At COO (Boardroom Media) we track over 1,000,000 startups and over 5,000,000 people who hold key positions in these companies. We use this directory of startups to highlight top employees, founders and board members we think deserve more appreciation than they are currently getting.
This list showcases the top United States based COO’ operating in the Robotics space. If you think a COO’ is missing from this list, feel free to contact our editor on [email protected].
The individuals on this list have been included because of exceptional performance in one of the following categories:
- Innovation – Operating as a key part in an extremely innovative business or startup.
- Growth – Operating as a key figure in the growth and upscale of a market leading business or startup.
- Management – Showing exceptional management skills.
- Societal impact – Putting their business on the map for their positive societal or environmental impact.
Our Data – We source our data from OSINT (open source intelligence) and public directories such as Crunchbase, SemRush and many more. The data from these sources should be treated with a degree of caution and verified yourself.
John Prausa
Chief Operating Officer and Vice President, Mission Solutions of SRI International
John Prausa became chief operating officer (COO) of SRI International in 2015, responsible for all activities in support of research and development operations including Contracting and Procurement; Human Resources; Security Operations; and Facilities, Property and Logistics. Prausa is also Vice President of Mission Solutions, which delivers technology and services in support U.S. government deployed systems. The division comprises two programs: Instrumentation and Simulation (I&S) and Intelligence and Information Systems (I2S). The I&S Program provides a full spectrum of support to clients in the military test and training and homeland defense communities, including technology R&D, system prototyping, instrumentation production, training exercise field support, and depot maintenance. I2S supports Army, Joint, and Coalition Operations software for electronic warfare (EW) and target sensing systems (TSS), including infrastructure and personnel for ground and air survivability systems. The program also enhances multi-spectral EW system capabilities through automated development, testing and distribution software tools. Prausa previously led SRI’s Engineering and Systems Group, at the time the largest R&D group at SRI, with staff distributed at fifteen regional offices and numerous operating locations. In that role, he directed 800 staff members conducting R&D, deployment and support of technologies and systems in ionospheric and space research, radar and remote sensing, signal processing and algorithm development, signals and electronic intelligence, test and training systems, wireless communications, robotics and autonomous systems, imaging technology and systems, force protection and situation awareness, and product development. Prausa has a B.A. in mathematics from the University of California, Berkeley, and has done graduate course work in systems analysis at Stanford University.
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About SRI International: SRI International is a nonprofit, independent research center serving government and industry.
Roger Liu
Chief Operating Officer of Kneron
Roger obtained a doctoral degree in Electrical Engineering at the State University of New York at Stony Brook. He has 20+ years of semiconductor and AI industry experience. Roger was the former VP for R&D in Sentelic Corp, and also served as COO in Milkyway Silicon Technology.
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About Kneron: Kneron develops an application-specific integrated circuit and software that offers artificial intelligence-based tools.
Alex Matzner
COO of comma.ai
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About comma.ai, harvest.ai: comma is solving self driving cars while delivering shippable intermediaries: openpilot and the comma two.
Neal Rickner
Chief Operating Officer, Makani of X, the moonshot factory
Neal Rickner is a tech executive that specializes in advancing new ventures through early-stage growth. He has led multiple teams at Google including a team on “Helpouts,” a live-video learning startup within Google Inc. Neal is currently the Head of Strategy and Operations at Makani, a next-generation wind-turbine project within Google[x]
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About X, the moonshot factory: X, the moonshot factory invents and launches breakthrough technologies and radical solutions.
Matt Rivett
Chief Operating Officer of Local Motors
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About Local Motors: Local Motors is an American motor vehicle company that creates and delivers safe and accessible mobility solutions for local communities.
