The Robot Report Podcast

Ajay Agarwal, a partner at Bain Capital Ventures, discussed his journey and insights as a venture capitalist, particularly in the robotics and AI sectors.

He highlights his early investment in Kiva Systems, emphasizing the importance of systems thinking and integrated solutions in successful startups.

Ajay shares his investment philosophy, focusing on founders with a deep understanding of market opportunities and the ability to connect technology with business needs.

He also discusses the challenges and risks in venture capital, the importance of embracing risk, and the value of strong partnerships with founders.

Ajay concludes by reflecting on the joy and challenges of his role, emphasizing the relationships with founders and the collaborative nature of his work at Bain Capital Ventures.

Learn more: https://baincapitalventures.com/

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Listen for a special discount code to save money on your registration to the 2026 Robotics Summit and Expo: https://www.roboticssummit.com/

– SPONSORS –

This episode is brought to you by Yamaha Robotics Group (YRG) — driving the future of smart automation.

Yamaha’s Linear Conveyor Modules and Advanced Operator Interfaces are helping engineers push efficiency and flexibility further than ever.

And let’s face it: the PLC isn’t going anywhere — it’s evolving.

LEARN MORE AT: https://hs.yrginc.com/therobotreport

This episode is brought to you by maxon USA.

If you’re designing robots beyond controlled factory cells, mobile manipulators, quadrupeds, or humanoids maxon is worth a stop at the Robotics Summit in Boston.

At the show, maxon is exhibiting its High Efficiency Joint (HEJ) portfolio: fully integrated robotic joints that combine motor, gearing, electronics, and sensing in a compact unit.

Built for cyclic loads, impacts, and continuous operation, HEJ joints are designed for real‑world robotics.

See the HEJ90 demonstrator at Booth 419.

LEARN MORE AT: https://www.maxongroup.com/en-us

Summary

In this episode, we sit down with Eric Chan, the chief scientist and co-founder of Rhoda AI, to discuss their groundbreaking work in robotics.

Rhoda AI is pioneering the use of a Direct Video Action model, which leverages internet video data to train intelligent robots.

This innovative approach allows for efficient data use and the ability to tackle complex tasks with minimal training.

Eric shares insights into the challenges of data collection, the potential for zero-shot learning, and the future of robot deployment in real-world applications.

Join us as we explore the exciting possibilities of scalable and adaptable robotics.

Learn more: https://www.rhoda.ai/

Key Takeaways:

+ Rhoda AI's unique approach to robotics using video data.

+ The efficiency and scalability of their training model.

+ Potential for zero-shot learning in robotics.

+ Insights into the challenges and future of robotics.

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Listen for a special discount code to save money on your registration to the 2026 Robotics Summit and Expo: https://www.roboticssummit.com/

– SPONSORS –

This episode is brought to you by Yamaha Robotics Group (YRG) — driving the future of smart automation.

Yamaha’s Linear Conveyor Modules and Advanced Operator Interfaces are helping engineers push efficiency and flexibility further than ever.

And let’s face it: the PLC isn’t going anywhere — it’s evolving.

LEARN MORE AT: https://hs.yrginc.com/therobotreport

This episode is brought to you by maxon USA.

If you’re designing robots beyond controlled factory cells, mobile manipulators, quadrupeds, or humanoids maxon is worth a stop at the Robotics Summit in Boston.

At the show, maxon is exhibiting its High Efficiency Joint (HEJ) portfolio: fully integrated robotic joints that combine motor, gearing, electronics, and sensing in a compact unit.

Built for cyclic loads, impacts, and continuous operation, HEJ joints are designed for real‑world robotics.

See the HEJ90 demonstrator at Booth 419.

LEARN MORE AT: https://www.maxongroup.com/en-us

In this episode, Colin Angle, founder of iRobot, introduces us to his latest venture: Familiar Machines and Magic.

Angle has assembled a world-class team of engineers and advisors on a mission to produce an empathetic, four-legged robotic companion.

The company recently emerged from stealth, and Angle reveals his plans for the first product in their multi-year roadmap.

The plan is to ship the first “familiar” next year, promising an engaging companion for both young and old.

Learn more about Familiar Machines and Magic: https://www.familiarmachines.com/

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– SPONSORS –

This episode is brought to you by Yamaha Robotics Group (YRG) — driving the future of smart automation.

