The road ahead for robotics: Insights from Motional's Major and Foundation's Pathak

Episode 201 of The Robot Report Podcast features Laura Major, newly appointed CEO of robotaxi company Motional, and Sankaet Pathek, founder and CEO of humanoid robot developer Foundation. Major discusses Motional’s advancements in autonomous vehicle (AV) technology, highlighting the company’s emphasis on artificial intelligence and machine learning to improve AV performance across diverse environments. Motional combines simulation with real-world testing and uses the Ionic 5 electric platform for efficiency. The company boasts a strong safety record with no at-fault accidents over 2 million miles and collaborates closely with regulators to navigate varying state frameworks. Pathek shares insights into Foundation’s mission to develop practical humanoid robots, focusing on team building, AI integration, safety, and scaling production. He also offers advice for startups on venture capital navigation and cost efficiency in humanoid robotics. The episode also covers broader robotics industry trends, including robust robot sales in Europe’s automotive sector, which installed 23,000 new industrial robots in 2024