Hardware Podcasts

Softbank distancing itself from Pepper, AutoStore's Mike Demko, robotics industry services

The Robot Report Podcast · 25 Jun 2021 · 1h 00m

What this episode covers

Steve Crowe and Mike Oitsman discuss SoftBank Robotics Europe's 40% staff reduction and strategic pivot away from emotional humanoids like Pepper toward commercially viable systems, alongside Hyundai's acquisition of Boston Dynamics. Jason dePreaux of Interact Analysis details the $4.5 billion warehouse automation services market, highlighting growth in remote support, spare parts, and on-site operations driven by e-commerce. Mike Demko, head of AutoStore’s MFC business line, explains how their automated storage and retrieval system (ASRS) enables micro-fulfillment in grocery, offering high density, inventory accuracy, and 3x productivity gains by eliminating picker travel time.

Most relevant to

large enterprises

Topics

Mentioned

Companies
SoftBank Robotics Europe, Hyundai, Boston Dynamics, We.Ride, Dusty Robotics, Interact Analysis, AutoStore, Robot Lab, Bear Robotics, Fresh Direct, DoorDorganics, Instacart, Amazon, Walmart
Products
Pepper, Now, Field Printer, Whiz, P-Pod
Also
Mike Demko, Jason dePreaux, Steve Crowe, Mike Oitsman

Related episodes from other shows

Other shows on the same ground, closest first.

  • Manufacturing Happy Hour · 42m

    282: Inside a Warehouse Automation Project: How Sumitomo Drive Technologies Is Transforming Logistics and Reshoring Operations

    Tony Barlett, COO, and Shawn Lambert, Operations Project Manager, from Sumitomo Drive Technologies, detail their ongoing warehouse automation project at their Chesapeake, Virginia headquarters. The initiative replaces 30,000 square feet of high-bay racking with a dense AutoStore system and Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs), integrated via Swisslog, to compress inventory into a 7,500 square foot footprint. The guests explain how this shift from pen-and-paper operations to a digital interface addresses labor shortages, improves safety, and enables the company to grow 50% over the next five years without a proportional increase in headcount.

    Scaling productionLogistics & fulfilment
    8 chapters

  • The Next Byte Podcast · 43m

    242. Mouser’s Matt Bell & The Next Generation of Automated Warehouses

    Matt Bell, Vice President of Outbound Operations at Mouser Electronics, explains how the company scaled its 115,000-square-foot warehouse to ship 20,000–25,000 orders daily using a mix of automation and human-centric design. He details the deployment of 220 vertical lift modules (VLMs) and auto store systems, emphasizing a philosophy of using technology to augment workers rather than replace them. Bell also discusses the strategic decision to develop in-house software for the auto store to maintain flexibility, and shares leadership advice on listening to frontline employees and developing critical thinking skills.

    Scaling productionFactory operations & automation
    9 chapters

  • Manufacturing Happy Hour · 42m

    244: Automate LIVE 2025: Warehousing Innovations, AI at the Edge, and Interoperability

    Melonee Wise of Agility Robotics discusses the practical logistics applications of humanoid robots, emphasizing a tiered approach to complexity and the critical importance of new ISO safety standards for cooperative deployment. Glen Guernsey of JR Automation highlights advancements in warehouse automation, specifically random SKU palletization and automated truck loading/unloading, driven by labor shortages. Zoie Rittling of OnLogic and Michael Maxey of ZEDEDA explain the concept of 'right-sizing' AI at the edge to eliminate mundane operational tasks without over-engineering. Finally, Robert Ponsonby of Arduino details how open-source interoperability allows manufacturers to integrate legacy systems with modern cloud infrastructure, accelerating deployment and reducing costs.

    Robotics & autonomyAI & machine learning
    5 chapters

  • Manufacturing Happy Hour · 30m

    BONUS: The Future of Intralogistics featuring Siemens' Joel Thomas and Markus Thiel

    Joel Thomas and Markus Thiel from Siemens Intralogistics discuss the evolution of warehouse operations from manual handling to digital-first design, driven by e-commerce growth and labor shortages. They explain how Siemens uses its own European factory to test and refine technologies like AMRs, edge computing, and digital twins before offering them to customers. The conversation highlights the industry's shift toward standardization to manage multi-vendor fleets and the emerging role of software-defined automation and IT/OT convergence in solving engineering challenges.

    Scaling productionConnected products & IoT
    7 chapters

  • Manufacturing Happy Hour · 1h 21m

    BONUS: Leaders in Robotics, AMRs, and Logistics, Pt. 2 of 2 (brought to you by A3)

    Host Chris Luecke and co-host Jake Hall interview leaders from Vecna Robotics, Waypoint Robotics, WiBotic, Fetch Robotics, Dexterity, and FedEx at the 2021 AMRs and Logistics Conference. Daniel Theobald of Vecna Robotics discusses the critical need for AMR interoperability and the role of Mass Robotics in setting standards. Jason Walker of Waypoint Robotics explains the company's acquisition by Locust Robotics and the importance of flexibility in AMR deployment. Ben Waters of WiBotic details wireless charging solutions for diverse fleets, including space applications, while Melonee Wise of Fetch Robotics reflects on her company's acquisition by Zebra Technologies and the evolving safety standards for AMRs. Michael Patrick Perry of Dexterity outlines the stages of autonomous transformation in warehousing, and Aaron Prather of FedEx emphasizes the industry's return to in-person collaboration and the necessity of solving specific customer pain points.

    Scaling productionPolicy, trade & tariffs
    6 chapters

The summary, chapters and topics are generated from the episode’s audio by this directory, not written by The Robot Report Podcast. The episode itself belongs to its publisher.