Automate It: A Robotics Podcast
Each week, the co-founders of Polymath Robotics share an inside look at the robotics industry, covering war stories, unusual facts, and lesser-known methods for working with robots, with a special emphasis on autonomous vehicles. Host Stefan Seltz-Axmacher, CEO of Polymath Robotics, is known as the founder of autonomous trucking pioneer Starsky Robotics. Co-host Ilia Baranov, CTO, brings experience from Clearpath Robotics, Amazon's home robot division, and was responsible for the ROS repository after Willow Garage shut down.
Episodes
Ep 66 - Pulsar Localization & Digit's Digits
Two episodes in two weeks!This week's robot invention: a cuttlefish-shaped maintenance drone that has to navigate around a featureless alien sphere at a good fraction of light speed, localizing off pulsars alone. Stefan thinks four pulsars gets you within a couple of meters. Ilia brings up the Rayleigh limit, kilohertz flicker rates, and special and general relativity, and lands on the uncomfo
Ep 65 - Why Don’t Robots Have an Off Switch?
In Ep 65 of Automate It, Stefan and Ilia ask a deceptively simple question: how hard can it be to put a big red stop button on a robot?But first, they play the Robot Invention Game and draw synthetic training data for offshore wind farms, which somehow turns into humanoid maintenance robots living inside wind turbines, six-armed monkeys that plug themselves into the walls for power, and the unfort
Ep 64 – We're Back, the HOA Called, and Claude Code Changed Everything
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 paintba
Ep 63 – Robots, Cells, and the FDA with Fred Parietti of Multiply Labs
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 i
Ep 62 – The Billion-Dollar Blind Spot in Enterprise Robotics
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 a
Ep 61 - The Three Laws of Robotics
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 control
Ep 60 - Does Nobody Care About Driver-Out Anymore?
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.
Ep 59 - David LaRose from Carnegie Robotics on the Reality of Robotics
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
Ep 58 - Why is Hardware So Expensive?
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.
Ep 57 - Vertical vs Horizontal Integration in Tech
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, a
Ep 56 - The Pitfalls of Traditional Collision Avoidance Systems
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-dri
Ep 55 - Adrian from Foxglove on the State of Robotics Today
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
Ep 54 - What Makes a Robot "Safe Enough"?
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.
Ep 53 - Takeaways from CES 2025
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
Ep 52 - The Demise of Cruise (& What it Means for Your Autonomy Program)
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.
Ep 51 - Hype vs Reasonable Robots
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.
Ep 50 - Beneath the Surface: Robots Under Water
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.
Ep 49 - Big Robots at MINEXPO and Tesla's Robot "Demo"
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.
Ep 48 - What's Hard About AMRs
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.
Ep 47 - Robots for the Military
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
Ep 46 - How Do You Regulate Robots?
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 ki
Ep 45 - Why Doesn't Starlink Solve All the Problems?
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.
Ep 44 - Ahoy, Matey! There Be Robots on this Ship
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?
Ep 43 - The Tradeoffs of Vertical Robotics Companies
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.
Ep 42 - That Radar is So Hot Right Now
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?
Ep 41 - The Dirt on Dirt
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.
Ep 40 - Ed Niedermeyer Talks Tesla
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
Ep 39 - The Reluctant AI Episode
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.
Ep 38 - Why People Took our April Fools Joke Seriously
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.
Ep 37 - Why Robots are "Default Blocked"
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".
Ep 36 - Questions VCs Ask Us
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?"
Ep 35 - Is Tech "Over" Autonomy?
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.
Ep 34 - The State of VC in Robotics
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!
Ep 33 - No GPS? No Problem
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?
Ep 32 - Is It Possible to Have Sensor Overkill?
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 hello@polymathrobotics.com
Episode notes:
The Spiderman stunt video that Ilia references is here: https://ww
Ep 31 - Let's Play with the Astro Robot
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.
Ep 30 - Is Robotics Data the New Oil?
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.
Ep 29 - Is Autonomy a Product?
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 b
Ep 28 - Why Are Small Robots So Hard?
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.
Ep 27 - No Code Lasts Forever
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?
Ep 26 - Academic vs Commercial Approaches in Robotics
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.
Ep 25 - Waymo Trucking Shuts Down
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 a
Ep 24 - Deep Diving on the OceanGate Submarine
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.
Ep 23 - Is Robotics Really THAT Much Harder than SaaS?
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 polymathro
Ep 22 - Is a VR Headset a Robot?
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.
Ep 21 - Onroad Autonomy Woes (&Does it Matter?)
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.
Ep 20 - Nerf Guns Explain Why Robots are Hard
🎉 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.
