# The Power of STEM: Shaping the Next Generation

- Show: [The Robot Report Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast)
- Published: 2025-11-07
- Length: 1h 23m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2025-11-07-the-power-of-stem-shaping-the-next-generation
- Listen: https://soundcloud.com/robot-report-podcast/the-power-of-stem-shaping-the-next-generation

## Summary

Steve Crowe and Mike Oitzman discuss the financial struggles of Teradyne Robotics and the potential bankruptcy of iRobot, highlighting iRobot's failure to innovate beyond the Roomba. The episode then features an interview with Dhaval Jadav, CEO of Alliant Group, and Dr. Robert Ambrose, Professor at Texas A&M, who argue that STEM education and competitive robotics are critical for reshoring manufacturing and addressing the US engineering workforce shortage compared to China.

## Chapters

- [0:08](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2025-11-07-the-power-of-stem-shaping-the-next-generation#t=8) Introduction and Burn Bot Demo
- [5:46](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2025-11-07-the-power-of-stem-shaping-the-next-generation#t=346) Teradyne Robotics Layoffs and Revenue Decline
- [18:21](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2025-11-07-the-power-of-stem-shaping-the-next-generation#t=1101) iRobot Financial Crisis and Lack of Innovation
- [38:59](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2025-11-07-the-power-of-stem-shaping-the-next-generation#t=2339) STEM Education and Workforce Shortages
- [44:59](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2025-11-07-the-power-of-stem-shaping-the-next-generation#t=2699) Competitive Robotics and Diversity in STEM
- [1:00:21](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2025-11-07-the-power-of-stem-shaping-the-next-generation#t=3621) US vs China Robotics Strategy and Entrepreneurship
- [1:06:34](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2025-11-07-the-power-of-stem-shaping-the-next-generation#t=3994) The Role of Technicians and Community Involvement

## Topics

- [Careers & education](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/engineering-careers-and-education)
- [Growth, exits & acquisitions](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/growth-exits-and-acquisitions)
- [Policy, trade & tariffs](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/policy-trade-and-tariffs)
- [Hiring & workforce](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/hiring-and-workforce)

## Most relevant to

large enterprises, companies scaling up

## Mentioned

- Teradyne Robotics (company)
- Universal Robots (product)
- iRobot (company)
- Roomba (product)
- Alliant Group (company)
- Texas A&M (company)
- FIRST Robotics (product)
- Boston Dynamics (company)
- Google (company)
- X-Pang (company)
- Tesla (company)
- Kiwi Crate (product)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [BONUS: Hear what Investors, Educators, and High Growth Companies have to say about the future of Robotics, Automation, and AI, Pt. 1 of 2 (brought to you by Cascadia Capital)](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2022-06-21-bonus-hear-what-investors-educators-and-high-growth-companies-have-to-say-about) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)
- [254: From Steel City to Robotics Powerhouse: Pittsburgh’s Industrial Legacy featuring Jay Douglass, COO of ARM Institute](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2025-09-23-254-from-steel-city-to-robotics-powerhouse-pittsburghs-industrial-legacy-featuri) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)
- [From Sports Writing to the Association for Advancing Automation with A3 President Jeff Burnstein](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2021-10-05-from-sports-writing-to-the-association-for-advancing-automation-with-a3-presiden) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)
- [BONUS: A Look Inside the 2022 A3 Business Forum](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2022-02-22-bonus-a-look-inside-the-2022-a3-business-forum) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)
- [Leadership Perspectives on Robotics, Highlights from Automate LIVE in Detroit, MI](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2023-05-09-leadership-perspectives-on-robotics-highlights-from-automate-live-in-detroit-mi) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)

## Citing this page

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