Thomas J McHugh
Chief Operating Officer of Sterling Payment Technologies
Prior to joining Sterling in 2010 as COO, Mr. McHugh was Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Genpass, the second largest ATM processor in the United States. At Genpass, Mr. McHugh managed a staff of 300. His responsibilities included managing the company’s networks, leading its research and technology groups, coordinating strategic merger and acquisition activity, and managing compliance and audit efforts. Prior to joining Genpass, Mr. McHugh was Group Executive Vice President of STAR Systems Network, Inc., where he managed the information services division. STAR Systems Network is the largest processor of ATM and POS transactions in the United States. Mr. McHugh was responsible for all technology and operational aspects related to the strategic acquisitions of the Most and BankMate Networks, as well as the merger of the Honor and STAR Networks.
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About Sterling Payment Technologies: Sterling Payment Technologies is one of the most innovative, customer-focused payment processors in the industry.
Mark Cranney
Chief Operating Officer of Skydio
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About GTMFund, Skydio: Skydio uses artificial intelligence to create flying drones that are used by consumer, enterprise, and government customers.
Christian Cerda
Chief Operating Officer of iRobot
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About iRobot, SimpliSafe: iRobot is an American technology company that designs and builds behavior-based AI robots.
Jenny Larios Berlin
Co-Founder & Chief Operating Officer of Optimus Ride
Jenny Larios Berlin is a veteran of car sharing technology and operations, having worked previously for the disruptive Zipcar. As a General Manager, Jenny introduced Zipcar operations into several university campuses nationwide. She created the strategic vision and managed the sales, marketing, and operations teams to deliver groundbreaking mobility solutions. Jenny was also the National Members Services Manager for Zipcar and was responsible for their service operations in all of their cities. In 2015, Jenny earned her Master’s in City Planning and MBA from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). While at MIT, Jenny worked in the Transportation Lab investigating mobility and urban transportation systems in low- income communities. She was also the recipient of the Public Service Center Fellowship to produce a participatory filmmaking project with an affordable housing community in the heart of Boston, MA. Ms. Larios Berlin collaborated with MIT Prof. Donald Sull on innovative frameworks for strategy development and implementation, which culminated in the publication of the book Simple Rules: How to Thrive in a Complex World (2015).
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About Optimus Ride: Optimus Ride is a self-driving vehicle company providing communities with safe, reliable, convenient, and sustainable mobility services.
Brandon Tseng
Chief Operating Officer & Co-Founder of Shield AI
Brandon Tseng is Shield AI’s Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer. Prior to founding Shield AI, Brandon proudly served in the US Navy for seven years. As a Navy SEAL, he served two deployments to Afghanistan and one to the Pacific Theater. Previously, he was the Assistant Chief Engineer aboard the USS Pearl Harbor (LSD-52) and deployed to the Persian Gulf. Brandon earned his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the United States Naval Academy and his MBA from Harvard Business School.
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About Shield AI: Building the world’s best AI pilot.
Michael C. Johnson
President & Chief Operating Officer of Locus Robotics
Mike is a 20-plus-year serial entrepreneur, having formed and grown three previous startups implementing warehouse technologies for Fortune 500 companies.
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About Locus Robotics: Locus Robotics is a warehouse robotics company that manufactures autonomous mobile robots to support e-commerce.
Jon Morgan
Co-Founder & COO of Hammerhead
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About Hammerhead: Hammerhead is building the world’s best bicycle computer.
Paz Eshel
Co-Founder & COO of Kodiak Robotics
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About Kodiak Robotics: Kodiak Robotics develops autonomous technology for long-haul trucking.
Ilan Abehassera
Co-Founder, President & COO of Willo
Ilan Abehassera is the Co-Founder, President & COO at Willo.
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About Diaspora Ventures, Oui Are New York, Willo: Willo develops technology in oral health that automatically empowers everyone to achieve the best at-home clean possible.
Will Mapes
COO of RoboTire
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About RoboTire: RoboTire automates vehicle maintenance by combining robots and computer vision.
Aceil Halaby
Co-Founder & COO of Bloomer Health Tech
Aceil Halaby is the co-founder and COO at Bloomer Health Tech.
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About Bloomer Health Tech: Bloomer Tech uses everyday fabrics and machine learning for personalized detection, monitoring, and treatment of chronic diseases.
