Episode 201 of The Robot Report Podcast features guests Laura Major, recently named CEO of robotaxi company Motional, and Sankaet Pathek, founder and CEO of recently decloaked humanoid robot developer Foundation.
Co-host Mike Oitzman interviews Major about Motional’s advances in autonomous vehicle (AV) technology. She discusses the company‘s focus on artificial intelligence and machine learning, emphasizing the shift from technical to business leadership.
Motional has conducted pilot testing in Las Vegas and Pittsburgh, focusing on diverse environments to enhance its AI’s generalizability. Major also highlights the importance of combining simulation with real-world testing.
Motional’s AVs used the Ionic 5 electric platform for efficiency. It has a strong safety record, with no at-fault accidents over 2 million miles. Regulatory frameworks vary by state, but the company has collaborated with local and state officials to improve deployment.
Watch the video interview with Major on our YouTube channel:
Pathek discusses the mission and vision behind Foundation. He shares insights with editors Oitzman and Eugene Demaitre into his background, challenges and opportunities in the robotics industry, and the technologies being developed at his company.
In addition, Pathek describes the importance of building a capable team, why Foundation is focusing on practical applications of humanoids, and the innovations that differentiate Foundation from competitors.
He also talks about the integration of AI, safety considerations, and the challenges of scaling production. Pathek also offers recommendations on how startups can navigate the venture capital landscape and how to achieve cost efficiency in humanoids.
Show timeline
- 6:30 – News of the week
- 14:50 – Interview with Laura Major
- 37:10 – Interview with Sankaet Pathek, founder and CEO of the new humanoid robot company Foundation
News of the week
Robot sales for the automotive industry remain high in Europe
Investments in automation within Europe‘s car industry continue to be robust, as reported by the International Federation of Robotics (IFR). In 2024, the automotive sector saw 23,000 new industrial robot installations, marking the second-highest result in five years.
Automakers are responsible for approximately one-third of Europe’s annual manufacturing installations. The 23,000 robot installations in the European car sector in 2024 surpassed the 19,200 units installed in North America during the same period.
The IFR previously noted that industrial robot installations in the U.S. automotive industry rising by 10.7% to 13,700 units in 2024. However, the U.S. does not produce most of these robots, with the majority sourced from overseas. Globally, 70% of robot installations are manufactured by Japan, China, Germany, and South Korea.
In 2023, six European countries were among the top 10 globally for robot density in the automotive industry. European Union member states play prominent role in automation across all sectors, accounting for about 85% of all regional installations in 2024.
SoftBank plans $1T industrial complex in Arizona
Masayoshi Son, founder of SoftBank, is reportedly planning to establish a $1 trillion industrial complex in Arizona, focusing on the development of robots and artificial intelligence. This ambitious project, codenamed “Project Crystal Land,” aims to re-establish high-end tech manufacturing in the U.S., drawing inspiration from China’s manufacturing hub in Shenzhen.
Son is actively seeking collaboration with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), although the specific nature of TSMC’s involvement and its interest remain unclear. TSMC has already committed to investing in U.S. chipmaking facilities, with a planned expenditure of $165 billion. In addition to TSMC, Son is also exploring potential partnerships with other tech giants, including Samsung Electronics.
Motional names Laura Major as new president, CEO
Boston-based Motional this month named Major as president and CEO. She was appointed by Motional’s board of directors following a successful tenure as chief technology officer. The announcement comes as the AV company prepares to launch its driverless commercial service in 2026.
Major had served as Motional’s interim CEO since September 2024, when she took over for Karl Iagnemma, who stepped down. Iagnemma is now CEO of Vecna Robotics, a provider of warehouse automation systems. Major has been CTO of Motional since the company’s inception in 2020.
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The post The road ahead for robotics: Insights from Motional’s Major and Foundation’s Pathak appeared first on The Robot Report.