Hardware Podcasts

Spencer Krause: Why Hardware is the New Engineering Frontier

The Robot Report Podcast · 16 Jan 2026 · 1h 15m

What this episode covers

Spencer Krause, CEO and co-founder of SKA Robotics and Tension Dynamics, discusses the critical role of hardware in the post-AI robotics era, arguing that robust actuation and mechanical design are bottlenecks for embodied AI. He details SKA's 'mercenary' engineering model, which leverages elite talent to solve complex field robotics problems for clients like Siemens Energy and Sarkos, while highlighting specific technical challenges such as condensation-induced short circuits in ruggedized environments. Krause also introduces Tension Dynamics' novel linear actuator, which uses Vectran fiber in a capstan drive to achieve high efficiency and compressed ratios, positioning it for motion simulation and flight training applications.

Most relevant to

companies scaling up

Topics

Mentioned

Companies
SKA Robotics, Tension Dynamics, Siemens Energy, Sarkos, Tronics 3D, Unitree, Agility Robotics, Engine AI, Carnegie Mellon University, DARPA, Honda, NASA, KEF Robotics, Hellbender, Neurotechnology, Trimble, Sunday Robotics
Products
Project Aloha, TD 45, Pulsar
Materials
Vectran

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