Ep 19 - Request for Robots
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
Ep 18 - The Top Contributions Open Source Robotics Needs Now (Steve Macenski, Chief Navigator for ROS2)
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 o
Ep 17 - How Do the Current Economic Conditions Impact Robotics?
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).
Ep 16 - Roombas & VCs - The Battle for Clean Floors and Funding
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.
Ep 15 - Construction Robots at CONEXPO
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.
Ep 14 - The Downsides of Consultants Building your Robots
On Episode 14 of Automate It, Stefan and Ilia's imaginary-robot game invents a robot that steals your towel if you're hogging chairs at the pool. Then, they unpack why building robots is NOT something to outsource.
Ep 13 - The Shutdown of Everyday Robots (& Why Big Companies aren't Safer for Robotics)
On Episode 13 of Automate It, Stefan & Ilia's imaginary-robot game invents a robot for putting the dishes away. Then, they discuss why Google shut down Everyday Robots, and why big companies aren't always a "safer" bet for robotics engineers.
Ep 12 - Robotics Demos Gone Wrong
On Episode 12 of Automate It, the robot invention game winds up combining VR with transportation for some ... interesting results.
Then, Stefan and Ilia swap stories of important robotics demos gone wrong. What happens when your robot acts up in front of an investor, a customer, or the press? They break down why this happens so often, and how you can avert demo disasters before they happen.
Ep 11 - How to Choose the Right Sensors
In Episode 11 of Automate It, Stefan and Ilia's robot-invention game ends with them boring to the center of the Earth ... or something. Then, they break down how to choose the right sensors for your robot, and why a bigger budget can actually make your performance worse.
Ep 10 - Is Teach-and-Repeat Really Autonomy?
In Episode 10 of Automate It, Stefan and Ilia invent a robotic arm that sorts office mail. Then, this week's hot topic is whether teach-and-repeat systems have a leg up (or a leg ... down?) on fully autonomous navigation.
Ep 9 - Why MVPs in Robotics are Different than SaaS
In episode 9 of Automate It, Stefan & Ilia break down why "minimum viable product" in robotics is totally different than in SaaS. Plus, their start-of-episode game gets weird when they invent autonomous vehicles ... for space.
Ep 8 - CES & the State of Autonomy
In Ep 8 of Automate It, Stefan and Ilia invent a hypothetical tunnel for conference transportation (any resemblance to current companies, living or dead, is purely coincidental). Then, they unpack their experience at CES and what it suggests about the state of the autonomy industry.
Ep 7 - Did Google Just Buy ROS?
On Episode 7 of Automate It, Stefan and Ilia generate robot ideas for humanoid robots in stadiums. Then ,they discuss the Intrinsic's acquisition of Open Source Robotics Corporation, and what it might mean for the robotics industry as a whole.
Episode outline:
1:25 - "Automate It" game
12:54 - Wait ... did Google just buy ROS?
13:50 - Hasn't this happened before?
15:20 - Is ROS re
Ep 6 - How to Measure Robots
Op Episode 6 of Automate It, Stefan and Ilia play their favorite game and invent a robot that helps you with teambuilding events. Then, they deep dive on how to choose the right metrics for your robots (and why the wrong metrics can undermine your ultimate goals).
Hosted by Polymath Robotics co-founders Stefan Seltz-Axmacher and Ilia Baranov. Follow us on Linkedin for regular updates.
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Ep 5 - Is the Autonomy Industry Dead?
On episode 5 of Automate It, Stefan and Ilia use their favorite game as an excuse to dig into the problem of indoor localization. Then, they debate hot takes about whether autonomy as an industry is truly "dead" (and come up with a few hot takes themselves).
Ep 4 - How to Kill an Autonomy Project
On episode 4 of Automate It, Stefan and Ilia invent a robot that helps ... uh ... lift you over obstacles. Then, they discuss a hypothetical "autonomous oil field" to explain common problems that can kill autonomy projects before they even get off the ground.
Ep 3 - Teleoperation and art
In Episode 3 of Automate It, Ilia and Stefan draw another random use case and discuss how they'd automate it, this time teleoperation and senior care. Plus, Ilia talks about making fun demos with robot arms and art.
Ep 2 - The Time Ilia Danced with a Robot
On the 2nd episode of Automate It, Polymath Robotics co-founders Stefan and Ilia come up with a genius business model for walking robots doing home delivery. Then, it's Ilia's turn to share robot stories from his time at Clearpath Robotics and Amazon's Home Robot division.
Ep 1 - Welcome to Automate It
On their inaugural episode of Automate It, Polymath Robotics co-founders Stefan and Ilia hash out a super-weird robot application and unpack what Stefan learned from founding Starsky Robotics.
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