In this episode, Mike Oitzman, Gene Demaitre, and Chris Finger discuss the role of Harmonic Drive in space robotics, exploring the challenges and innovations in designing robots for space applications. They examine the history of Harmonic Drive's involvement in space missions, the trends in space commercialization, and the technical considerations for gearing in space environments.
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SPONSORED BY HARMONIC DRIVE
To learn more about Harmonic Drive products or contact a sales representative in your area, go to www.harmonicdrive.net or call 978-532-1800
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16:44
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16:44
The Power of STEM: Shaping the Next Generation
Join us as we explore the critical role of STEM education in reshoring manufacturing and empowering the next generation of engineers. Featuring insights from Dhaval Jadav, CEO of Alliant Group, and Dr. Robert Ambrose, Professor at Texas A&M, and Director of Robotics at Alliant Group, this episode digs into the challenges and opportunities in fostering a diverse and skilled workforce, and how robotics competitions serve as a gateway to STEM fields.
Learn how STEM related programs from K-12 and then community colleges and universities are preparing the next generation of engineers, technicians and other professionals necessary to support the growing population of robots and autonomous systems.
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1:23:34
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1:23:34
How ODW Logistics is Innovating with Automation
This week on the show, we welcome Brian Chereson, an industrial engineer from ODW Logistics, and Cody Upp, head of commercial for Zebra Robotics Automation. Together, they dive into the transformative role of robotics and automation in logistics. The conversation explores the deployment of Zebra's Symmetry Fulfillment Person to Goods AMR system at ODW Logistics, highlighting the strategic benefits of flexible, cost-effective solutions. Key topics include reducing labor costs, improving order accuracy, and enhancing employee engagement through innovative technologies.
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– SPONSOR –
Are manual picking operations or idle robots slowing your growth?
The cutting-edge Zebra Symmetry Fulfillment solution is engineered to reduce your costs per unit and give you an unbeatable competitive edge.
Autonomous mobile robots guided by Team Intelligence empower your workers to achieve their maximum potential, enabling you to scale efficiently and boost profitability.
Don’t settle for less—maximize your profits with Zebra.
Discover the future of fulfillment at https://www.zebra.com/fulfillment
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53:33
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53:33
FIRA 2025 Ag robotics recap
Summary
This week, Mike Oitzman recaps the FIRA 2025 Ag Robotics event in Woodland, CA, highlighting the latest innovations in new automation solutions for agriculture. Featured guest this week is Danny Bernstein, founder of The Reservoir, an agtech incubator located in Salinas, CA. Danny takes us through the creation of The Reservoir and the vision for the organization to support new Ag automation startups.
Also on the show is a brief conversation with Dave Silver, Director of Orchard Autonomy at John Deere, who updates us on the latest orchard solutions from JD.
Companies mentioned in the recap:|
- Bonzai Robotics
- AgScout (vineyard yield management software)
- TensorField (hot oil weeding solution)
- Pittsburgh Robotics
- John Deere
- The Reservoir
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– SPONSOR –
Are manual picking operations or idle robots slowing your growth?
The cutting-edge Zebra Symmetry Fulfillment solution is engineered to reduce your costs per unit and give you an unbeatable competitive edge.
Autonomous mobile robots guided by Team Intelligence empower your workers to achieve their maximum potential, enabling you to scale efficiently and boost profitability.
Don’t settle for less—maximize your profits with Zebra.
Discover the future of fulfillment at https://www.zebra.com/fulfillment
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1:07:14
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1:07:14
RoboBusiness 2025 Recap
Steve Crowe and Mike Oitzman recap the 2025 RoboBusiness event which took place last week in Santa Clara CA. The show features interviews with ten startups who were present at the show and many of whom participated in the 2025 Pitchfire event.
Here’s the list of interviews on the show (in order of appearance:
Apporv Shaudri from Roworks AI
Chongdu Xu from Forge AI (4rfg.ai)
David Ruth from Motogo
Doug Langen From 4D1
Katy Bradford from Rotate8
Kevin Hayes from Morelle
Lakshay Sharma from Cerulion (2025 Pitchfire winner)
Raghavender Sahdev from NuPort
Roby Lynn from R2 Labs
Toshi Quides from Sensible Robotics
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– SPONSOR –
Are manual picking operations or idle robots slowing your growth?
The cutting-edge Zebra Symmetry Fulfillment solution is engineered to reduce your costs per unit and give you an unbeatable competitive edge.
Autonomous mobile robots guided by Team Intelligence empower your workers to achieve their maximum potential, enabling you to scale efficiently and boost profitability.
Don’t settle for less—maximize your profits with Zebra.
Discover the future of fulfillment at https://www.zebra.com/fulfillment
Join Steve Crowe and Mike Oitzman each week for discussions with leading roboticists, innovative robotics companies, and other key members of the robotics community.
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