Why Traditional Robotics Data Collection Is Obsolete and What's Next

Eric Chan, co-founder and chief scientist at Rhoda AI. | Credit: Rhoda AI

Eric Chan is the co-founder and chief scientist at Rhoda AI, where he leads research on foundation models for physical artificial intelligence.

He holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science from Stanford University and has held research positions at NVIDIA, Google, NASA, and WorldLabs.

At Rhoda AI, Chan focuses on developing systems that enable robots to learn from video and operate reliably in real-world environments.

Rhoda AI, based in Palo Alto, California, emerged from stealth mode in March 2026.

This blog post explains the concept of a direct video action model.

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This episode is brought to you by Yamaha Robotics Group (YRG) — driving the future of smart automation.

Yamaha’s Linear Conveyor Modules and Advanced Operator Interfaces are helping engineers achieve new levels of efficiency and flexibility.

And let’s face it: The PLC isn’t going anywhere — it’s evolving.

LEARN MORE AT: https://hs.yrginc.com/therobotreport

If you’re designing robots beyond controlled factory cells, such as mobile manipulators, quadrupeds, or humanoids, maxon is a must-see at the Robotics Summit & Expo this month in Boston.

At the show, maxon is exhibiting its High Efficiency Joint (HEJ) portfolio: fully integrated robotic joints that combine motor, gearing, electronics, and sensing in a compact unit. Built for cyclic loads, impacts, and continuous operation, HEJ joints are engineered for real‑world robotics applications.

See maxon’s HEJ90 demonstrator at Booth 419 on the expo show floor.

LEARN MORE AT: https://www.maxongroup.com/en-us

To learn how you can sponsor a future episode of The Robot Report Podcast, contact: Jami Brownlee – [email protected]

Would you like be a guest on a future episode? Contact Mike Oitzman – [email protected]

Register now for the 2026 Robotics Summit & Expo

Registration is now open for the Robotics Summit & Expo, the world’s leading technical event for commercial robotics developers. The event is produced by The Robot Report and WTWH Media.

>> LISTEN TO THE PODCAST EPISODE FOR A DISCOUNT CODE TO REGISTER!

The show will feature more than 50 sessions across tracks on physical AI, design and development, enabling technologies, healthcare, and logistics. The Engineering Theater on the show floor will also host presentations by industry experts.

More than 70 speakers are confirmed from companies such as AWS, Brain Corp, Fictiv, Harmonic Drive, maxon, PickNik Robotics, RealSense, the Robotics and AI Institute, Robust AI, Tesla, Toyota Research Institute, and more.

The summit will also offer numerous networking opportunities, including a Mix & Mingle Networking Reception after the first day and the ticketed Women in Robotics Breakfast and RBR50 Awards Dinner.

The Robotics Summit & Expo is co-located with DeviceTalks Boston, which focuses on medical devices.