Brain Corp is the global leader in robotic AI software that powers the largest fleet of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) operating in commercial public spaces.
Why did you choose Brain Corp at this point in your career?
I have always been drawn to the bleeding edge of technology—first in wireless during the early 2000s with Wi-Fi, GPS, and Bluetooth, which was transformative at the time. That same allure brought me to Brain because I see a similar transformative potential in physical automation now. Traditionally, robotics has been limited to controlled environments like automotive factories, but I see an opportunity for autonomous mobile devices to navigate and function in unstructured spaces. The first time I visited Brain’s lab and saw robots operating autonomously among people—avoiding obstacles, navigating aisles—was a revelation, showing me that automation can extend beyond factories into the broader commercial world. In commercial settings, like airports, hotels, and stores, there is massive potential for physical automation. The scale of commercial buildings alone, which outnumbers industrial spaces by several multiples, demonstrates the opportunity.
37,000 robots deployed already seems like a big number, but it seems you are only just getting started. Is this true?
Yes, we are truly just scratching the surface. For example, robotics in commercial cleaning is still very new—current adoption rates are below 5%. We're at an inflection point where it’s not just early adopters who recognize the technology's maturity. The shift from early adopters to mainstream acceptance is incredibly exciting, especially in robotic floor care, one of our key focuses.
Beyond floor care, we also deploy robotic shelf-scanning, which is more nascent but shows strong promise. Partners like Sam’s Club have been vocal about the technology's benefits, sparking interest across the industry. As automation grows, we foresee commercial environments evolving similarly to industrial spaces, starting with basic tasks like floor cleaning and moving up to automation of more complex functions like inventory management. Our goal is to enable these facilities to integrate automation at their pace, aligning with their unique operational needs and enhancing overall productivity.
What excites you about the future of Brain’'s technology, and where do you see it evolving?
Currently, our technology supports floor care and inventory management, identifying shelf issues like out-of-stock items and misplaced products. The next step in autonomous inventory management is moving beyond detecting problems to physically correct these issues on shelves, a leap from identification to actual manipulation. Although the technology for autonomous item handling isn’t fully developed, advances in robotics and generative AI are bringing us closer to mobile manipulation, which will open new automation possibilities in retail. This shift will allow retailers to automate even more of their in-store operations, like online order fulfillment and restocking. Automating these labor-intensive tasks can ease workforce shortages and enable store associates to dedicate more time to engaging with customers, enhancing the overall in-store experience.
Have retailers been receptive to this technology, or have you encountered pushback?
There is substantial demand for our technology, especially as labor shortages intensify. COVID accelerated awareness around these shortages, revealing an imbalance between supply and demand in many sectors. Retailers now realize that demographic shifts—such as declining birth rates and an aging workforce—are making labor availability a long-term challenge, not just a temporary disruption.
Given these demographic pressures and technological advancements in AI, retailers increasingly view automation as essential for sustaining productivity and service standards. The demand for automation in commercial spaces is clear and growing. These spaces, such as retail and public venues, are ready to embrace the same kinds of automation that have long benefited industrial environments.
What keeps you up at night regarding Brain’s journey?
What I focus on most is ensuring that we help bridge the gap between technology and adoption, particularly for customers hesitant about new advancements. While we have major clients using our robots at scale, we also have customers who are cautious and need education to embrace robotics and AI effectively. The challenge lies in facilitating their transition to automation and demonstrating the tangible benefits it can bring to their businesses. Every customer has a different appetite for innovation, so the key is supporting those who need more guidance while maintaining momentum with early adopters, ensuring that no one is left behind in this technological evolution.
What is your vision for the consumer experience in retail by 2028?
In 2028, I envision a more human-centric retail experience where associates focus on customers, while tedious tasks like shelf stocking or floor cleaning are handled autonomously. When customers walk into a store, they’ll have more meaningful interactions with staff, who can provide personalized assistance, making in-store shopping a uniquely engaging experience that online retail can’t replicate. This transformation will free up store associates to enhance the shopping experience, enabling stores to offer a blend of technology and human interaction that elevates the overall experience. While robots will be seamlessly performing mundane tasks, the primary focus of store associates will be creating a personal, immersive experience that brings people back to brick-and-mortar stores.
Are there key milestones Brain is aiming to achieve in the next few years?
One major milestone for us is advancing from identifying shelf execution issues to physical manipulation, where robots can resolve shelf execution issues on their own. While stocking shelves autonomously is a complex task, our approach involves a practical, step-by-step path towards this goal, targeting use cases that are scalable with current technology. Our approach focuses on incremental progress, prioritizing use cases that can scale from day one. Over the next few years, expect to see us steadily roll out advancements in robotics, starting with manageable product manipulation tasks and moving up the complexity ladder as technology matures. This measured strategy ensures that each step we take meets real-world demands and prepares us for the next level of innovation in automation.
