# Exploring the future of humanoid robotics with Novanta

- Show: [The Robot Report Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast)
- Published: 2025-07-25
- Length: 31m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2025-07-25-exploring-the-future-of-humanoid-robotics-with-novanta
- Listen: https://soundcloud.com/robot-report-podcast/exploring-the-future-of-humanoid-robotics-with-novanta

## Summary

Nick Damiano, Senior Business Development Manager at Novanta Robotics & Automation, discusses the critical role of high-performance components in the development of safe and functional humanoid robots. He explains how Novanta’s force torque sensors and miniature drives address specific challenges like power efficiency, strength density, and joint-level safety ratings. Damiano emphasizes that robust sensory input is essential for AI-driven behavioral control and warns that safety certification must be integrated from the prototype stage to avoid costly delays.

## Chapters

- [0:33](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2025-07-25-exploring-the-future-of-humanoid-robotics-with-novanta#t=33) Introduction and Novanta Overview
- [1:51](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2025-07-25-exploring-the-future-of-humanoid-robotics-with-novanta#t=111) Humanoid Applications and Sensor Needs
- [5:04](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2025-07-25-exploring-the-future-of-humanoid-robotics-with-novanta#t=304) Motion Challenges in Humanoids vs. Industrial Robots
- [6:52](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2025-07-25-exploring-the-future-of-humanoid-robotics-with-novanta#t=412) Commercial Viability and Cost Pressures
- [11:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2025-07-25-exploring-the-future-of-humanoid-robotics-with-novanta#t=660) Safety-Rated Servo Drives and Joint Control
- [14:17](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2025-07-25-exploring-the-future-of-humanoid-robotics-with-novanta#t=857) Force Torque Sensing for Dexterous Manipulation
- [22:44](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2025-07-25-exploring-the-future-of-humanoid-robotics-with-novanta#t=1364) Sensory Strategy and Safety Certification
- [26:58](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2025-07-25-exploring-the-future-of-humanoid-robotics-with-novanta#t=1618) AI, Simulation, and Hardware Selection Advice

## Topics

- [Sensors & measurement in products](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sensors)
- [Robotics & autonomy](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/robotics-and-autonomy)
- [PCB design & layout](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/pcb-design)
- [AI & machine learning](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/ai-and-machine-learning)
- [Pricing, margins & unit economics](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/pricing-and-unit-economics)

## Most relevant to

companies scaling up

## Mentioned

- Novanta Robotics & Automation (company)
- ATI (company)
- Kuka (company)
- Fanuc (company)
- ABB (company)
- Figure (company)
- Sanctuary (company)
- Novanta (company)
- Solera Motion (company)
- Celeramotion (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [191: The State of Robotics: Live From the 2024 Robotics Summit & Expo in Boston, MA](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2024-06-25-191-the-state-of-robotics-live-from-the-2024-robotics-summit-expo-in-boston-ma) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)
- [Ep. 17: Today's Humanoid Robots Have Toddler Hands, Not Adult Ones.](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robo-success-podcast/2026-09-08-ep-17-todays-humanoid-robots-have-toddler-hands-not-adult-ones) (The Robo Success Podcast)
- [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)
- [Event-Driven E-Skins Protect Both Robots and Humans](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ee-times-current/2025-07-08-event-driven-e-skins-protect-both-robots-and-humans) (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)

## Citing this page

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