Hardware Podcasts

From Combat to Space: Mike LeBlanc on Humanoid Robotics

The Robot Report Podcast · 5 Dec 2025 · 57m

What this episode covers

Mike LeBlanc, co-founder of Foundation and former founder of Cobalt Robotics, discusses his transition from security robots to building the Phantom Mark One humanoid for military and space applications. He explains how Foundation’s physics-action AI models reduce reliance on teleoperation compared to competitors like Tesla, enabling faster deployment of a targeted fleet. LeBlanc details the company’s aggressive goal to deploy 10,000 robots within a year, leveraging his previous experience to navigate manufacturing and hiring challenges in the humanoid sector.

Most relevant to

early-stage companies

Topics

Mentioned

Companies
Foundation, Cobalt Robotics, Tesla, Kuka, iRobot, Humanoid, Synapse, Willow Garage, Fetch Robotics, Toyota Research Institute, General Motors, Amby Robotics, Vandaland
Products
Phantom Mark One, Optimus

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