Episode 245 of The Robot Report Podcast features Chris Elston, Chief Robotics Manager for YRG for North America.
Podcast guest: Chris Elston
Chris Elston, Chief Robotics Manager for YRG for North America. | Credit: YRG
Chris Elston is Chief Robotics Manager for Yamaha Robotics Group (YRG) North America, where he helps machine builders and end users integrate robotics and PLC-driven automation into user-friendly manufacturing environments.
With deep expertise in industrial robots, controls, and system integration, he focuses on making advanced automation practical, scalable, and easy to deploy.
He is also the founder of MrPLC.com, a leading online community for PLC and automation professionals.
Mr. PLC Website – https://mrplc.com/
Chris Elston on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/chriselston/
Show timeline
- 8:00 – News of the week
- 18:19 – Chris Elston, Chief Robotics Manager for Yamaha Robotics Group
News of the week
Here are the news stories covered on the show this week:
- Locus Array expands picking ability with Nexera Robotics’ NeuraGrasp
- Honeywell’s Boom and Bust in Warehousing
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, maxon is worth a stop at the Robotics Summit & Expo this month in Boston.
At the show, maxon is exhibiting its High Efficiency Joint (HEJ) portfolio: 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.
See maxon’s HEJ90 demonstrator at Booth 419 on the expo show floor.
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]
Register now for the 2026 Robotics Summit & Expo
Registration is now open for the Robotics Summit & Expo, the world’s leading technical event for commercial robotics developers. The event is produced by The Robot Report and WTWH Media.
>> LISTEN TO THE PODCAST EPISODE FOR A DISCOUNT CODE TO REGISTER! <<
The show will have more than 50 sessions in tracks on physical AI, design and development, enabling technologies, healthcare, and logistics. The Engineering Theater on the show floor will also feature presentations by industry experts.
More than 70 speakers are confirmed from companies such as AWS, Brain Corp, Fictiv, Harmonic Drive, maxon, PickNik Robotics, RealSense, the Robotics and AI Institute, Robust AI, Tesla, Toyota Research Institute, and more.
The summit will also feature a number of networking opportunities. They include a Mix & Mingle Networking Reception after the first day of the show and the ticketed Women in Robotics Breakfast and RBR50 Awards Dinner.
The Robotics Summit & Expo is co-located with DeviceTalks Boston, which focuses on medical devices.
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