In this episode of The Techne Connect, we spoke with Lesya Hendrix, CEO of Spacer Robotics, about building autonomous construction robots designed for harsh, repetitive work on Earth and future deployment in space.

Lesya shares her path from KTH and Scania to Tesla, including factory ramp-ups and product launches. She explains why modern robotics needs autonomy, vision, and AI, why hardware engineering is rising again, and how young engineers should bridge the gap between core coding and AI skills.

She also challenges the humanoid hype, using Star Wars as a lens for practical robot design, and breaks down Spacer’s roadmap from working prototype to pilots, funding, and scaling production.

The Techne Connect Podcast 🎧

Thank you for listening to Techne Connect! This podcast takes you inside the companies and conversations shaping the future of engineering.

From space and defence to robotics, AI, clean energy, advanced manufacturing and next-generation mobility, each episode features the founders, engineers and technology leaders building tomorrow's world.

Through candid discussions on innovation, leadership, product development and career journeys, the podcast uncovers the ideas, challenges and breakthroughs driving the world's fastest-moving industries. Whether you're an engineer, founder, investor or simply fascinated by emerging technology.

Techne Connect offers a front-row seat to the people creating what's next.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Behind The Robot, we speak with Hossein Dehghani, CTO at Human In Motion Robotics Inc. in British Columbia, Canada. Hossein breaks down what the CTO role looks like in a robotics start-up, spanning product roadmap, system architecture, R and D, stakeholder alignment, and building the right technical culture across a multidisciplinary team.

Hossein shares how his early exposure to university robotics groups shaped his approach to systems thinking and end to end problem solving. He also outlines his career path through mechatronics, product development, and innovation in advanced power wheelchairs, before joining Human In Motion Robotics and progressing into leadership.

A key focus is the real world impact of self balancing exoskeleton technology, including moments from clinical deployment that show how mobility independence changes lives for people living with neurological conditions. The conversation also explores what will shape robotics over the next decade, including human centric design, trust and perceived safety, digital twins, simulation driven development, human robot interfaces, and sensor fusion.

The Techne Connect Podcast 🎧

Thank you for listening to Techne Connect! This podcast takes you inside the companies and conversations shaping the future of engineering.

From space and defence to robotics, AI, clean energy, advanced manufacturing and next-generation mobility, each episode features the founders, engineers and technology leaders building tomorrow's world.

Through candid discussions on innovation, leadership, product development and career journeys, the podcast uncovers the ideas, challenges and breakthroughs driving the world's fastest-moving industries. Whether you're an engineer, founder, investor or simply fascinated by emerging technology.

Techne Connect offers a front-row seat to the people creating what's next.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Behind The Robot, we speak with Fabien Expert, hardware CTO at Wandercraft. Fabien explains how Wandercraft started with one clear mission, helping people who cannot walk to stand and walk again through exoskeleton technology.

He shares how the company evolved from rehabilitation exoskeletons used in clinics to a personal exoskeleton designed for daily life, aimed as a complement to a wheelchair. Fabien also discusses Wandercraft’s expansion into humanoid robots for logistics and manufacturing, following investment and partnership activity, including work with Renault.

The conversation covers what it takes to build robots in real life, the scale of engineering effort required, and why progress takes time. Fabien highlights lessons learned across a decade of development, including the importance of soft skills, teamwork, safety, and data driven engineering.

The Techne Connect Podcast 🎧

Thank you for listening to Techne Connect! This podcast takes you inside the companies and conversations shaping the future of engineering.

From space and defence to robotics, AI, clean energy, advanced manufacturing and next-generation mobility, each episode features the founders, engineers and technology leaders building tomorrow's world.

Through candid discussions on innovation, leadership, product development and career journeys, the podcast uncovers the ideas, challenges and breakthroughs driving the world's fastest-moving industries. Whether you're an engineer, founder, investor or simply fascinated by emerging technology.

Techne Connect offers a front-row seat to the people creating what's next.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Techne Connect, we speak with KC Kroll, Director of Civil Programmes at EarthDaily. KC explains how Earth observation, spectral analytics and AI-ready satellite data are shaping new solutions across food security, agriculture, climate resilience and national security.

