacity—enough to power roughly 10 million homes. The upcoming Allocation Round 8 aims to push capacity toward 10 GW, supported by radar system upgrades....
$41 Billion in Physical AI: What Investors Need to Know About Robotaxis & Humanoid Robots
In this episode of Autonomy Insiders, Marcin Briggs of Bank of America Global Research explains the rise of "physical AI"—AI that perceives, reasons, and acts in the real world—and why autonomous vehicles are the first large‑scale proving ground. He highlights...
How China Made Itself Tariff-Proof
In this episode, Keith Bradshirp explains how China has become virtually tariff‑proof by rapidly expanding its advanced, robot‑driven manufacturing capacity. The discussion highlights four key factors: diversification of export markets, indirect shipments through third‑party countries, a deliberately weakened yuan, and,...
How the CPUC Handles AV Permits, Data, and Enforcement (Pat Tsen)
In this episode, Pat Tsen, Deputy Executive Director for Consumer Policy, Transportation, and Enforcement at the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), explains how the CPUC regulates autonomous vehicle (AV) passenger services, detailing the permit process, data collection requirements, and enforcement...
PMRA Proposal Could Fast-Track Drone Spraying for Canadian Farms
The episode discusses Health Canada's PMRA proposal to allow drones to apply pesticides under existing aerial labels, a change that could streamline drone spraying on Canadian farms. Guest Marcus Weber, co‑founder of the Canadian Agricultural Drone Association and operator of...
Building Tomorrow: How Bedrock Robotics Is Changing the Construction Industry
In episode 236 of the Robot Report, host Mike Waitzman and associate editor Brianna Westling recap the massive NVIDIA GTC 2026 event, highlighting the surge of "physical AI" and practical robot demos—from humanoid greeters like IntBot to tactile five‑fingered hands...
Bonus Episode: The Future of Home Assistant Robots
In this bonus episode, a panel of four academic experts discusses the emerging role of home assistant robots, covering applications from daily chores and rehabilitation to companionship. They highlight research on user‑centered design, such as the Robot House testbed, robots...
Profitable Practices: Robotics and Automation Help Greenview Holsteins Tackle Labour Challenges
In this episode of Profitable Practices, fourth‑generation dairy farmer Steve Youngbluff of Greenview Holsteins explains how his family farm uses Lely milking robots, a Vector feeding robot, and other automation to overcome labor shortages and boost profitability. The robots provide...
The Buyer's Journey for Warehouse Automation
The episode explores the warehouse automation buying journey from three angles: iAutomate’s CEO Christoph Buchmann explains how the process truly begins with identifying a problem and validating automation as the right solution; Staples Canada’s Mert Selchuk describes a data‑driven, internal...
Warehouse Automation Success Depends on Operational Alignment
In this episode, Kevin Lawton interviews Adrian Stuck, CEO of High Robotics, and later Colin McAleenan, VP of Business Development, about the company’s mobile ASRS solutions, especially the HyperClimb robot that combines horizontal and vertical movement. They stress that successful...
The Future Of Warehouse Inventory Is Flying | Fast Five Shorts
The episode discusses Kroger's deployment of Corvus Robotics' autonomous inventory drones, called Corvus 1, in sub‑freezing warehouse environments to perform cycle counts without human intervention. Hosts Chris and Jen highlight how the drones operate without Wi‑Fi, markers, or infrastructure changes,...
Ed Mehr on Transforming Manufacturing at Machina Labs
In this episode, host Mike Oitzman and editorial director Gene Dimitri discuss highlights from Automation World 2026 in Seoul, noting Korea's massive robot density, the mix of domestic and international exhibitors, and the strategic importance of government support. The conversation...
Chef Vs. Robot
In this episode, Planet Money explores the rise of robot chefs, pitting an automated wok robot named Robbie against a seasoned human chef, Chef Fong, in a taste‑test showdown. The segment showcases the robot’s speed and consistency while highlighting the...
Open Source for Awkward Robots
In this episode, host Ryan Donovan chats with Jan Lipart, CEO and co‑founder of OpenMind, about their open‑source robotics platform OM1 that lets humanoid robots communicate internally via natural language and be governed by immutable, blockchain‑stored rules like Asimov's laws....
What It Takes to Clear a Million Crimes a Year with Flock Safety's CEO
In this episode, Garrett Langley, CEO of Flock Safety, explains how his company transformed neighborhood security by deploying license‑plate‑reading cameras, AI‑driven analytics, and drones that integrate with 911 calls to create a real‑time crime‑clearance operating system. He recounts the origin...
78: Tupperware on Wheels
In this episode of Roboism, hosts Alex Cox and Kathy Campbell riff on the unsettling sight of delivery robots—dubbed “Tupperware on Wheels”—parked like sentinels, using the image to spring into a broader conversation about AI, large language models, and the...
Episode 147: Miniature Living Robots - Maria Guix
In this episode, host Claire Asher talks with Maria Guix, a senior researcher at the University of Barcelona, about bio‑hybrid robotics that combine living cells—such as muscle tissue or sperm—with synthetic scaffolds to create miniature robots. Guix explains how these...
Where Is Warehouse Technology Heading with Gary Allen of Ryder
In this episode, Kevin Lawton chats with Gary Allen of Ryder about the rapid evolution of warehouse technology, focusing on automation and AI. Allen explains how automation—from autonomous mobile robots to autonomous forklifts and emerging humanoids—is becoming more affordable and...
