Automate It: A Robotics Podcast

In Ep 64 of Automate It, Stefan and Ilia are back after seven months in the trenches closing and delivering Polymath's biggest deal yet — and oh boy do they have thoughts.But first, they play the robot invention game, dreaming up a dystopian HOA enforcement drone that patrols your neighborhood for shutter color violations, checks your grass height with lasers, and may or may not have a paintball gun attached. You're welcome, homeowners associations everywhere.Then, the guys catch up on everything that's changed since October: why closing a company changing deal is harder than building the robots, what Claude Code actually is and isn't good for, and why the real industrial revolution (you know, the one Henry Ford started) never made it outdoors. Plus: why fake startups with great fundraising videos keep out-raising real ones, and what it would actually take to run a lights out facility.If you're into robotics, startup war stories, dystopian surveillance tech, or just want to know why Stefan spent 60 hours building a calendaring tool, this one's for you.

In ep 62 of Automate It, Stefan and Ilia sit down with Fred Parietti of Multiply Labs to talk about the wild intersection of robotics and biology – from personalized pills to robots making cell therapies.They dig into why $500K cell therapies still rely on manual, error-prone lab work, how biology’s “black magic” makes automation nearly impossible, and what it takes to build robots that can work in sterile clean rooms. Along the way, Fred explains why the FDA isn’t the villain everyone assumes, why supplements crushed his soul, and how learning from video demos might finally teach robots the unteachable. It’s a journey through biotech’s artisanal chaos, startup pivots, and the strange joy of realizing your robots are better suited for cell therapy than Instagram.If you’re into robotics, biotech, startup war stories, or just want to hear Ilia out himself as an actual cyborg, this one’s for you.

In Ep 62 of Automate It, Stefan and Ilia imagine a fleet of LLM-powered “Robot Ranger 3000” dog bots to track and protect endangered deer, complete with battery swaps, forest-wide power cables, and some very questionable AI decisions.Then, they dig into the real challenges of enterprise robotics — from integrating with decades-old IT systems to why autonomy is the key to efficiency in mining and agriculture. They also share how fundraising doubles as a sales tactic and why trillion dollar industries still fly under Silicon Valley’s radar.

In ep 61 of Automate It, Stefan and Ilia dive headfirst into robot subversion hoodies, self-cleaning backyards, and the philosophical sinkholes of the Three Laws of Robotics. They explore why "don't hurt humans" is harder to code than it sounds, the limits of common sense in machine learning, and how old sci-fi still haunts today’s AI safety debates.Then, things get weird. From fiber optic controlled drones in Ukraine to perimeter defense bots equipped with buzzsaws, the duo brainstorm real (and, our lawyer wants to say, inadvisable) autonomous battlefield tech. But first, they play the robot invention game and accidentally invent a $2,000 robotic hand-on-a-stick startup.If you're into philosophy, robotics, defense tech, and backyard wood chip problems(?), this one’s for you.

On this episode of Automate It, Stefan and Ilia dive into Aurora’s recent announcement about running driver-out trucks on public highways—an undeniably huge technical feat, but one that curiously failed to make a media splash. But first, they play the Robot Invention Game, drawing a wild scenario: applying deep learning to railroads.

This week on Automate It, we're excited to have a special guest!Carnegie Robotics co-founder David LaRose joins the podcast to share his perspective on the evolution of robotics from academic research to rugged real-world systems. He reflects on what’s changed - and what hasn’t - over the last 15 years, from safety systems that still rely on spreadsheets to why so many autonomous vehicle projects have stalled.David also unpacks the real challenges of selling to the DoD, the importance of enabling the next generation of robotics companies with hardened components, and what it’s like crawling through Florida cornfields in the name of agtech R&D.(00:00) Introduction and welcome to the episode(00:32) Robot Invention Game: Foundational Models for Space Exploration(18:30) David’s journey from liberal arts to robotics via IBM and CMU(20:41) Founding Carnegie Robotics(23:55) Why the robotics industry hasn’t scaled as fast as expected(29:18) Safety systems: still slow, manual, and deeply fragmented(35:17) Why big companies (Amazon, Apple) still struggle with robotics(40:05) Demos gone wrong: off-by-one bugs, e-stop failures, and bedbugs(45:38) Working with the DoD: myths, structure, and real challenges(01:08:30) Launching ruggedized autonomy kits and components online(01:16:33) Environmental challenges and thermal testing tales(01:20:42) Advice for roboticists: Embrace collaboration, not just competition(01:23:00) What’s next for Carnegie Robotics: Supporting the enablers

In the 58th episode of Automate It, Polymath Robotics co-founders Stefan Seltz-Axmacher and Ilia Baranov discuss why hardware for robots is so dang expensive.But first, they play the robot invention game and come up with a humanoid axe murderer.

