In Episode 219 of The Robot Report Podcast, hosts Steve Crowe and Mike Oitzman recap the major robotics news of the week. 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 delve 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.
Cody Upp
Cody Upp is head of commercial for Zebra Robotics Automation.
Cody has been in this role at Zebra Robotics Automation for 2 years, and he has been in the supply chain market since 2018.
Brian Chereson
A graduate of Ohio State University, Brian Chereson has been at ODW as an industrial engineer since 2018, supporting the warehouse automation and robotics deployments for the 3PL during his tenure.
Show timeline
- 5:27 – News of the week
- 25:20 – Interview with Cody Upp and Brian Chereson
News of the week
NEO humanoid designed for household use, available for preorder
1X is accepting deposits for the delivery of a 1X Neo Humanoid robot in 2026. | Credit: 1X
1X Technologies AS recently opened up preorders for its NEO humanoid that is designed to be deployed in homes. When the company unveiled its strategy to develop NEO in August 2024, it pivoted to focus solely on the in-home market.
The goal of NEO is to automate everyday chores and offer personalized assistance so people can spend more time on the things that matter, stated 1X. The company said it is giving NEO intuitive, user-friendly features and a core platform that is safe by design.
The latest platform is built with 1X’s patented Tendon Drive, which it claimed uses “the highest-torque density motors on earth” to drive its transmissions. This actuation system is designed to generate safe and compliant movements around people.
Also, a great video featuring WSJ’s Joanna Stern featuring the 1X NEO :
And finally the marketing video from 1X:
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