Welcome to Episode 2 of The Robot Report Podcast, where each week Robot Report editors Steve Crowe and Eugene Demaitre review the latest robotics, automation and intelligent systems news and announcements, and interview leading roboticists, leaders of innovative robotics companies, and other key members of the robotics community.
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In this episode, Gene and Steve speak with with Paolo Pirjanian, Founder and CEO of Embodied, which is developing the Moxie companion robot that is designed to help the cognitive development of children. Paolo is well regarded in robotics circles. One of his previous companies, Evolution Robotics, was acquired by iRobot in 2012 for $74 million.
Pirjanian joined iRobot as Chief Technology Officer, but left after three years to pursue the idea of using robotics to help people. He launched Embodied in 2017, and Moxie is now available for pre-order. Paolo has referred to developing companion robots as a “moonshot.” He joined the podcast to discuss the technical and business challenges involved with creating Moxie, including creating seamless human-robot interaction for children, content creation for Moxie, and raising funding after several social robotics companies failed. Paolo also discusses launching Moxie during the COVID-19 pandemic, the decision to not give Moxie wheels, and much more.
Wish to Be a Guest?
If you would like to be a guest on an upcoming episode of The Robot Report Podcast, or have recommendations for guests, please contact Steve Crowe or Eugene Demaitre. For sponsorship opportunities for The Robot Report Podcast, contact Jami Brownlee.
About the Author
Steve Crowe is Editor of The Robot Report and co-chair of the Robotics Summit & Expo. He joined WTWH Media in January 2018 after spending four-plus years as Managing Editor of Robotics Trends Media. He can be reached at [email protected]
