# ASTM's Aaron Prather on standards and evaluating new robots

- Show: [The Robot Report Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast)
- Published: 2023-02-09
- Length: 1h 04m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2023-02-09-astms-aaron-prather-on-standards-and-evaluating-new-robots
- Listen: https://soundcloud.com/robot-report-podcast/astms-aaron-prather-on-standards-and-evaluating-new-robots

## Summary

Aaron Prather, Director of Robotics and Autonomous Systems at ASTM International, discusses his transition from his previous role as Senior Technical Advisor at FedEx to leading the F45 committee. He explains how ASTM is developing test and performance standards for mobile robots and graspers to help OEMs prove safety and interoperability to end users like FedEx and Amazon. Prather also shares advice for robotics startups on navigating enterprise sales, emphasizing the importance of financial stability, avoiding arrogance, and securing buy-in from frontline employees rather than just executives.

## Chapters

- [0:07](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2023-02-09-astms-aaron-prather-on-standards-and-evaluating-new-robots#t=7) Introduction and News: Marty Robot and Soft Robotics
- [19:21](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2023-02-09-astms-aaron-prather-on-standards-and-evaluating-new-robots#t=1161) Aaron Prather's Role at ASTM and the F45 Committee
- [25:12](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2023-02-09-astms-aaron-prather-on-standards-and-evaluating-new-robots#t=1512) Developing Test Standards for Safety and Interoperability
- [38:39](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2023-02-09-astms-aaron-prather-on-standards-and-evaluating-new-robots#t=2319) The FedEx DART Lab and Master Robotics Interoperability Demo
- [47:44](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2023-02-09-astms-aaron-prather-on-standards-and-evaluating-new-robots#t=2864) Advice for Startups: Vetting, Frontline Buy-in, and Sales Strategy

## Topics

- [Certification & compliance](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/certification-and-compliance)
- [Validation & product-market fit](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/validation-and-product-market-fit)
- [Connected products & IoT](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/connected-products-and-iot)
- [Scaling production](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/scaling-production)
- [Medical & health devices](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/medical-devices)

## Most relevant to

large enterprises, early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- ASTM International (company)
- FedEx (company)
- F45 Committee (other)
- Harvard (company)
- Massachusetts General Hospital (company)
- Marty Robot (product)
- Badger Technologies (company)
- Jabil (company)
- Vecna (company)
- MiR (company)
- Yaskawa (company)
- Master Robotics (company)
- ISO (company)
- ANSI (company)
- UL (company)
- OSHA (company)
- DART Lab (other)
- Locust Robotics (company)
- Berkshire Grey (company)
- Boston Dynamics (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [The State of Robotics in 2025: Live from the Robotics Summit & Expo in Boston, MA](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2025-08-05-the-state-of-robotics-in-2025-live-from-the-robotics-summit-expo-in-boston-ma) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)
- [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)
- [AM Meets AI, Robotics, & Beyond: A Conversation with Dr. Mohsen Seifi](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/additive-snack/2025-08-26-am-meets-ai-robotics-beyond-a-conversation-with-dr-mohsen-seifi) (Additive Snack)
- [Overcoming Technology Hesitancy with Plus One Robotics CEO Erik Nieves](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2022-01-25-overcoming-technology-hesitancy-with-plus-one-robotics-ceo-erik-nieves) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)

## Citing this page

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