Ross Blum
Chief Operating Officer of Skyline Robotics
Ross Blum is the chief operating officer of Skyline Robotics. He is a former Chief Operating Officer at Quidd and Chief Administrative Officer at pingmd. Ross is a registered attorney in the State of New York, holding a J.D. from the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law. He also received an M.S. in sports management from Georgetown University and a B.S. from Babson College.
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About Skyline Robotics: Skyline Robotics specializes in automating all real estate maintenance work at heights.
Doug Parker
COO of nuTonomy
Doug Parker is nuTonomy’s COO, leading the Singapore office and the company’s fundraising efforts. He joined nuTonomy from McKinsey & Company, where he was an Associate Partner in the product development and private equity practices. He has an MBA from INSEAD.
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About nuTonomy: nuTonomy is a self-driving car company that focuses on inventing software for self-driving vehicles and autonomous mobile robots.
Ian Cohen
Co-founder & COO of Toggle
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About Toggle: Construction robotics for reinforced concrete
Ryan Melohn
COO & Co-Founder of Expansion Venture Capital
Ryan Melohn is co-founder and chief operating officer for Expansion VC. In addition Mr. Melohn is vice-president and property manager for the Expansion Group Inc. , a real estate corporation with holdings in both residential and commercial sectors. As chief facilitator for Expansion VC, Mr. Melohn has been responsible for successfully pairing potential entrepreneurs/companies with ideal investments. Ryan’s networking throughout the venture capital and corporate worlds, have proven extremely valuable to EVC. His portfolio includes but is not limited to Postmates, RelayRides, AngelList, Life360, Firebase, TheRealReal, Enigma.io, Compstak, Engrade and eShares among many others. Ryan’s philanthropic interests are varied and eclectic. He is particularly dedicated to Kids of Courage, an organization focused on improving the daily lives of children and adults battling catastrophic illnesses.
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About Expansion Venture Capital: Expansion Venture Capital is a New York-based company providing investment and mentorship to early- and growth-stage companies.
Doug Teany
Chief Operating Officer of Corindus
Doug is a forward-thinking medical device executive with a 20+-year track record of driving operational excellence for research and product development organizations. He has contributed millions to top- and bottom-line growth of companies through operational improvement and implementation of emerging and disruptive technologies. Since joining Corindus in 2016, Doug has transformed the organization into a fast-growing, healthcare robotics company aimed at disrupting the current care model for stroke and heart attack. He has positioned Corindus as the global leader in vascular robotics through development of a second-generation robotic system and advanced capabilities in procedural automation and telerobotics. Under Doug’s leadership in 2018, Corindus completed the world’s first-in-human remote robotic interventional heart procedure. That was followed by the first in-human robotic neurovascular intervention in 2019. Prior to joining Corindus, Doug served as Vice President in Boston Scientific’s development organization, responsible for strategy and operations of its global clinical and preclinical research functions. He played a key role in returning BSC to profitability and growth by accelerating pivotal cardiovascular development programs and improving multiple large-scale laboratory and research facilities. Doug holds a Master of Science and Bachelor’s degree from Purdue University and served as an Engineer in the United States Army Reserves.
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About Corindus, Method AI: Corindus develops and commercializes remote robotic systems for interventional procedures.
Hatem Naguib
Chief Operating Officer of Barracuda Networks
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About Barracuda Networks: Barracuda is a provider of powerful, easy-to-use, affordable IT solutions for security and storage.
Benjamin Feltner
Co-Founder & COO of BeeHex, LLC
Benjamin Feltner is Co-Founder & COO of BeeHex, Inc. Ben is a transactional/corporate attorney and former baseball player. In 2006 and 2007, Ben was drafted by the Chicago Cubs and Milwaukee Brewers. Ben’s post-baseball career has been rooted in entrepreneurship and law. Through strategic marketing techniques, his product was featured on more than ten national television shows including The Today Show, The View, Jay Leno, and Jimmy Kimmel. Since then, Ben has served as general counsel to more than 50 small to medium size businesses.
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About BeeHex, LLC, CustoMix: We are changing the way food is made by using technology that increases efficiency and improves lives.
