Welcome to Episode 36 of The Robot Report Podcast, which brings conversations with robotics innovators straight to you. Join us each week for discussions with leading roboticists, innovative robotics companies, and other key members of the robotics community.
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This week I spoke with Kevin Dunlap, co-founder and managing partner of Calibrate Ventures, a California-based early stage venture capital firm. Kevin breaks down some of the major robotics investments that have recently taken place, including the Berkshire Grey SPAC and Locus Robotics’ $150 million Series E. He discusses how SPACs could change the future of investing, how Calibrate Ventures evaluates companies to invest in, and he shares advice for young startups looking to raise funding.
Calibrate Ventures robotics portfolio companies include many familiar faces, including Built Robotics, Embodied, Farmwise, Misty Robotics, Soft Robotics, 3D Robotics and more.
I also comment on the week’s top robotics stories, including Motional testing Level 4 driverless robotaxis in Las Vegas, ABB introducing its next-gen cobots and NASA’s video of the Perseverance Rover landing on Mars.
I also apologize to Boston Dynamics on behalf of everyone responsible for dragging the RBR50 company through the mud the last week or so. Boston Dynamics doesn’t deserve this. Can we please stop blaming them and start blaming the customers who misuse the robots?
If you would like to be a guest on an upcoming episode of the podcast, or if you have recommendations for future guests or segment ideas, contact me. For sponsorship opportunities of The Robot Report Podcast, contact Courtney Nagle for more information.
Podcast timestamps
- 0-7:40 Show Intro; the world owes Boston Dynamics an apology
- 7:44-46:58: Conversation with Kevin Dunlap, co-founder and managing partner, Calibrate Ventures
- 46:57-54:00: News Commentary: Motional’s L4 robotaxi tests, Berkshire Grey SPAC, NASA video
- 54:01-55:01: Show Outro
Show notes
- Locus Robotics raises $150M Series E at $1B valuation
- Motional testing fully driverless vehicles in Las Vegas
- Watch the first ever video of a NASA rover landing on Mars
- ABB launches next generation GoFa, SWIFTI cobots
- Berkshire Grey going public via SPAC
Boston Dynamics Spot quadruped.
AOC’s tweet did not mention Boston Dynamics at all. The NYPD was the customer, and can be legitimately blamed for the decision to deploy. You’re criticizing her for something she did not do.
(I have been doing robotics research for decades, by the way.)