In episode 219 of The Robot Report Podcast, hosts Steve Crowe and Mike Oitzman recap the top robotics news of the week. This week on the show we welcome Brian Chereson, Industrial Engineer from ODW Logistics, and Cody Upp, Sales Manager from Zebra Robotics Automation. Together, they explore the transformative role of robotics and automation in logistics.
The conversation explores the deployment of Zebra’s Symmetry Fulfillment Person to Goods AMR system at ODW Logistics, highlighting the strategic benefits of flexible, cost-effective solutions. Key topics include reducing labor costs, improving order accuracy, and improving employee engagement through innovative technologies.
Cody Up
Cody Up is sales manager of Zebra Robotics Automation.
Cody has been in this role at Zebra Robotics Automation for 2 years and has been in the supply chain market since 2018.
Brian Chereson
A graduate of Ohio State University, Brian Chereson has been with ODW as an Industrial Engineer since 2018, supporting warehouse automation and robotics deployments for the 3PL during his tenure.
Show timeline
- 5:27 p.m. – News of the week
- 25:20 – Interview with Cody Upp and Brian Chereson
News of the week
1X is accepting deposits for delivery of a 1X Neo Humanoid robot in 2026. | Credit: 1X
1X Technologies AS recently opened pre-orders for its NEO humanoid designed to be deployed in homes. When the company revealed its NEO development strategy in August 2024, it pivoted to focus solely on the domestic market.
NEO’s goal is to automate everyday tasks and offer personalized support so people can spend more time on the things that matter, 1X said. THE business said it provides NEO with intuitive, user-friendly features and a secure-by-design core platform.
The latest platform is built with 1X’s patented Tendon Drive, which it says uses “the highest torque density motors in the world” to drive its transmissions. This actuation system is designed to generate safe and compliant movements around people.
Also, a great video featuring WSJ’s Joanna Stern featuring the 1X NEO:
And finally the 1X marketing video:
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