Uncrewed Systems in the Arctic: Security, Surveillance, and NATO's Growing Role - Federico Borsari, CEPA
In this episode, Federico Borsari of the Center for European Policy Analysis explains how uncrewed systems are becoming essential for security, surveillance, and infrastructure protection in the Arctic. He outlines the shifting NATO threat picture—driven by Russia’s expanding presence, NATO’s...
ISS Demonstration: A Tow Truck for Space.
In this episode of T‑Minus, host Maria Varmazas interviews Troy Morris, CEO and co‑founder of KMI, about the company’s successful in‑space demonstration of its articulated “tow‑truck” arms aboard the ISS. The demo involved over 200 days of testing, capturing unprepared...
AI's Role in the Future of Robotics: Insights From 3Laws
In episode 233 of The Robot Report, hosts Steve Crow and Mike Oitzman discuss the explosive growth of AI funding, highlighted by OpenAI’s $110 billion raise, and its implications for robotics. They interview Andrew Singletary and Amir Sharif of Three Laws...
Episode 146: Embodied AI on the ISS - Jamie Palmer
In this episode, Claire Asher talks with Jamie Palmer, co‑founder and CTO of Icarus Robotics, about developing free‑flying, dexterous robots to assist astronauts on the ISS and future commercial stations. Palmer explains how the robots—essentially microgravity drones with manipulators—are being...
Warehouse Continuous Improvement at Atomix: Culture and Data
In this episode, VP of Operations Drake Meyer discusses Atomics' rapid growth, its unique high‑touch 3PL model, and the development of its proprietary WMS. He shares how his hands‑on warehouse background informs his leadership style, emphasizing a continuous‑improvement mindset rooted...
Hype Vs. Deployment: Derek Yan on Humanoid Robotics, KOID ETF, and the Global AI Arms Race
In this episode, Derek Yan, Senior Investment Strategist at KraneShares, explains why humanoid robotics is moving from hype to real-world deployment, highlighting current enterprise pilots in factories and logistics that address chronic labor shortages. He stresses that investors should focus...
Ghost Robotics: Innovating for Safety
In this episode, Gavin Kenneally, CEO and co‑founder of Ghost Robotics, walks listeners through the company’s evolution from a startup to a leader in legged robotics, highlighting how four‑legged platforms outperform wheeled robots on rough terrain. He explains the critical...
Episode 145: Robotics and Automation in Manufacturing - Agata Suwala
In this episode, Claire interviews Agata Suwala, Technology Manager at the Manufacturing Technology Centre, about how robotics and automation are being used to make manufacturing—especially in aerospace—more sustainable and scalable. Agata explains the latest advances in robotic dexterity, the role...
Protecting Stadiums in the Age of Drone Incursions: Melissa Swisher, CRO at SkySafe
In this episode, Melissa Swisher, CRO of SkySafe, explains how airspace intelligence is evolving to protect large venues like stadiums from unauthorized drones. She highlights the biggest gaps in current drone defense—lack of real‑time detection, attribution, and actionable analytics—and how...
Yard Automation and the Future of the Yard
In this episode of The New Warehouse Podcast, host Kevin interviews Darin Brannan, CEO of Terminal Industries, about the emerging importance of yard automation in modern supply chains. Brannan explains how yards have traditionally lagged behind warehouses in technology adoption...
A Million-Satellite Constellation, and Tough Sledding for Space Tourism
The episode explores SpaceX’s ambitious filing to launch up to one million satellites as an orbital data center, positioning the company toward a Kardashev Type II vision and highlighting regulatory waivers and the link to Elon Musk’s AI venture. It then...
Manifest 2026 Recap
Mike Oitzman and Gene Demaitre recap their experience at the Manifest 2026 tradeshow, highlighting cutting‑edge developments in warehouse and supply‑chain robotics. The episode features rapid‑fire news, a Zoox autonomous‑taxi demo, and in‑depth interviews with CEOs and executives from Gather AI,...
Women in Science, Robotics, Automation, SLAS, and Lilly Updates
The episode opens with a celebration of Women in Science Day, highlighting the historic origin of the term “scientist” and the push for greater female leadership in biotech. Medra CEO Michelle Lee discusses how the company is merging robotics with...
Human-Centered Warehouse Automation at EssilorLuxottica
In this episode, Kevin Lawton interviews Naveen Chandra, Director of Distribution at EssilorLuxottica, about the company’s human‑centered approach to warehouse automation across its vast, high‑SKU network. Chandra explains how they balance advanced forecasting, slotting, and real‑time operational control with a...
Episode 143: Robots for Children - Elmira Yadollahi
In this episode, Claire talks with Elmira Yadollahi, an assistant professor at Lancaster University, about how children engage with robots and the unique challenges this presents. They explore key themes such as managing children’s expectations, building trust, and fostering AI...
Making Autonomous Cargo Work at Real-World Scale: Charles Acknin, CEO Skyways
In this episode, Charles Acknin, CEO of Skyways, discusses how his company is moving autonomous cargo drones from prototype to operational scale, highlighting real‑world missions that deliver substantial payloads for military and commercial clients. He explains the technical and regulatory...
#490 – State of AI in 2026: LLMs, Coding, Scaling Laws, China, Agents, GPUs, AGI
In this episode Nathan Lambert and Sebastian Raschka dissect the 2026 AI landscape, covering the geopolitical AI race between China and the US, the competitive standings of major LLMs like ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and Grok, and the evolving role of...
Road to Rail: Slashing Costs and Carbon with Automation
In the "Road to Rail: Slashing Costs and Carbon with Automation" episode, hosts explore how automation technologies are transforming rail infrastructure projects by reducing both financial expenditures and carbon emissions. They discuss specific innovations such as autonomous track inspection drones,...