Bob Child
Chief Operating Officer of CU Direct
Bob Child, the chief operating officer at CU Direct, oversees the company’s finance, marketing and communications, training, and human resources functions. He is also a member of the organization’s strategic planning team. He has over 11 years’ experience in the financial services industry, with expertise in developing and executing new best practice strategy functions and establishing program management offices.
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About CU Direct: Technology and solutions for dealers and lenders
Marcel Bergerman
COO & Co-Founder of Near Earth Autonomy
Marcel Bergerman oversees Near Earth Autonomy’s programs, people, and contracts. Additionally, he leads the company’s financial, human resources, and administrative operations. He obtained his PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University in 1996. Prior to joining Near Earth, he was a faculty at Carnegie Mellon’s Robotics Institute for 6 years. Mr. Bergerman is also a co-founder of MySTEM Academy, a technology education venture that teaches programming and robotics to elementary and middle school children.
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About Near Earth Autonomy: Near Earth Autonomy is creating a future where autonomous flight is commonplace and safe.
Paul Froutan
Chief Operating Officer & Chief Financial Officer of Xenex
Paul Froutan is the coo at Xenex Disinfection Services.
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About Xenex: Xenex offers Pulsed Xenon Full Spectrum, a UV disinfection solution that reduces the bacterial load associated with the risk for HAIs.
Daniel Parks
Co-Founder / COO of inVia Robotics
Dan has a rich background in software development and robotics innovation. Prior to joining inVia, Dan was the head of software and customer support at CAMotion, an innovative motion control and industrial automation company focused on high speed robotic solutions for material handling.
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About inVia Robotics: InVia Robotics provides next-generation robotics warehouse automation solutions for e-commerce distribution centers and supply chains.
Aaron Favara
COO of Refraction AI
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About PICKUP, Refraction AI: Refraction AI is a robot delivery startup offering food delivery service from restaurants to customers through its self-driving robot REV-1.
Mike Pilkington
COO of Robo 3D
Mike graduated from San Diego State University majoring in public administration amidst his training to become a firefighter. He has a highly-detailed mind and a knack for seamless organization and leadership. In addition to running all operations tasks for ROBO 3D, Mike is first-class outdoorsman, firefighter, and power tool pro. He’s not afraid to get his hands dirty while always looking for the next clear path to innovate and improve the world around him.
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About Robo 3D: Robo 3D manufactures and markets 3D printers for retail.
Isaac Roberts
Co-Founder & COO of Scythe Robotics
Isaac Roberts is the Co-Founder & COO at Scythe Robotics.
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About Scythe Robotics: Scythe Robotics is a robotics company that provides autonomous technology for maintaining off-road environments.
Billy McGuire
COO & CFO of Teal Drones
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About Teal Drones: Teal Drones is a commercial and government unmanned aerial vehicle technology.
Jeff Gibson
Founder, COO of Tesseract
Jeff Gibson has a decade of experience in aerospace systems engineering. He first worked as a Senior Engineer at Goodrich corporation on multiple rapid development projects for precision guided munitions. In 2013, he joined Masten Space Systems as the Lead GNC Systems Engineer, where he also served as Technical Lead on the DARPA XS-1 program, and GNC/Avionics/Software Lead for Masten’s effort on the NASA Lunar CATALYST program. Jeff was the pilot/operator for over a hundred VTVL rocket flights and static engine tests. He has extensive experience in design, simulation, integration, testing, and project leadership.
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About Benchmark Space Systems, Tesseract: Tesseract is a provider of cost effective propulsion components and systems for in-space applications.
Devon Edwards
COO of Catalia Health
Devon Edwards is the COO at Catalia Health.
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About Catalia Health: We create the Mabu personal healthcare companion to help patients with chronic disease and collect data to healthcare providers.
Kristy Campbell
Chief Operating Officer of Rev1 Ventures
Kristy Campbell has dedicated her 20+ year career to working with – and within – tech startups to help them build their brand, grow revenue and scale. As the Chief Operating Officer at leading venture development fund, Rev1 Ventures, Campbell supports the company’s mission to help entrepreneurs build great companies. Tapping into her longevity in the industry, she helps guide startups in their critical first phases of growth to expedite their success and ensure they are poised for scalable growth. Kristy has a BS in Journalism from Ohio University and an MBA from Ashland University.
