Title: Lessons Learned Putting Functional Robots into the Home - And the Implications for AI and Humanoids Going Forward

Speaker: Mike Dooley, Labrador Systems

Location: Stanford Robotics Center (Packard Electrical Engineering Bldg, basement)

Time: Tuesday 3/17, 11:00am-12:00pm

Abstract: In 2021, the Labrador Retriever became one of the first robots of its size to be deployed into people's homes and operate fully autonomously for long periods of time. Rising over 3 feet tall and weighing 80 pounds, the Retriever stacks up to be a much closer cousin to R2-D2 than Roomba, yet it is able to navigate the tight spaces of the home, carry heavy loads and bring items within reach while operating next to people day and night.

Now 5 years later, the world is looking at a new range of AI-powered humanoid robots (more in the style of C-3PO) that claim to be on the cusp of being able to live with us and do a seemingly endless number of daily chores to make our lives better.

Labrador cofounder (and Stanford GSB '95 alum) Mike Dooley will talk about his team's experience building and placing real working robots with people in their homes and the challenges and potential gaps that humanoids and physical AI may still face.

Bio: Mike Dooley is a leading pioneer in consumer robots, delivering millions of products into homes over the last 25 years. In the late 1990’s, Mike helped lead the launch of the original LEGO MindStorms product line, introducing millions of kids to robotics. He later co-invented and launched what became the Braava series of smart robotic mops (acquired by iRobot) and helped develop the first systematic mapping behaviors used in Roomba. In 2017, Mike co-founded Labrador Systems to establish a new category of assistive robots to help individuals live more independently. Mike has an MBA from Stanford and BA in Psychology from Tufts.