Yamaha’s Linear Conveyor Modules and Advanced Operator Interfaces are helping engineers push efficiency and flexibility further than ever.

And let’s face it: the PLC isn’t going anywhere — it’s evolving.

LEARN MORE AT: https://hs.yrginc.com/therobotreport

If you’re designing robots beyond controlled factory cells, mobile manipulators, quadrupeds, or humanoids maxon is worth a stop at the Robotics Summit in Boston.

At the show, maxon is exhibiting its High Efficiency Joint (HEJ) portfolio: fully integrated robotic joints that combine motor, gearing, electronics, and sensing in a compact unit.

Built for cyclic loads, impacts, and continuous operation, HEJ joints are designed for real‑world robotics.

See the HEJ90 demonstrator at Booth 419.

LEARN MORE AT: https://www.maxongroup.com/en-us

In this episode, Neal Hansch, CEO of Silicon Foundry, shares his expertise on how startups can navigate enterprise engagement, the evolving landscape of physical AI and robotics, and the impact of macroeconomic shifts on innovation strategy.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, corporate innovation leader, or investor, Neal offers valuable perspectives on fostering meaningful collaboration between emerging tech startups and large enterprises.

Learn more about Silicon Foundry: https://sifoundry.com/

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Listen for a special discount code to save money on your registration to the 2026 Robotics Summit and Expo: https://www.roboticssummit.com/

– SPONSORS –

This episode is brought to you by Yamaha Robotics Group (YRG) — driving the future of smart automation.

Yamaha’s Linear Conveyor Modules and Advanced Operator Interfaces are helping engineers push efficiency and flexibility further than ever.

And let’s face it: the PLC isn’t going anywhere — it’s evolving.

LEARN MORE AT: https://hs.yrginc.com/therobotreport

If you’re designing robots beyond controlled factory cells, mobile manipulators, quadrupeds, or humanoids maxon is worth a stop at the Robotics Summit in Boston.

At the show, maxon is exhibiting its High Efficiency Joint (HEJ) portfolio: fully integrated robotic joints that combine motor, gearing, electronics, and sensing in a compact unit.

Built for cyclic loads, impacts, and continuous operation, HEJ joints are designed for real‑world robotics.

See the HEJ90 demonstrator at Booth 419.

LEARN MORE AT: https://www.maxongroup.com/en-us

Join us as we dive into an insightful conversation with Dr. Jan Liphardt, Stanford bioengineering professor, founder of Open Mind and OM1, and a leading voice on the intersection of robotics, AI, and human-centric design. Discover how modular AI architectures, transparency, and real-world applications are shaping the next era of physical AI.

In this episode, Dr. Jan Liphardt discusses the transformative impact of modular AI systems on robotics, emphasizing the importance of transparency and safety in human-robot interactions.

He explores how robots are moving from sci-fi dreams to real-world applications, particularly in education and companionship.

Jan also highlights the need for continuous learning and adaptability in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

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Listen for a special discount code to save money on your registration to the 2026 Robotics Summit and Expo: https://www.roboticssummit.com/

– SPONSOR –

Download the 2026 State of the Robotics Industry Report: https://www.therobotreport.com/state-of-robotics-industry-report-2026/

Editors Gene Demaitre from The Robot Report and Sarah Wynn from Packaging OEM spent the week walking the aisles of MODEX 2026.

In this episode, we learn about all of the interesting new products and automation solutions for packaging and warehouse logistics that they discovered this week at the show in Atlanta.

MODEX Show Highlights

- The Rise of Multi-Agent Orchestration: Discussion on the shift from isolated robotic pods to integrated systems where diverse robot types (AMRs, arms, and sorters) communicate seamlessly.

- Humanoid Robots in Logistics: A recap of the buzz surrounding humanoid deployments in warehouses, moving beyond prototypes to real-world pilot tests for trailer unloading and case picking.

- Heavy-Duty Automation: Analysis of new autonomous forklifts and reach trucks designed to handle pallet-scale movements in high-traffic distribution centers.

- Software Over Hardware: A key takeaway from the show floor was the industry's focus on "orchestration software"—the "brain" that manages fleet interoperability across different manufacturers.

Industry News & Strategic Shifts

- Skild AI & Fetch Robotics: Analysis of Skild AI's strategic acquisition of Fetch Robotics' assets from Zebra, signaling a move to put advanced AI "brains" into proven industrial "bodies."