On Ep 57 of Automate It, Stefan and Ilia get into Polymath Robotics' latest progress—scaling the team, launching new customer projects, and pushing forward despite the usual challenges.Then they play the robot game, brainstorming how machine learning could help identify high-value recyclables -- devolving into "spot the $10 treasure," complete with GPU budgets, conveyor belt chaos, and the eternal battle between processing speed and precision.Then, they tackle the vertical vs. horizontal integration debate—when to build, when to buy, and how to avoid the costly mistakes of legacy autonomy. Plus, a deep dive into Polymath’s approach to testing and development, from cost-effective sensor trials to the surprising impact of RF interference in agricultural automation.

On this episode of Automate It, Stefan and Ilia break down the surprisingly flawed state of collision avoidance systems in mining—where billion-dollar companies still rely on network-dependent GPS safety systems that can fail with network outages, jamming, or spoofing. They get into why legacy mining autonomy is stuck in the past, how vendor lock-in prevents progress, and what a modern, sensor-driven approach to safety should actually look like.But first, they play the robot invention game, brainstorming thermal-camera-guided healthcare robots before escalating into a zombie apocalypse fever-detection system—complete with flamethrowers, saw blades, and a ruthless AI security gate. You're welcome.

On Ep 55 of Automate It, we invite Adrian Macneil, CEO of Foxglove, to play the robot game -- which takes a turn into pest control, debating whether humanoid robots should stomp or grab mice. Then, Adrian gives us a deep dive on the state of robotics developer tools, why debugging robots is still a mess, and what it takes to build a software company in a hardware-heavy industry. Plus: why robotics is where SaaS was in the early 2000s—and what that means for the future.

In Ep 54 of Automate It, Polymath's co-founders tackle the tough topic of safety -- and what it means for a big heavy robot to be "safe enough." But first, they play the robot invention game, which creates industrial grey goop. Try the grey stuff it's delicious, indeed.

On Ep 53 of Automate It, the guys discuss their takeaways from CES 2025 - including Jensen Huang's big announcement on autonomous vehicles, how the Chinese auto industry is leapfrogging everyone, evolution of the Lidar industry, a big OEM stepping back from autonomy, and more. But first, they play the robot invention game, which they basically use to make fun of a VTOL "company" that exhibited at CES this year.

On Ep 52 of Automate It, Stefan and Ilia discuss the demise of Cruise Automation and why it's representative of the hidden dangers in autonomy programs. But first, they play the robot game and invent a ground-penetrating radar application for fast food.

This week on Automate It, the guys invent a robot that spearfishes for shipping containers at the bottom of the ocean. Then, they're talking one of the mysteries of the universe: why "hype" robotics is often perceived as more valuable than robots that actually, you know, work.

On Episode 50 of Automate It (!!) the guys play the robot invention game and come up with a robot for assessing your cleanliness levels. Then, we're diving DEEP (pun intended) into the challenges of underwater robots.

In Episode 49 of Automate It, Stefan & Ilia reflect on whether MINEXPO is secretly the best robotics conference. Then, they break down Tesla's humanoid robot demo and whether fake demos are ever "okay." But first, the robot invention game results in a pyromaniac AI for data collection.

In Ep 48 of Automate It, Stefan and Ilia discuss why we don't work with AMRs. But first, they play the robot invention game and come up with quad rotors for smart cities.

In Episode 47 of Automate It, Stefan and Ilia play the robot game and invent autonomous shopping carts that can return themselves. They also learn that Stefan is the type of person to abandon shopping carts (shocking!). Then, the main discussion of the day: why doesn't the military have better robots? The guys break down why the Defense Industrial Complex hasn't kept up with consumer-grade robots in recent conflicts (and what can be done about it).