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About Rev1 Ventures: Rev1 Ventures is an investor startup studio that combines capital and strategic services to help startups scale and corporates innovate.
John Longley
Chief Operating Officer of Odyssey Marine Exploration
John D. Longley was appointed Chief Operating Officer in October 2014. Previously, Mr. Longley served as Senior Vice President since 2012 and Director of Business Operations since 2005 when he joined the company. With over 25 years of marketing and business strategy experience, he has been integral in growing the company’s business opportunities including its attractions, the monetization of valuable shipwreck finds and exploring new deep-ocean opportunities that utilize Odyssey’s core competencies. Mr. Longley has an instrumental role in executing major marketing programs and projects at Odyssey. Following the Gairsoppa silver recovery operations that took place in 2012 and 2013, Mr. Longley led the program to monetize the 110 tons of shipwreck silver bullion, which constituted the world’s largest precious metals recovery from a shipwreck in history. Odyssey’s first major shipwreck discovery was in 2003 when the company located the greatest treasure of the Civil War-era and recovered over 51,000 gold and silver coins along with 14,000 artifacts. Mr. Longley has orchestrated the development of Odyssey’s global distribution network for shipwreck coins and collectibles, which reaches millions of shipwreck collectible buyers. Mr. Longley directs Odyssey’s traveling exhibit SHIPWRECK! which has been on a tour through 13 North American cities since 2005 and continues today. Over two million guests have seen the exhibit, which features over 500 shipwreck artifacts, interactive games and graphic panel displays. Prior to joining Odyssey, Mr. Longley served as Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Public Imagery from 2003 to 2005 and Director of Retail Marketing for Office Depot North American stores from 1998 to 2003. Mr. Longley graduated with a Bachelors of Science degree in Communications with a specialty in Advertising from Florida State University in 1989.
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About Odyssey Marine Exploration: Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc. is an American company engaged in the salvage of deep-water shipwrecks.
Ahmed Datoo
Co-Founder and COO of Mesmer
Ahmed Datoo is a Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer at Mesmer. He is a former Chief Marketing Officer at Inkling and Zenprise CMO & SVP Product Management, Part of Founding Team at Citrix. Mr. Datoo received an MA & BA at Stanford University and an MBA at Stanford University Graduate School of Business.
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About Mesmer: Mesmer is a Robotics Process Automation for Software Development (RPAD) company.
Chuma Ogunwole
Co-Founder and COO of Pyka
Chuma Ogunwole is the Chief Operating Officer at Pyka.
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About Pyka: Pyka makes technologies that make aviation safer, more affordable, and more accessible than has ever been possible in human history.
Prahlad Athreya
Co-Founder, COO of Bumblebee Spaces
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About Bumblebee Spaces: Bumblebee Spaces creates a new way to live by thinking about space in cubic feet instead of square feet.
Jim McCarthy
President & Chief Operating Officer of Intelligrated
Jim McCarthy began his career in 1973 as a design engineer for a major provider of material handling systems. During the following years he held multiple positions in engineering, sales, and management, in two different companies. In 1988, he joined as one of the original management shareholders in the formation of what became Pinnacle Automation. During his career, Jim has had the unique opportunity to work in virtually all areas of the material handling business, including engineering, project management, sales, installation, and manufacturing, with several positions at the executive management level. In 1997, Jim became president of the Buschman Company, which was one of the Pinnacle Automation companies. Jim and the management team’s constant focus on customer satisfaction took Buschman to unprecedented levels of revenue and profitability. Jim is a founding member of the Intelligrated team. Jim is a graduate of Ferris State University of Big Rapids, Michigan and of the Harvard Business School PMD Program.
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About Intelligrated: Intelligrated is a leading North American-based, single-source provider of intelligent automated material handling solutions.
