Automated with Brian Heater

Brian Heater
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Get a direct line to the biggest names and brightest minds in robotics, AI, and automation. Automated with Brian Heater brings you long-form conversations and unfiltered insights into how we got here, where we’re going, and what’s behind the technologies impacting how we live and work.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. Bren Pierce on Why Humanoid Robots Are Overhyped and What Actually Works in Robotics

    12H AGO

    Bren Pierce on Why Humanoid Robots Are Overhyped and What Actually Works in Robotics

    Humanoid robots are everywhere right now. From viral demos to bold promises about home automation, it often feels like the future has already arrived. But behind the scenes, the reality is far more complex. In this episode of Automated, Brian Heater speaks with Bren Pierce, founder of Kinisi Robotics and co-founder of Bear Robotics, about what it actually takes to build and deploy robots in the real world. Bren explains why many humanoid robot demonstrations are misleading. While the technology has made major advances in movement and control, real-world deployment is still limited by manipulation, reliability, and the complexity of unstructured environments. The conversation explores why household robotics may be further away than most people think. Despite impressive demos, creating a robot that can operate independently in a dynamic home environment remains an unsolved challenge that could take years to fully unlock. They also discuss the gap between robotics innovation and practical business applications. Many companies are still experimenting, often driven by internal pressure to adopt AI and automation, even when the return on investment is unclear. Bren shares lessons from building multiple robotics companies, including why focusing on real problems matters more than chasing hype. Instead of targeting futuristic home use cases, Kinisi is focused on warehouse and industrial environments where the technology can deliver value today. The episode also dives into the challenges of scaling robotics systems. From deployment complexity to training and usability, the biggest barrier is not just building the technology, but making it reliable and usable without requiring expert engineers. Brian and Bren also explore the parallels between robotics and autonomous vehicles, highlighting how long it can take for breakthrough technologies to transition from demos to real-world impact. This conversation offers a grounded perspective on where robotics actually stands today and what it will take to move from impressive demos to real deployment. Connect with Bren Pierce https://www.linkedin.com/in/brenpierce/ Learn more about Kinisi Robotics https://www.kinisirobotics.com/ We’d love to hear from you. Have thoughts or guest suggestions? Reach us at podcast@automate.org. You can find the transcript and more episodes of Automated at automated.fm. Unlock full access to Automated and explore everything automation.  Subscribe today and leave a review on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. Subscribe to the Automated Newsletter: https://www.automate.org/automation/newsletter-automation-roundup You can also find us on: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/automated-podcast-by-a3/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/automatedpod/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    57 min
  2. Ali Kashani on Last Mile Delivery, Robotics at Scale, and the Future of Autonomous Delivery

    APR 15

    Ali Kashani on Last Mile Delivery, Robotics at Scale, and the Future of Autonomous Delivery

    Last-mile delivery is one of the most expensive and inefficient parts of the global supply chain. While goods can travel across oceans for just a few dollars, getting them from a local hub to a customer’s door remains disproportionately costly. In this episode of Automated, Brian Heater speaks with Ali Kashani, CEO of Serve Robotics, about the realities of deploying delivery robots in the real world and what it takes to scale autonomous systems beyond early pilots. Ali explains how Serve Robotics evolved from an internal Postmates project into an independent company operating thousands of robots in live environments. This transition reflects a broader shift in robotics from controlled experimentation to real-world deployment at scale. The conversation explores why building in the real world is essential for robotics. Lab environments often miss critical edge cases, while public deployment reveals the unpredictable human behavior, operational challenges, and environmental complexity that define real performance. They also discuss the economic implications of reducing last-mile delivery costs. Lowering delivery from $10 to closer to $1 could unlock new demand, expand local economies, and create new categories of jobs that support and operate these systems. The episode also examines safety, public perception, and the long-term impact of autonomous delivery on cities. From reducing reliance on cars to improving walkability and safety, these systems may reshape how urban environments function. Brian and Ali also explore scaling challenges, lessons from acquisitions, and the operational realities of running thousands of robots in public. From unexpected real-world incidents to long-term infrastructure shifts, this conversation offers a grounded look at what it takes to bring robotics into everyday life. We’d love to hear from you. Have thoughts or guest suggestions? Reach us at podcast@automate.org. You can find the transcript and more episodes of Automated at automated.fm. Unlock full access to Automated and explore everything automation. Subscribe today and leave a review on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. Subscribe to the Automated Newsletter: https://www.automate.org/automation/newsletter-automation-roundup You can also find us on: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/automated-podcast-by-a3/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/automatedpod/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    46 min
  3. Zachary Jackowski on Generalization in Robotics and the Reality of Deploying Robots in the Real World