He shares his career journey from psychology student to remote sensing specialist and senior leader in the space sector. KC discusses the evolution of the geospatial industry, the shift toward multi-source analytics and the challenge of translating complex science into products people can use. He also highlights the growing link between food supply, global stability and real time Earth monitoring.

KC reflects on the future of satellite constellations, the impact of lower launch costs and the new demand for AI-driven geoanalytics. This episode offers clear insight into Earth observation, data-driven problem solving and the skills needed for the next generation of geospatial professionals.

The Techne Connect Podcast 🎧

Thank you for listening to Techne Connect! This podcast takes you inside the companies and conversations shaping the future of engineering.

From space and defence to robotics, AI, clean energy, advanced manufacturing and next-generation mobility, each episode features the founders, engineers and technology leaders building tomorrow's world.

Through candid discussions on innovation, leadership, product development and career journeys, the podcast uncovers the ideas, challenges and breakthroughs driving the world's fastest-moving industries. Whether you're an engineer, founder, investor or simply fascinated by emerging technology.

Techne Connect offers a front-row seat to the people creating what's next.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Techne Connect, we speak with Armin Shahsavari, COO and co-founder of KELO Robotics. Armin explains how KELO is building mobile robots that support true human-robot collaboration through omnidirectional movement, modular design and intuitive control systems.

He shares the story behind KELO’s growth, the development of their industrial “Lego-like” mobile platform and how their patented drive system enables safe, precise motion around people. Armin also talks about his journey from Iran to Germany, the lessons learned from building products during chip shortages and why systematic problem solving is essential in robotics.

He gives direct advice for young engineers on learning, interdisciplinary thinking and staying curious as technology evolves. This episode offers a grounded look at the future of mobile robots, safety, HRI and the skills needed to thrive in automation.

The Techne Connect Podcast 🎧

Thank you for listening to Techne Connect! This podcast takes you inside the companies and conversations shaping the future of engineering.

From space and defence to robotics, AI, clean energy, advanced manufacturing and next-generation mobility, each episode features the founders, engineers and technology leaders building tomorrow's world.

Through candid discussions on innovation, leadership, product development and career journeys, the podcast uncovers the ideas, challenges and breakthroughs driving the world's fastest-moving industries. Whether you're an engineer, founder, investor or simply fascinated by emerging technology.

Techne Connect offers a front-row seat to the people creating what's next.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Recorded with Ocado Technology, this episode takes you inside one of the most advanced grocery automation operations in the world.

You hear from Steve Payling, VP of Product at Ocado Technology, as he shares how Ocado evolved from an online grocer into a global automation platform. He covers the Hive and bot-led fulfilment system, what product success looks like across software, hardware and control, and the lessons he’s learned on testing, scepticism, and staying focused on real-world problems.

The Techne Connect Podcast 🎧

Thank you for listening to Techne Connect! This podcast takes you inside the companies and conversations shaping the future of engineering.

From space and defence to robotics, AI, clean energy, advanced manufacturing and next-generation mobility, each episode features the founders, engineers and technology leaders building tomorrow's world.

Through candid discussions on innovation, leadership, product development and career journeys, the podcast uncovers the ideas, challenges and breakthroughs driving the world's fastest-moving industries. Whether you're an engineer, founder, investor or simply fascinated by emerging technology.

Techne Connect offers a front-row seat to the people creating what's next.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Techne Connect, we speak with Tracy Simek, Chief People Officer at Locus Robotics. Tracy shares how Locus grew from 38 people to a global leader in warehouse AMR solutions and what it takes to build a strong culture as a robotics company scales. He explains the people function’s role in hiring, retention, learning and development, and why curiosity, teamwork and continuous learning matter more than a perfect CV.

Tracy talks about his non traditional path into robotics, what drew him into the industry and why robotics, AI and warehouse automation are shaping the future of work. He covers product market fit, the importance of culture in early stage companies and the need to plan for both today’s challenges and tomorrow’s workforce. Tracy also highlights Locus’s efforts in upskilling employees, supporting communities through the Locus Robotics Foundation and preparing workers for rapid change driven by AI.

This episode offers practical insight into scaling teams, navigating new technology and building people centred organisations inside a fast growing robotics company.

The Techne Connect Podcast 🎧

Thank you for listening to Techne Connect! This podcast takes you inside the companies and conversations shaping the future of engineering.

