# The Evolution of RE2 Robotics

- Show: [The Robot Report Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast)
- Published: 2021-04-08
- Length: 1h 15m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2021-04-08-the-evolution-of-re2-robotics
- Listen: https://soundcloud.com/robot-report-podcast/the-evolution-of-re2-robotics

## Summary

Jorgen Pedersen, president and CEO of RE2 Robotics, and Travis Schneider, business development manager, discuss the company's evolution from a defense-focused contractor to a commercial robotics provider. They detail the launch of the Sapien line of intelligent robotic arms, designed for outdoor applications like solar installation and energy maintenance, which leverage autonomy and computer vision. The conversation covers the strategic pivot from 100% defense work to a mixed revenue model, highlighting how military-grade IP was adapted for commercial markets like aviation, construction, and nuclear remediation.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2021-04-08-the-evolution-of-re2-robotics#t=0) Introduction and Sponsor Reads
- [10:02](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2021-04-08-the-evolution-of-re2-robotics#t=602) Introduction: Jorgen Pedersen and Travis Schneider of RE2 Robotics
- [11:50](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2021-04-08-the-evolution-of-re2-robotics#t=710) Pivoting from Defense to Commercial Markets
- [23:21](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2021-04-08-the-evolution-of-re2-robotics#t=1401) The Sapien Line of Intelligent Robotic Arms
- [29:17](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2021-04-08-the-evolution-of-re2-robotics#t=1757) Commercial Applications: Solar, Energy, and Medical
- [35:05](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2021-04-08-the-evolution-of-re2-robotics#t=2105) Supervised Autonomy and Human-in-the-Loop
- [46:05](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2021-04-08-the-evolution-of-re2-robotics#t=2765) Maritime and Underwater Robotics (Sapien C-Class)
- [51:09](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2021-04-08-the-evolution-of-re2-robotics#t=3069) Fukushima Remediation and Company Pride

## Topics

- [Robotics & autonomy](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/robotics-and-autonomy)
- [Starting a product company](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/starting-a-company)
- [Scaling production](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/scaling-production)
- [AI & machine learning](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/ai-and-machine-learning)

## Most relevant to

companies scaling up

## Mentioned

- RE2 Robotics (company)
- Sapien (product)
- Ari Squared Robotics (company)
- Carnegie Mellon University (company)
- Fukushima Daiichi (other)
- Sarkos Robotics (company)
- Automotors (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Modularity in Robotics: A Vision for the Future](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/over-the-air/2021-08-03-modularity-in-robotics-a-vision-for-the-future) (Over the Air)
- [Episode 156: Rugged robots for dangerous missions - Gavin Kenneally](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2026-05-15-episode-156-rugged-robots-for-dangerous-missions-gavin-kenneally) (Robot Talk)
- [Episode Forty-Two: Thom Kirwan-Evans](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2023-03-24-episode-forty-two-thom-kirwan-evans) (Robot Talk)
- [An Interview with Gerry Roston](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2017-02-04-an-interview-with-gerry-roston) (The Amp Hour)
- [Barrett Ames (CTO / REK)](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/just-gonna-send-it/2026-05-27-barrett-ames-cto-rek) (Just Gonna Send It)

## Citing this page

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