On Episode 24 of Automate It, Polymath Robotics co-founders Stefan and Ilia play the robot invention game and come up with a swarm of zeppelins that yeet pizza at you. Or as Ilia puts it, a robot version of Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs. It's silly but turns into an in-depth discussion on the state of swarm technologies. Then, they're talking robotics regulation: will SB 1047 really kill the booming AI industry?

In Ep 45 of Automate It, Stefan & Ilia try to play the robot game but mostly get sidetracked talking about movie magic. Then, they're debunking a popular myth in robotics: that Starlink will solve all your remote connectivity problems.

On ep 44 of Automate It, Polymath Robotics co-founders Stefan and Ilia play the robot invention game and come up with a cheap nuclear reactor by dunking plutonium in a swamp. *In other news, we're now on several CIA lists. (Thanks Adam A for the topic suggestions!) Then, our main topic of the day: robots on a boat! What are the challenges of operating robots when your ground isn't stable?

On Episode 43 of Automate It, Polymath Robotics co-founders Stefan and Ilia break down the hidden tradeoffs and challenges of building a vertical robotics company. But first, they play the robot invention game, which results in a humanoid robot for predictive maintenance around the home.

In Episode 42 of Automate It, Polymath Robotics co-founders Stefan and Ilia are talking all about radar. What's it good for? What's it not? And most importantly, why's it so hot right now?

In Episode 41, Stefan & Ilia play the robot invention game in response to Nat Friedman's tweet about a robot that quietly picks up leaves. Then, they're are rolling up their sleeves and tackling a dirty topic: DIRT! Why is dirt hard for robots? Can't they just, like, dig? The guys break down what makes dirt such a challenging problem.

Wow, it's the 40th episode of Automate It! This week we're joined by extra special guest, Ed Niedermeyer. Ed is the author of Ludicrous: The Unvarnished Story of Tesla Motors and co-host of the popular Autonocast podcast. Ed joins Stefan and Ilia for the robot game, where they invent a six-figure electric smart truck for the everyman. Then, it's a free-ranging discussion on all things autonomy - Tesla, self-driving cars, and Ed's favorite industry stories.

Introducing the reluctant AI episode! First, the guys play the robot invention game and come up with a machine vision robot for urban farms. Then, it's the main topic of the day: is AI useful for robotics? And boy are they reluctant about it.

This week on Automate It, Stefan and Ilia invent a sushi boat robot, giving Stefan an opportunity to rant about about sushi feasts. Then, they're talking about Polymath's April Fools joke - that we were pivoting to humanoid robots - and why some people thought it was real.

Wow, we actually published 2 weeks in a row! This week on Automate It, Stefan & Ilia work on 3d printing at the beach. Then, they unpack Stefan's assertion that robotics projects are "default blocked".

Guess who's back back back again: This week on Automate It, Stefan & Ilia invent a quadcopter for micromanaging your employees. Then, they're talking their favorite VC question: "so, how are you using AI?"

We're back! After a 6 week hiatus (unintentional, we promise) "Automate It" is back with a bang. On Ep 35, Stefan and Ilia play the robot invention game and come up with a spider robot that keeps you cool in the summer. Then, they dig into whether the tech industry is over "autonomy" in general, and what autonomy even means anymore.

This week on Automate It, the co-founders of Polymath Robotics play the robot invention game and mostly end up making fun of kitchen robots. Then, they're breaking down the state of VC in the Robotics industry. Coming to CES in Las Vegas Jan 9-12? Stop by North Hall Booth #10852 to test drive our robots and meet the guys!

On Episode 33 of Automate It, Stefan and Ilia try to play the robot game, but mostly just end up talking about trains. Then, they're talking approaches to GPS-denied localization. In other words, how does the robot figure out where it is without GPS?

On Ep 32 of Automate It, the robot game creates a humanoid robot for film sets. Then, the main topic of the day -- in robotics, is it possible to have sensor overkill? Stefan & Ilia break down why MORE is not always a good thing. Got a topic you want to hear about? Shoot us a note at [email protected] Episode notes: The Spiderman stunt video that Ilia references is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oyXl3IhonRM

In the 31st episode of Automate It - we bought a robot! Stefan and Ilia play with the Astro robot at Polymath HQ, and discuss how it represents both the good and the bad of robotics today.

In the 30th episode of Automate It, the robot invention game generates a Terminator robot to deal with Australia's rabbit problem. Then, it's the main topic of the day: Stefan and Ilia unpack why robot sensor data is a lot less valuable than you might think. Enjoy the podcast? Leave a review to help other robot fans find us! Visit us online at polymathrobotics.com.