From space and defence to robotics, AI, clean energy, advanced manufacturing and next-generation mobility, each episode features the founders, engineers and technology leaders building tomorrow's world.

Through candid discussions on innovation, leadership, product development and career journeys, the podcast uncovers the ideas, challenges and breakthroughs driving the world's fastest-moving industries. Whether you're an engineer, founder, investor or simply fascinated by emerging technology.

Techne Connect offers a front-row seat to the people creating what's next.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Techne Connect, David Fischel, Chairman and CEO of Stereotaxis, explains how he rebuilt a medical robotics company facing bankruptcy and turned it into a leader in endovascular surgery.

He outlines how Stereotaxis developed magnetic navigation systems that guide soft, hair-thin catheters through the body with high precision and why this approach improves safety and access to minimally invasive care. David also shares the company’s latest progress, including regulatory approval of the Genesis X robot.

He reflects on leadership, culture, and the realities of long-term innovation in a regulated field. David gives clear advice for engineers entering robotics, emphasising interdisciplinary thinking, problem solving, and commitment over time. 

The Techne Connect Podcast 🎧

Thank you for listening to Techne Connect! This podcast takes you inside the companies and conversations shaping the future of engineering.

From space and defence to robotics, AI, clean energy, advanced manufacturing and next-generation mobility, each episode features the founders, engineers and technology leaders building tomorrow's world.

Through candid discussions on innovation, leadership, product development and career journeys, the podcast uncovers the ideas, challenges and breakthroughs driving the world's fastest-moving industries. Whether you're an engineer, founder, investor or simply fascinated by emerging technology.

Techne Connect offers a front-row seat to the people creating what's next.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Techne Connect, Aldus von der Burg, founder and CEO of Meili Robots, shares how he built a fleet management platform now used across Europe, North America, and Asia.

He talks through Meili’s pivots, the shift toward platform-based deployment, and why interoperability is becoming essential for mobile robots in warehouses, hospitals, and outdoor environments.

Aldus reflects on leadership, fundraising, and the lessons learned from taking ideas through failure, iteration, and international growth. He also gives direct advice for young engineers on skills, coding languages, and building a strong network. He offers clear views on AI hype, humanoid robots, and the trends that will shape robotics over the next decade. This episode provides grounded insight for anyone considering a career in robotics or automation.

The Techne Connect Podcast 🎧

Thank you for listening to Techne Connect! This podcast takes you inside the companies and conversations shaping the future of engineering.

From space and defence to robotics, AI, clean energy, advanced manufacturing and next-generation mobility, each episode features the founders, engineers and technology leaders building tomorrow's world.

Through candid discussions on innovation, leadership, product development and career journeys, the podcast uncovers the ideas, challenges and breakthroughs driving the world's fastest-moving industries. Whether you're an engineer, founder, investor or simply fascinated by emerging technology.

Techne Connect offers a front-row seat to the people creating what's next.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Techne Connect, we speak with Gary Paffett, two time DTM champion, long serving Formula 1 test and reserve driver, and now Racing Director at CUPRA KIRO in Formula E. Gary shares his journey from early karting with his family to winning national titles, securing major manufacturer support and building a 15 year career with Mercedes in DTM.

He talks about the step into leadership, how years spent inside elite teams shaped his management approach and why culture, accountability and attention to detail drive performance. Gary explains the differences between touring cars and Formula E, the technical demands of energy management, control systems and simulation led preparation, and how he is guiding Koerra through its transition to a Porsche customer team.

He also reflects on resilience, long term focus and the patience needed to secure his second DTM title 13 years after the first. This episode offers practical insight into elite racing environments, team dynamics and the future of Formula E as the series moves toward Gen4.

The Techne Connect Podcast 🎧

Thank you for listening to Techne Connect! This podcast takes you inside the companies and conversations shaping the future of engineering.

From space and defence to robotics, AI, clean energy, advanced manufacturing and next-generation mobility, each episode features the founders, engineers and technology leaders building tomorrow's world.

Through candid discussions on innovation, leadership, product development and career journeys, the podcast uncovers the ideas, challenges and breakthroughs driving the world's fastest-moving industries. Whether you're an engineer, founder, investor or simply fascinated by emerging technology.

Techne Connect offers a front-row seat to the people creating what's next.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.