2026 Robotics Summit & Expo Recap

In this episode, The Robot Report editorial team recaps the major highlights, central themes, and networking events from the Robotics Summit and Expo in Boston.

We break down key presentations, including Brian Gerkey’s insights on the role of open source technology in this era of AI. We also discussed Mikell Taylor’s practical framework for deploying reliable, “worthy” robots.

Finally, we share highlights from the closing keynote interview with Noland Arbaugh, the world’s first Neuralink user, who discussed his groundbreaking journey with brain-computer interface technology and play chess live on stage with Chris Matthieu from RealSense.

Show timeline

1:40 – Recap and takeaways from the 2026 Robotics Summit and Expo with Steve Crowe, Eugene Demaitre, Brianna Wessling and Mike Oitzman
22:55 – Keynote recap: Brian Gerkey of Open Robotics
28:42 – Keynote recap: Mikell Taylor of General Motors
36:11 – Keynote recap: Noland Arbaugh, world’s first Neuralink user

Brian Gerkey, Board Chair, Open Robotics & CTO, Intrinsic during his Robotics Summit 2026 keynote.

Mikell Taylor, Director of Robotics Strategy at General Motors, during her Robotics Summit 2026 keynote.

Mikell Taylor (l) and Joyce Sidopoulos (r) during interview for Woman in Robotics breakfast.

Mikell Taylor (left) and Joyce Sidopoulos during the Woman in Robotics Breakfast at Robotics Summit & Expo 2026.

Steve Crowe (left) and Noland Arbaugh, the world’s first Neuralink user, at Robotics Summit & Expo.

Winners of the 2026 MASSRobotics Form and Function Challenge.

Sponsors

Thanks to our sponsors who make this content possible.

This episode is brought to you by Yamaha Robotics Group (YRG) — driving the future of smart automation.

Yamaha’s Linear Conveyor Modules and Advanced Operator Interfaces are helping engineers push efficiency and flexibility further than ever.

And let’s face it: The PLC isn’t going anywhere — it’s evolving.

LEARN MORE AT: https://hs.yrginc.com/therobotreport

If you’re designing robots beyond controlled factory cells, mobile manipulators, quadrupeds, or humanoids, please check maxon’s High Efficiency Joint (HEJ) portfolio. These are fully integrated robotic joints that combine motor, gearing, electronics, and sensing in a compact unit. Built for cyclic loads, impacts, and continuous operation, HEJ joints are designed for real‑world robotics.

LEARN MORE AT: https://www.maxongroup.com/en-us

To learn how you can sponsor a future episode of The Robot Report Podcast, contact: Jami Brownlee – [email protected]

Would you like to be a guest on a future episode? Contact Mike Oitzman – [email protected]