    APR 8

    Zachary Jackowski on Generalization in Robotics and the Reality of Deploying Robots in the Real World

    Robotics is advancing quickly, but building systems that can operate reliably in the real world remains one of the most complex challenges in technology. In this episode of Automated, Brian Heater speaks with Zachary Jackowski of Boston Dynamics about the shift from research to commercialization and why generalization is emerging as the defining problem in modern robotics. Zachary explains how Boston Dynamics approaches robot design, from early research platforms like Atlas R1 to more refined production systems. Early versions prioritize exploration and performance, while newer iterations focus on reliability, repairability, and deployment in real environments. This evolution reflects a broader shift across the industry toward building systems that can move beyond controlled demos and operate consistently in the field. The conversation explores why generalization is critical for robotics. Training robots on a single task does not prepare them for real-world variability. Instead, diverse data, multiple environments, and exposure to different behaviors are required to build systems that can adapt and perform across use cases. They also discuss the challenge of data collection and deployment, including the chicken-and-egg problem of needing real-world data to improve systems that are not yet ready for large-scale deployment. Incremental rollout, focused applications, and controlled environments are key steps in bridging that gap. The episode also examines why industrial environments are the starting point for humanoid robots. Factories provide structure, repeatability, and trained operators, while home environments introduce unpredictability that current systems are not yet equipped to handle at scale. Brian and Zachary also explore how different robot platforms, including humanoids, quadrupeds, and wheeled systems, each serve distinct roles. Rather than a single dominant design, the future of robotics will likely involve multiple systems working together and benefiting from shared data and learning. From actuator design and system simplification to deployment strategy and data diversity, this conversation offers a grounded look at what it takes to bring robotics into real-world applications. Key Moments: (00:00) Boston Dynamics and the shift to commercialization (02:11) Zachary’s path into robotics and Boston Dynamics (04:16) From research to product development (07:19) Research versus commercialization in robotics (08:53) Why early robots are built differently (11:16) Designing better systems through iteration (13:22) Advances in actuator performance (14:36) Safety and robot design decisions (16:11) Why humanoid robots are just the starting point (17:21) Why generalization is the real breakthrough (20:10) The data collection challenge in robotics (21:31) Why data diversity matters more than volume (23:24) Why robots are going to factories first 25:52 Why robots are not ready for homes 31:34 Why complexity increases in real-world robotics Sponsors: maxon designs and manufactures precision drive systems that enable reliable, high‑duty‑cycle performance in industrial automation, robotics, and smart manufacturing. https://www.maxongroup.com/ We’d love to hear from you. Have thoughts or guest suggestions? Reach us at podcast@automate.org. You can find the transcript and more episodes of Automated at automated.fm. Unlock full access to Automated and explore everything automation. Subscribe today and leave a review on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. Subscribe to the Automated Newsletter: https://www.automate.org/automation/newsletter-automation-roundup You can also find us on: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/automated-podcast-by-a3/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/automatedpod/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    37 min
  4. Ranjay Krishna on Why Robots Still Fail in the Real World and the Data Problem Holding Them Back

    APR 1

    Ranjay Krishna on Why Robots Still Fail in the Real World and the Data Problem Holding Them Back

    Robotics is advancing quickly, but real-world deployment is still far more difficult than most people expect. In this episode of Automated, Brian Heater speaks with Ranjay Krishna, a professor at the University of Washington and former researcher at Ai2, about the fundamental challenges preventing robots from working reliably outside controlled environments, and why solving the data problem is key to unlocking the next wave of robotics. Much of the work discussed in this episode was developed during his time at Ai2. Ranjay explains why today’s robots struggle with tasks that humans find intuitive, from learning by observation to understanding perspective and adapting to new environments. While AI models have made massive progress in language and vision, robotics introduces a new layer of complexity where actions change the world in real time and small errors compound over time. The conversation explores the limitations of current approaches, including why training robots in simulation often fails to translate to the real world, and how the lack of diverse environments creates major gaps in performance. Ranjay shares how his team at the Allen Institute is addressing this by building large-scale simulated environments designed to better reflect the variability of real-world spaces. They also discuss the concept of an ImageNet moment for robotics, and what it would take to create the kind of large, diverse datasets that transformed AI. By generating hundreds of thousands of simulated environments and scaling data collection, his team is exploring whether robots can learn more effectively in simulation and generalize those skills into the physical world. The conversation also covers why robotics requires more than just better models, including challenges in hardware, sensing, and real-world interaction. From embodiment and perception to reasoning and adaptation, it is a grounded look at why robotics remains one of the hardest problems in AI and what needs to happen next for the industry to move forward. We’d love to hear from you. Have thoughts or guest suggestions? Reach us at podcast@automate.org. You can find the transcript and more episodes of Automated at automated.fm. Also, join us at MassRobotics for a happy hour with Brian Heater from A3. Wednesday, April 8 - 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM EDT Unlock full access to Automated and explore everything automation. Subscribe today and leave a review on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. Subscribe to the Automated Newsletter: https://www.automate.org/automation/newsletter-automation-roundup You can also find us on: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/automated-podcast-by-a3/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/automatedpod/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    43 min
  5. Erik Nieves on Why Humanoid Robots Are Failing the Most Important Test

