Listen to the episode on this link: The Robot Report Episode 187
In Episode 187 of The Robot Report Podcast, co-hosts Mike Oitzman and Eugene Demaitre interview Fabio Gehrlicher, Director of Market Expansion at Wandelbots.
Fabio Gehrlicher, Director of Market Expansion at Wandelbots.
In the interview, they discuss the company’s journey, focusing on its flagship product, Wandelbots NOVA, an agnostic operating system for robots.
Fabio explains how NOVA simplifies robot programming, the integration of AI for path planning, and the benefits of simulation-based programming.
The conversation also covers the target audience for NOVA, the architecture of the system, and the challenges of transitioning from simulation to real-world applications.
Fabio shares insights on the ROI of using NOVA and the learning curve for new users, as well as Wandelbots’ expansion into the US market and their upcoming showcase at ProMat 2023.
Show timeline
5:25 – News of the week
21:15 – Interview with Fabio Gehrlicher, Director of Market Expansion at Wandelbots
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News of the week
Google DeepMind introduces two Gemini-based models to bring AI to the real world
Google DeepMind has unveiled two cutting-edge artificial intelligence models, Gemini Robotics and Gemini Robotics-ER, marking a significant step in bringing advanced AI capabilities into the physical world. Building upon the foundation of Gemini 2.0, these models extend DeepMind’s multimodal reasoning prowess, which already encompasses text, images, audio, and video, to include direct interaction with the environment.
Gemini Robotics, a sophisticated vision-language-action (VLA) model, introduces physical actions as a new output, effectively enabling robots to be controlled directly. Complementing this, Gemini Robotics-ER offers enhanced spatial understanding, empowering roboticists to leverage Gemini’s embodied reasoning (ER) abilities for customized programs.
These innovations collectively expand the range of real-world tasks that robots can perform. Demonstrating their commitment to practical application, DeepMind is collaborating with Apptronik to integrate Gemini 2.0 into humanoid robots.
iRobot considers a sale
Facing significant financial challenges and “substantial doubt” about its operational continuity, iRobot has launched a formal strategic review, exploring options such as a potential sale or debt refinancing. This decision follows the collapse of its planned acquisition by Amazon, a deal that was ultimately derailed by antitrust concerns, despite iRobot’s efforts to recover its footing. Source: Fortune Magazine
The company’s financial performance has deteriorated, with a 23.4% revenue decline in fiscal 2024, dropping from $890.6 million to $681.8 million, and an operating loss of $103 million. In response, iRobot has implemented aggressive cost-cutting measures, including reducing its workforce by over 50% and downsizing its office space. However, these efforts have been insufficient to offset the impact of decreased revenue, promotional spending, order timing issues, and ongoing competitive pressures, all of which the company hopes to address with its new product lineup.
ProMat coverage on Automated Warehouse
7 warehouse robotics exhibits to visit at ProMat 2025
Fox Robotics launches FoxBot Mk3 forklift with 4 new functions
Slip Robotics adds SlipBot+ attachments to unload more freight
Podcast sponsored by Wandelbots
Simplify automation without limits. Wandelbots NOVA is the agnostic robotics platform that lets you program any six-axis robot — whether coding from scratch or generating paths with real-world data.
Test in simulation, deploy seamlessly, and optimize workflows across brands — without vendor lock-in.
Smarter automation starts here. Visit Wandelbots.com to learn more.
The post Wandelbots on the future of robot programming appeared first on The Robot Report.