Nicolas Ruble
Co-Founder and COO of Prodygia
Nicolas is a business and research veteran with a passion for digital learning and new business models. Before founding Prodygia, he served as Head of Asia Programming and Global Leadership Fellow at the World Economic Forum. He previously worked in business planning for Standard Chartered Bank in China. He received his BA from Stanford and an Executive MBA degree from INSEAD and Tsinghua.
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About Prodygia: Prodygia is a SaaS platform which makes it easy for organizations to publish their in-depth content online.
Dave Twining
COO, Co-Founder of Planck Aerosystems
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About Planck Aerosystems: Planck technology ushers in a new era of drone flight, unlocking a world of new applications.
Kenny Lee
COO of Aigen
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About Aigen: Robotics, Agriculture, Climate
Heather Ames
COO & Co-Founder of Neurala
Heather contributes diverse executive skills ranging from overseeing multi-million dollar applied research initiatives, strategic planning, product management, and leading translation of research into commercial products. Heather has spoken at TechCrunch, Forrester, The Robotics Summit and more. She was honored as a finalist in EY’s prestigious Entrepreneur of the Year award and at Google’s headquarters as being one of the Top 10 Women in Cloud emerging technology. Heather has served as the Executive Director of the NSF-sponsored CELEST Science of Learning Center at Boston University. She holds a PhD in Cognitive and Neural Systems, Boston University and a BS in Cognitive Neuroscience, University of California at Berkeley. Heather was the first person in her family to graduate college.
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About Neurala: Neurala provides an AI platform that empowers companies to automate visual inspections.
Steven Frehn
COO & Co-Founder of Creator
Steven Frehn is the COO & Co-Founder at Creator.
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About Creator: Creator is a collective of food lovers and engineers with decades of robotics and restaurant experience.
Charlene Garland
Co-founder & COO of Gappify
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About Gappify: Gappify is a cloud-based provider of process automation solutions for corporate accounting teams.
Kale Rogers
Co-Founder, COO of Spyce
Kale Rogers is the Co-Founder and COO at Spyce Food. He earned a BS in Mechanical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
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About Spyce: Spyce operates robotic restaurant kitchen serving up healthy food bowls.
Kaiqiang Xu
COO of Vincross
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About Vincross: Vincross is a technology company that designs, develops, and sells consumer robotics.
Michael Howes
Co-founder, COO and CTO of SVT Robotics
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About SVT Robotics: SVT Robotics is a warehouse automation software intended to become a bridge between businesses and automation.
Charles Yhap
Chief Operating Officer and CoFounder of CleanRobotics
Charles is an experienced social entrepreneur and has worked in the fields of human rights and environmental protection. He has 10 years of experience and thrives in a mission driven start-up organization.
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About CleanRobotics, CleanRobotics: CleanRobotics makes recycling affordable for businesses, and profitable for recyclers.
James Daly
Chief Operating Officer of Sea Machines Robotics
Jim Daly is the Chief Operating Officer at Sea Machines Robotics.
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About Sea Machines Robotics: Sea Machines Robotics builds autonomous control and navigation systems for the commercial marine and boating industries.
Justin Cleveland
COO of WattGlass
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About WattGlass: WattGlass is a startup company based in Fayetteville
William Kowalski
Co-Founder, COO of Atomos Space
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About Atomos Space: Atomos Space is an aerospace company building and developing orbital transfer vehicles and space nuclear technology.
Samuel Russo
Co-Founder and COO/CSO at Dive Technologies of Dive Technologies
Sam Russo is the Co-Founder and COO/CSO of Dive Technologies.
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About Dive Technologies: Dive Technologies is a developer of underwater vehicles used to produce reliable Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs).
Jan Ostman
Chief Operating Officer of Mimic Technologies
Jan brings diverse experience in sales, marketing, and business development from the simulation, haptics, consulting, and automotive industry. He first joined Mimic in 2005, spearheading strategy for the firm’s robotic surgery simulation business. Prior to joining Mimic, Jan was sales manager for haptics technology company Reachin Technologies, where he successfully grew its business in North America and Japan. Jan has held sales, business development, and engineering positions with a number of simulation and virtual reality firms and was an analyst and consultant with the Swedish Institute for Growth Policy Studies. Jan holds a MSC in Industrial Design Engineering from Luleå University of Technology in Sweden and an MBA with Honors from the University of Washington.