    MAR 25

    Erik Nieves on Why Humanoid Robots Are Failing the Most Important Test

    Billions are flowing into humanoid robots. But on the factory floor, nobody cares what the robot looks like.  In this episode of Automated, Brian Heater speaks with Erik Nieves, CEO and co-founder of Plus One Robotics, about the gap between robotics investment and real-world deployment. Recorded live at the A3 Business Forum in Miami, Nieves explains why enterprise customers have one question and one question only: does it hit 2,200 picks per hour with three nines of uptime? From the Cambrian explosion happening across warehouse automation to why dexterity remains the biggest unsolved problem in robotics, Nieves gives one of the most grounded, honest assessments of where the industry actually stands. He also explains why human-in-the-loop systems are not a limitation but a competitive advantage, and why robots are about to end the era of labor arbitrage entirely. Key Moments: (00:00) Why Enterprise Customers Don't Care What the Robot Looks Like (00:38) From Astronomy to Robotics: Erik Nieves' Origin Story (04:44) CES Humanoid Demos vs Real-World Deployment (06:52) Has the Capital Outpaced the Technology (09:32) Plus One Robotics at Year Ten (11:15) What Has Changed and What Has Stayed the Same (12:25) KPIs Matter More Than Form Factor (13:28) Why Humanoids Cannot Meet Industrial Rates Yet (15:59) Dexterity Is the Real Problem Nobody Is Solving (19:33) Legs vs Wheels: The Debate That Won't Die (21:43) Why Robots Are Still Behind a Fence (23:06) The Fence Is Not There to Keep the Robot In (24:59) The Cambrian Explosion in Robotics (26:57) How Plus One Robotics Was Founded (29:42) Why Human in the Loop Was the Right Bet (34:27) Robots Will End the Era of Labor Arbitrage (36:01) Nearshoring vs Reshoring (37:53) Why San Antonio Is a Hidden Advantage (39:08) Talent, Universities, and the AI Pipeline (41:04) Why Hardware Companies Cannot Go Fully Remote (42:17) Mentorship Only Works in Person (46:34) The One KPI That Runs the Entire Company Sponsored by SANYO DENKI America: SANMOTION delivers precise, reliable multi-axis control for advanced robotics systems.  Learn more at https://www.sanyodenki.com/america/ We'd love to hear from you! Have thoughts or guest suggestions? Reach us at podcast@automate.org You can find the transcript and more episodes of Automated at automated.fm Unlock full access to Automated and explore everything automation. Subscribe today and leave a review on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. Subscribe to the Automated Newsletter:  https://www.automate.org/automation/newsletter-automation-roundup You can also find us on:  LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/automated-podcast-by-a3/  Instagram https://www.instagram.com/automatedpod/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    49 min
  6. iRobot CEO Gary Cohen on Turnarounds, Feature Wars, and the Future of Roomba

