# Why Softbank is shopping Boston Dynamics; FedEx's Aaron Prather

- Show: [The Robot Report Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast)
- Published: 2020-11-11
- Length: 1h 09m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2020-11-11-why-softbank-is-shopping-boston-dynamics-fedexs-aaron-prather
- Listen: https://soundcloud.com/robot-report-podcast/why-softbank-is-shopping-boston-dynamics-fedexs-aaron-prather

## Summary

Aaron Prather, FedEx’s senior advisor of technology, research and planning, discusses the company's deployment of robotic arms from +one Robotics and autonomous tuggers, while highlighting the critical need for workforce development programs like ECAMI and AARC. The hosts analyze Softbank's reported plan to sell Boston Dynamics to Hyundai, debating whether the move stems from commercialization struggles or Softbank's broader financial pressures. They also explore the industry-wide challenge of AMR interoperability, FedEx's leadership of the RIA task force on the subject, and a Yale study revealing that human bullying, not robot malfunction, is the primary threat to service robots.

## Chapters

- [0:07](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2020-11-11-why-softbank-is-shopping-boston-dynamics-fedexs-aaron-prather#t=7) Introduction and Vaccine Logistics
- [5:09](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2020-11-11-why-softbank-is-shopping-boston-dynamics-fedexs-aaron-prather#t=309) FedEx Robotics Deployments and Startup Advice
- [12:27](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2020-11-11-why-softbank-is-shopping-boston-dynamics-fedexs-aaron-prather#t=747) Boston Dynamics Sale and Retail Robotics Lessons
- [16:27](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2020-11-11-why-softbank-is-shopping-boston-dynamics-fedexs-aaron-prather#t=987) AMR Interoperability and the RIA Task Force
- [34:44](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2020-11-11-why-softbank-is-shopping-boston-dynamics-fedexs-aaron-prather#t=2084) Workforce Development and Future Automation Challenges
- [45:57](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2020-11-11-why-softbank-is-shopping-boston-dynamics-fedexs-aaron-prather#t=2757) Softbank, Boston Dynamics, and Hyundai Acquisition Speculation
- [54:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2020-11-11-why-softbank-is-shopping-boston-dynamics-fedexs-aaron-prather#t=3240) Autonomous Vehicle Funding and Human-Robot Interaction Study

## Topics

- [Scaling production](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/scaling-production)
- [Growth, exits & acquisitions](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/growth-exits-and-acquisitions)
- [Hiring & workforce](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/hiring-and-workforce)
- [Robotics & autonomy](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/robotics-and-autonomy)
- [Industrial & consumer product design](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/industrial-design)

## Most relevant to

companies scaling up

## Mentioned

- Boston Dynamics (company)
- Softbank (company)
- Hyundai (company)
- FedEx (company)
- +one Robotics (company)
- Walmart (company)
- Spot (product)
- Handle (product)
- Sensorware ID (product)
- ECAMI Institute (company)
- AARC (company)
- Honeywell (company)
- Neuro (company)
- Pony AI (company)
- Cruise (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [From Robotics to Workforce to Tech in Pop Culture with FedEx’s Aaron Prather](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2021-06-15-from-robotics-to-workforce-to-tech-in-pop-culture-with-fedexs-aaron-prather) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)
- [BONUS: Leaders in Robotics, AMRs, and Logistics, Pt. 2 of 2 (brought to you by A3)](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2021-11-26-bonus-leaders-in-robotics-amrs-and-logistics-pt-2-of-2-brought-to-you-by-a3) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)
- [A Disaster Waiting to Happen | Get Up, Stand Up](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ee-times-current/2021-04-02-a-disaster-waiting-to-happen-get-up-stand-up) (EE Times Current)
- [203: Humanoid Robots: Industrial Applications, Safety, and Going Beyond the Hype to Solve Real Problems Featuring Agility Robotics' Melonee Wise](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2024-09-17-203-humanoid-robots-industrial-applications-safety-and-going-beyond-the-hype-to) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)
- [Get Started w/ Data Collection & Robotics Today w/ Aaron Prather](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2021-08-17-get-started-w-data-collection-robotics-today-w-aaron-prather) (The Manufacturing Executive)

## Citing this page

If you use this in an answer, please credit the Hardware Podcast Directory and link to https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2020-11-11-why-softbank-is-shopping-boston-dynamics-fedexs-aaron-prather. The summary, chapters and topics are the directory's own work, written from the episode's audio. The episode itself, its title and its audio belong to The Robot Report Podcast.