1) Tell us about your background and how/why you started the company.
I’ve built my career at the intersection of robotics, AI, and entrepreneurship, bringing autonomous systems from research to real-world deployment. As co-founder and CEO of nuTonomy, I led the launch of the world’s first public robotaxi pilots in Singapore, showcasing the potential of self-driving technology. After our $450M acquisition by Aptiv in 2017, I became the founding CEO of Motional in 2020, a $4B joint venture with Hyundai, driving the commercialization of autonomous mobility.
Before industry, I led the Robotic Mobility Group at MIT, where my work in robotics and AI has been cited over 20,000 times. I also hold 50+ patents in autonomous vehicle technology. Beyond robotics, I am a published author of two works of fiction, translated into seven languages.
My connection to Vecna Robotics dates back to MIT, where I met Daniel Theobald, the founder of the company. Seeing Vecna’s technical leadership and the potential for robotics to transform material handling, I made an angel investment in 2020, betting on automation’s role in reshaping logistics.
Now, as CEO of Vecna Robotics, I’m excited to lead at a pivotal moment. With operators eager to scale automation, Vecna is uniquely positioned to deliver cutting-edge, reliable, and easy-to-deploy solutions. I look forward to driving this transformation and shaping the future of logistics automation.
2) What are the key problems you are addressing and how you are delivering value to customers through software workflows?
Manufacturing, warehouses, and distribution centers are facing worsening labor shortages, rising costs, and growing inefficiencies as demand increases and workforce availability declines. Supply chain disruptions and labor constraints further challenge steady production and logistics flow, while traditional automation remains rigid and costly.
At Vecna Robotics, we address these issues with AI-powered autonomous mobile robots and intelligent orchestration software, enabling real-time decision-making and adaptability. Our robots dynamically adjust to operational changes, ensuring continuous flow, minimizing downtime, and maximizing efficiency—without the limitations of conventional automation.
As challenges intensify, AI is essential for making automation more flexible, scalable, and accessible. Unlike legacy systems, AI-driven robotics learn, adapt, and optimize in real time, working alongside human operators to keep manufacturing and logistics moving. By delivering higher throughput, lower costs, and greater resilience, we help customers future-proof their operations in an increasingly complex and demanding environment.
3) What have you enjoyed or what do you look forward to about working with Tau Ventures?
I’ve enjoyed working with Tau Ventures because of their deep understanding of AI and robotics, as well as their hands-on, founder-friendly approach to investing. They bring a unique combination of technical expertise and business acumen, which makes them a valuable partner in scaling AI-driven automation solutions.
Looking ahead, I’m excited about continuing to collaborate with Tau Ventures to push the boundaries of AI-powered robotics in manufacturing and logistics. The challenges in this space are only growing, and having an investor who understands both the technological and operational complexities is incredibly valuable. Their commitment to supporting early-stage companies with a focus on real-world impact aligns well with my own passion for bringing cutting-edge robotics into practical, scalable applications.