    MAR 18

    iRobot CEO Gary Cohen on Turnarounds, Feature Wars, and the Future of Roomba

    Robot vacuums have been on the market for over 20 years and are still in fewer than 20 percent of US homes. In this episode of Automated, Brian Heater speaks with Gary Cohen, CEO of iRobot and the brand behind Roomba, about what it actually takes to rebuild one of the most iconic names in consumer robotics. Gary breaks down the shift from feature-led to consumer-led product development, explaining why iRobot missed key market opportunities and how competitors used that window to take significant market share. He shares the full story behind the failed Amazon acquisition, the Chapter 11 restructuring, and how he rebuilt the company's entire product line in under 12 months to win Prime Day 2025. They also discuss why the robot vacuum market is far from saturated, why simplifying the setup and onboarding experience matters more than any new feature, and what the Gillette razor wars teach us about the robot vacuum arms race happening right now. Gary also addresses data privacy under the new ownership structure and previews what iRobot's roadmap looks like over the next two to three years, including a Japan-first product launch and the long-awaited iRobot lawnmower. We'd love to hear from you! Have thoughts or guest suggestions? Reach us at podcast@automate.org You can find the transcript and more episodes of Automated at automated.fm. Unlock full access to Automated and explore everything automation. Subscribe today and leave a review on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. Subscribe to the Automated Newsletter: https://www.automate.org/automation/newsletter-automation-roundup You can also find us on: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/automated-podcast-by-a3/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/automatedpod/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    43 min
  7. Mehul Nariyawala on Why Home Robots Must Be Vision-First and “Delegate, Not Collaborate”

    MAR 11

    Mehul Nariyawala on Why Home Robots Must Be Vision-First and “Delegate, Not Collaborate”

    Home robotics has been promised for decades, but most products still struggle to meet everyday expectations. In this episode of Automated, Brian Heater speaks with Mehul Nariyawala of Matic Robots about why the robot vacuum category became the beachhead for home robots, and what it actually takes to ship a product people trust. Mehul breaks down the shift from “default trust” to “default skepticism” in consumer hardware, and why robotics lives in the “march of nines,” where demos look impressive at 90%, but real products require relentless work to reach the reliability customers demand. He explains why people will collaborate with AI software, but they want robots to delegate tasks completely, which raises the bar dramatically for home robotics. They also talk through what makes Matic’s approach different, including why the company believes vision-only autonomy is the only economically viable path for indoor robots at scale, and how mapping, localization, and on-device intelligence lay the foundation for future home capabilities beyond vacuuming. The conversation closes with Mehul’s view of an “iPhone moment” in home robotics, and how Matic plans to keep improving through software updates while building toward what comes next. We’d love to hear from you! Have thoughts or guest suggestions? Reach us at podcast@automate.org. You can find the transcript and more episodes of Automated at automated.fm.  Unlock full access to Automated and explore everything automation. Subscribe today and leave a review on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. Subscribe to the Automated Newsletter: https://www.automate.org/automation/newsletter-automation-roundup You can also find us on: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/automated-podcast-by-a3/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/automatedpod/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    52 min
  8. Rob Cochran on Shipping a Developer-First Humanoid at Fauna Robotics

    MAR 4

    Rob Cochran on Shipping a Developer-First Humanoid at Fauna Robotics

    “We wanted to ship before we talked.” That’s how Rob Cochran, co-founder of Fauna Robotics, explains the company’s decision to stay in stealth until its humanoid robot was already in customers’ hands. In this episode of Automated, Brian Heater speaks with Cochran about launching a humanoid startup in one of the most competitive and uncertain moments in robotics. Instead of targeting factories or chasing headline-grabbing demonstrations, Fauna built Sprout, a lightweight, three-and-a-half-foot-tall humanoid designed for developers and real-world experimentation. The robot is soft to the touch, expressive, and modular by design, supporting teleoperation, mapping and navigation, voice interaction, and AI model development out of the box. The goal is not to claim that humanoids are solved, but to create a platform where researchers, startups, and enterprises can begin solving them. They discuss why shipping matters more than announcements, the realities of pricing and scaling hardware, how developer ecosystems accelerate the adoption of emerging technologies, and why modular AI stacks may be more practical than a single end-to-end model. The conversation also covers data ownership, teleoperation versus autonomy, early commercial deployments, and the long-term vision for consumer and home robotics. It is a pragmatic look at what it takes to move humanoids from concept videos to working systems in the world. Sponsored by SANYO DENKI America: SANMOTION delivers precise, reliable multi-axis control for advanced robotics systems. Learn more at https://www.sanyodenki.com/america/. We’d love to hear from you! Have thoughts or guest suggestions? Reach us at podcast@automate.org. You can find the transcript and more episodes of Automated at automated.fm.  Unlock full access to Automated and explore everything automation. Subscribe today and leave a review on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. Subscribe to the Automated Newsletter: https://www.automate.org/automation/newsletter-automation-roundup You can also find us on: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/automated-podcast-by-a3/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/automatedpod/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    49 min
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About

Get a direct line to the biggest names and brightest minds in robotics, AI, and automation. Automated with Brian Heater brings you long-form conversations and unfiltered insights into how we got here, where we’re going, and what’s behind the technologies impacting how we live and work.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Brian Heater
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    34
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Association for Advancing Automation
  • Show Website
    Automated with Brian Heater

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