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About Mimic Technologies: Mimic Technologies a pioneer and leader in robotic surgery simulation and training.
Benjamin Williams
Chief Operating Officer of Exyn Technologies
Benjamin Williams is the Chief Operating Officer at Exyn Technologies.
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About Exyn Technologies, Exyn Technologies: Exyn Technologies is developing autonomous aerial robot systems.
Marsha Osborn
COO of Costa Coffee BaristaBot
Marsha Osborn serves as the Chief Operating Officer at Briggo.
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About Costa Coffee BaristaBot: Costa Coffee BaristaBot is an automatic coffee-dispensing machine developed using robotic technology.
Robert Praino
Co-Founder and COO of Chasm Technologies
Mr. Praino has more than 40 years of experience commercializing products and developing advanced manufacturing processes, including work at Stone & Webster, Polaroid, Presstek, Vitex Systems, and Precision Lithograining. He has a BS and MS in Chemical Engineering from WPI and an MBA from Boston University. In 2005, Bob co-founded Chasm Technologies, a consulting firm that helps its clients commercialize new products through smart application of materials science and process technology. He is a world expert in the field of roll-to-roll manufacturing, including atmospheric and vacuum thin film coating, web handling, product system design, fluid interfacial science, and drying processes.
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About Chasm Technologies, Southwest Nanotechnologies: Chasm Technologies is a manufacturer of carbon-nanotube-based printed electronics and energy storage material solutions.
Joe Brown
COO of Tailwind Technologies
Joe is President of Hartzell Propeller and COO of Tailwind Technologies Inc., a holding company that owns Hartzell Propeller and three additional aviation businesses, including Hartzell Engine Technologies. He has worked in aviation manufacturing for 24 years. A member of AOPA and EAA, Joe is also actively involved in General Aviation Manufacturers Association and IMC Club International. Joe is an instrument rated pilot with 2,000 hours. He flies a TBM 850 and Glasair Sportsman. Joe is a graduate of Middlebury College.
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About Hartzell Propeller, Tailwind Technologies: Tailwind Technologies Inc. is the parent company of Hartzell Propeller, Hartzell Engine Technologies.
Azam Khan
Co-Founder & COO of Lexset
Azam Khan is the Co-Founder and Chief Business Officer at LexSet. Previously, Azam was the Director of New Ventures at Intellectual Ventures. He has also served as Deputy Chief of Staff at the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
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About Lexset: Lexset, better data, better vision. Creating synthetic data for computer vision.
Joel Pedlikin
COO of GreenSight
Joel Pedlikin is the Chief Operating Officer at GreenSight
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About GreenSight: GreenSight is building the scaleable, enterprise platform for low altitude aerial intelligence.
David Sosnow
Co-Founder and COO of Auxon
David Sosnow is the Co-Founder and COO of Auxon Coporation.
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About Auxon: Auxon is a software company that enables AI & systems engineers to build safe, resilient systems.
Deniz Dogruer
Chief Operating Officer & Co-Founder of Squishy Robotics
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About Squishy Robotics: Squishy Robotics developing impact-resilient sensor robots for disaster response and remote monitoring.
Natalie Brede
COO / CoFounder of MERCH ROADIE
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About MERCH ROADIE: The only tour case with a touch screen robot inside to vend your merch. Design patent pending.
Bruce Capagli
COO of Precision Disposable Products
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About Precision Disposable Products: PDP or Precision Disposable Products offers high quality, cost efficient, medical products.
Michael Rivera
Co-founder & COO of Jodone
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About Jodone: Jodone, The fusion of human intelligence and robotic precision.
Michael Rivera
Co-founder & COO of Jodone
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About Jodone: Jodone, The fusion of human intelligence and robotic precision.