- Gemini-Powered Spot: Insights into the Boston Dynamics and Google DeepMind partnership, which uses multimodal AI to give the Spot robot advanced semantic understanding and natural language control.

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Listen for a special discount code to save money on your registration to the 2026 Robotics Summit and Expo: https://www.roboticssummit.com/

– SPONSOR –

Download the 2026 State of the Robotics Industry Report: https://www.therobotreport.com/state-of-robotics-industry-report-2026/

Our guest this week is Christian Pedersen, Chief Product Officer at IFS

In this conversation, Christian Pedersen, Chief Innovation Officer at IFS, discusses the company's focus on asset management and its evolution in the tech space. He highlights IFS's legacy in building asset maintenance software and its current leadership in enterprise asset management.

Pedersen emphasizes the integration of AI in optimizing scheduling and productivity, particularly for industries with heavy industrial assets. He discusses the shift from digital to physical AI, highlighting the role of robotics in enhancing productivity and addressing workforce challenges.

Pedersen also touches on the importance of integrating digital, human, and robotic workers in workflows and the potential of robots in asset management and maintenance. The conversation explores the future of AI and robotics in enterprise settings, emphasizing the need for collaboration between digital and physical systems to achieve an autonomous enterprise.

Learn more at: https://www.ifs.com/en

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Listen for a special discount code to save money on your registration to the 2026 Robotics Summit and Expo: https://www.roboticssummit.com/

– SPONSOR –

Download the 2026 State of the Robotics Industry Report: https://www.therobotreport.com/state-of-robotics-industry-report-2026/

Our guest this week is Chris Matthieu, VP of Developer Ecosystem for RealSense. The conversation with Matthieu primarily focuses on the future of RealSense products, the current state of the robotics market, and how Real Sense works with end users to iterate and evolve its product roadmap. Matthieu is also speaking at the 2026 Robotics Summit and Expo.

Follow Chris Matthieu on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrismatthieu/

Learn more about Real Sense: https://www.realsenseai.com/

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– SPONSOR –

Download the 2026 State of the Robotics Industry Report: https://www.therobotreport.com/state-of-robotics-industry-report-2026/

Our guest this week is Arthur Erickson, CEO of Hylio, as he discusses the evolution and strategic direction of Hylio, an American drone company.

Erickson shares the company's journey from its inception at UT Austin, where it initially aimed to create a general-purpose industrial drone, to its current focus on agricultural applications.

Hylio has carved a niche in the agricultural drone market, competing against major Chinese brands by offering American-made drones that prioritize data security and customer support.

The discussion highlights the impact of geopolitical trends, such as the U.S. ban on foreign drones, which has spurred interest in Western-sourced drones.

Erickson also discusses the technological advancements in Hylio's drones, including AI integration for route planning and obstacle detection, and the company's expansion into other markets like solar farm maintenance and emergency response.

The conversation underscores Hylio's commitment to innovation and adaptability in a rapidly evolving industry.

Learn more at: https://www.hyl.io/

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– SPONSOR –

Download the 2026 State of the Robotics Industry Report: https://www.therobotreport.com/state-of-robotics-industry-report-2026/

Our guest this week is Boris Sofman, co-founder and CEO of Bedrock Robotics, who covers a wide range of topics related to the automation of heavy machinery.

Boris discussed Bedrock's mission to develop autonomy technologies for construction equipment like excavators and bulldozers, aiming to make them fully operatorless.

He shared insights from his experience at Waymo, highlighting parallels between autonomous vehicles and the automation of heavy machinery.

The discussion also touched on the market opportunities in construction, the challenges of integrating AI with existing machinery, and the future of the construction industry with increased automation.

Boris emphasized the importance of safety and the potential for automation to transform not just construction but also other industries such as agriculture and manufacturing.

The conversation concluded with Boris outlining Bedrock's immediate goals, including moving from supervised autonomy to fully operatorless deployments.

Learn more at: https://bedrockrobotics.com/

Cohost this week is The Robot Report’s associate editor, Brianna Wessling. She recaps her trip this week to attend the NVIDIA GTC 2026 event in San Jose Ca.

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– SPONSOR –

Download the 2026 State of the Robotics Industry Report: https://www.therobotreport.com/state-of-robotics-industry-report-2026/