It's been a few weeks -- Stefan had a baby! But we're back online. In Episode 29 of Automate It, the robot invention game generates a robotic arm that feeds you sandwiches while you drive. Then, Stefan & Ilia break down the release of our Autonomous Navigation Modules, and the internal battle over whether we should call them products or not. Read our big announcement on the Polymath blog: https://www.polymathrobotics.com/blog/introducing-autonomous-navigation-modules

On Episode 28 of Automate It, Polymath Robotics co-founders Stefan & Ilia discuss why smaller robots are actually HARDER to build than bigger robots! But first, it's the robot invention game, where they come up with drones that scan paperwork at shipping ports.

On Episode 27 of Automate It, Stefan & Ilia's robot invention game creates a humanoid robot that applies your sunscreen. Then, the main topic of the day (starts around 12:44): why can't you buy software once, and never update it again? Why doesn't software just work forever?

On Episode 26 of Automate It, the robot invention game results in a Caddyshack-inspired gopher hunting drone. Then, in the main discussion (12:50 start), Stefan and Ilia deep dive on how academics think differently about robotics than commercial companies do.

After a whirlwind July in which we moved AND had a baby, Automate It is finally back with a bang! Did you miss us? On Episode 25, Stefan Seltz-Axmacher and Ilia Baranov play the robot invention game and create what I think is a robotic pogo stick(?). Then, the main topic of the week (starting around 15:55) -- Waymo is shutting down it's robotic trucking division. What does it mean for the autonomy industry as a whole? Missed us while we were gone? Subscribe to the podcast and write us a review!

On Episode 24 of Automate It, Polymath Robotics co-founders Stefan and Ilia are doing a "deep dive" (sorry) on the OceanGate submersible. In particular: how do you balance innovation with safety? Submarine discussion starts around the 14:20 mark, after the weekly robot-invention game. Plus, breaking news! Polymath announces its integration with Samsara's smart operations platform.

On Episode 23 of Automate It, Stefan and Ilia's robotics-business-invention game creates a bartending solution that delivers your drink via robotic arms on rails. Plus, Ilia tells us the secret behind electric fences. Then, their favorite topic: is building robots really THAT much harder than building an app? And what is it that makes it so hard? Connect with us on LinkedIn or at polymathrobotics.com.

On Episode 22 of Automate It, Polymath Robotics co-founders Stefan Seltz-Axmacher and Ilia Baranov discuss whether VR counts as a robot (and if it does, what Apple's VR headset news means for the industry). Plus, the robot invention game gives birth to a humanoid robot for amusement park maintenance.

On Episode 21 of Automate It, Stefan and Ilia come up with a belligerent drone surveillance plan for public parks. Then, they're talking o-nroad autonomy again -- the struggles in the industry and how it'll impact robotics as a whole. Main discussion starts around 14:25.

🎉 It's the 20th episode of Automate It! This week, Polymath Robotics co-founders Stefan Seltz-Axmacher and Ilia Baranov use their nerf gun arms race (what else?) to explain why robots are still SO HARD.

This week on Automate It, Stefan and Ilia invent a venison butchering robot(??). Then, they break down another meaty(ha) topic -- our open request for robots. (Request for robots discussion starts around the 10:40 mark) Editor's note: we have NOT built the website yet

On episode 18 - it's our first guest! Steve Macenski, Chief Navigator for ROS2 joins Ilia for a deep dive on the open source robotics community. They get into where the community is today, what contributions Steve would like to see, and where he thinks the community is headed. It's an in-depth technical discussion for all you die hard roboticists out there. Questions? You can tag Steve on https://answers.ros.org/questions/ or on the Nav2 Slack channel: navigation2.slack.com.

On ep 17 of Automate It, Stefan and Ilia's robot game invents "Night at the Museum" but for real. Then, they dig into how bank runs and hard-to-get funding impact the robotics landscape (hint: there's a big upside).

On Episode 16 of Automate It, our April Fools episode, we play our improv game seriously, and then make a parody of our serious discussions about robots and VCs.

On Episode 15 of Automate It, the robot improv game imagines a walking robot for construction. Then, Stefan and Ilia reflect on their experience at CONEXPO (the biggest construction convention in the world), and trends they're seeing in heavy equipment automation.