Ben Williams
COO & Co-Founder of HUVRData
Ben Williams is the COO & Co-Founder at HUVR.
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About HUVRData: HUVR provides software solutions to accelerate digital transformation for industrial industries.
Bob Raida
Chief Operating Officer of Hebi Robotics
Bob Raida is Chief Operating Officer at HEBI Robotics. Prior being the CEO, he held different positions in the comapany, including VP business development and operations and business advisor. He was also director in business development at Foundational e-businesses prior working with HEBI.
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About Hebi Robotics: Hebi Robotics is working to make robots simple, useful, and safe.
Craig Salvalaggio
Chief Operating Officer of Applied Manufacturing Technologies
Craig leads the largest segment of AMT’s automation engineering business. His technical skills in robotic automation combined with a leadership ability, led to his current role as VP of Engineering. His strategic mission is to continue driving growth and diversity of the General Industries market segments. Craig brings 14 years of Automation experience to AMT and holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Lake Superior State University, a Masters in Operations Management, and an MBA from Kettering University. Craig is actively involved in the Robotics Industry Association (RIA) and Co-Chair of the Certified Integrator Committee and program.
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About Applied Manufacturing Technologies: AMT creatively solves robotic automation challenges.
Wayne E. Yang
Director & COO of Layer 7 Capital
Wayne Yang serves as the Director and Chief Operating Officer at Layer 7 Capital.
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About Layer 7 Capital: Layer 7 Capital is a boutique investment bank that specializes in mergers and acquisitions.
Kim Wheeler
COO and Co-Founder of RoadNarrows
Ms. Kim Wheeler has a Masters degree in robotics and computer vision from McGill’s Centre for Intelligent Machines and worked as an Image Navigation engineer on NASA/JPL’s Mars Observer mission for Malin Space Science Systems. She then worked at Qualcomm as a software test/quality engineer in the field of wireless telecommunications. Ms. Wheeler co-founded RoadNarrows Robotics in 2002 and held the role of CEO until 2014. She directed the business development, sales, and operations, and led various product development and research efforts including several SBIR/STTR Phase I and Phase I robotics-related grants awarded to the company from the National Science Foundation. Kim worked as Director of Operations with Emerald Therapeutics, a Bay Area robotic life sciences startup from 2014 to 2015. Kim resumed work at RoadNarrows with a focus on operations and system development for new research projects.
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About RoadNarrows: Robotic intelligent systems R&D, Artificial Intelligence platforms, robotic arm architectures, software, ROS, products & sales.
Lawrence Dennis, III
COO of Aerial Technology International
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About Aerial Technology International: Aerial Technology International (ATI) manufactures industrial grade, application specific aerial robotics.
Kevin Miller
COO of Goldstur
A serial entrepreneur with three successful exits from companies in 2007, 2010 and 2015 Kevin joined Goldstur in 2015 as an investor and active member filling the spot of COO.
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About Goldstur: World’s first and only automated appraisal kiosk for turning precious metal jewelry into cash.
Jay Douglass
COO of Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing Institute
Jay is COO of The Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing Institute (ARM). Founded at Carnegie Mellon University in January 2017 and now operating as an independent non-profit, ARM won an $80 million grant from the U.S. Department of Defense to become the leading catalyst of robotics innovation and expertise to accelerate growth in US-based manufacturing and the high value careers. ARM operates as part of the Manufacturing USA network, and is supported by an additional $173 million in commitments from more than 100 members and partners in industry, academia, technology, government and economic development groups. By creating a collaborative ecosystem of like-minded organizations, ARM is speeding the movement of industrial robots into commercial use, while preparing a labor force to operate and manage these technologies. Previously Jay worked at the Software Engineering Institute at Carnegie Mellon University. His focus was on developing business opportunities for technology development and technology transfer with commercial organizations. He most recently managed the SEI’s business in Europe. Jay has worked with a wide variety of software development and quality technologies. Jay’s educational background includes a BS in Business Administration from Miami University and an MBA from the University of Pittsburgh.
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About Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing Institute: ARM is the nation’s leading collaborative in robotics and workforce innovation.