Full-Time

Robot Systems Engineer

Robust.ai

Robust.ai

51-200 employees

AI-powered robots for manufacturing and logistics

Compensation Overview

$150k - $190k/yr

+ Stock Options

San Carlos, CA, USA

In Person

Category
Software Engineering (1)
Required Skills
Software Testing
Linux/Unix
Requirements
  • Depth of knowledge on embedded Linux systems
  • Familiarity with Linux for Tegra (L4T)
  • A desire and ability to keep the knowledge current
  • Coverage of Ubuntu, Jetson-based hardware, encrypted drive volumes
Responsibilities
  • Design, configure, and maintain custom Linux distributions (e.g., using Yocto or Buildroot)
  • Develop and maintain Linux kernel configurations for robotic hardware
  • Bring-up of new robot hardware platforms
  • Conduct regular performance and regression testing to ensure robotic software operates within constraints
  • Integrate robotics middleware such as Robot Operating System (ROS/ROS 2)
  • Develop firmware update mechanisms (OTA updates)
  • Implement secure boot and root filesystem protection
  • Ensure system robustness against crashes and power loss
  • Write technical documentation (architecture, APIs, bring-up guides)

Robust.AI creates AI-powered robotic systems for manufacturing and warehouse logistics. The core products are collaborative robots that work alongside humans to handle dynamic, changing workflows in facilities like warehouses and factories. These systems typically include autonomous robotic fleets, sensors, and software that coordinates tasks, ensuring safe interaction with people and adapting to different tasks in real time. The company earns revenue by selling robotic hardware and by offering ongoing service and maintenance contracts. Its approach centers on integrating intelligent automation with existing operations to improve productivity, safety, and efficiency, with notable clients such as DHL Supply Chain. The goal is to help businesses reduce operating costs and increase throughput by deploying adaptable, scalable robotic solutions that fit varied industrial environments.

Company Size

51-200

Company Stage

Series A

Total Funding

$42.5M

Headquarters

San Carlos, California

Founded

2019

Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Aptiv partnership integrates PULSE sensors and Wind River RTOS for scalable AI cobots.
  • Foxconn collaboration accelerates U.S. production capacity amid rising domestic automation demand.
  • 15th Rock investment enables market entry and expansion into high-demand Japanese warehouses.

What critics are saying

  • Amazon Robotics' 750,000 deployed units and 70% market share lock in major clients.
  • Locus Robotics' 20,000 AMRs in Fortune 500 warehouses undercut Carter's leasing model.
  • NVIDIA's Isaac platform powers rivals with GPU-accelerated AI, rendering camera-only vision obsolete.

What makes Robust.ai unique

  • Carter Pro's whole-robot force sensing enables intuitive physical manipulation like regular objects.
  • 360° AI-optimized vision with patented holonomic drive for omnidirectional warehouse movement.
  • Human-centric design philosophy differentiates from competitors focused purely on autonomous performance.

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Your Connections

People at Robust.ai who can refer or advise you

Benefits

Stock Options

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Flexible Work Hours

Parental Leave

Growth & Insights and Company News

Headcount

6 month growth

-2%

1 year growth

-3%

2 year growth

0%
Maker's Muse
Nov 12th, 2025
Aptiv and Robust AI Partner to Revolutionise STEM with AI-Powered Collaborative Robots

Aptiv and Robust AI partner to revolutionise STEM with ai-powered collaborative robots. Aptiv, a global technology leader, has recently announced a strategic partnership with Robust.AI to revolutionise the STEM landscape through the development of AI-powered collaborative robots, commonly known as cobots. This exciting collaboration aims to push the boundaries of robotics by integrating advanced artificial intelligence systems with human-friendly robotic designs - creating a new wave of intelligent machines capable of working alongside humans in complex environments. This partnership highlights the rapidly growing intersection of STEM fields, where science, technology, engineering, and mathematics converge to shape the future of industry and education. Collaborative robots supported by AI technologies offer unparalleled opportunities for automation, efficiency, and safety in sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, and warehousing. These cobots are designed to complement human workers, assisting in repetitive, dangerous, or precise tasks without compromising the human touch essential for decision-making. For STEM education, this leap forward is transformative. It not only expands the tools and projects students and educators can explore, but also inspires young learners to investigate AI, robotics, and automation through hands-on experiences. Exposure to such advanced robotics systems in educational settings builds relevant skills - programming, systems integration, machine learning understanding - that are critical for future careers in technology-driven industries. This partnership essentially bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world technological applications, making STEM subjects more engaging and industry-aligned. The collaboration focuses on combining Robust.AI's expertise in cutting-edge perception and software solutions with Aptiv's deep experience in building robust and scalable robotic platforms. This union is expected to result in cobots equipped with superior sensory capabilities, enhanced spatial awareness, and adaptive learning systems, allowing machines to operate dynamically in unpredictable environments. These advancements ensure that the robots will not only work efficiently but also maintain safety standards - an essential factor when deploying robotics in shared human spaces. This initiative underscores a broader trend within STEM education and industrial innovation: the growing importance of artificial intelligence and robotics convergence. As industries worldwide adopt smart automation, educational institutions must timely adapt curriculum and resources to prepare students for evolving workforce demands. By showcasing this partnership, STEM programs can motivate students toward research, innovation, and entrepreneurship in robotics and AI, creating a new generation of technologists ready to lead global advancements. In summary, Aptiv and Robust.AI's partnership is more than a technological development; it's an educational and industrial milestone. It exemplifies how STEM and AI-powered robotics can harmoniously coexist to enhance human productivity and innovation. For students, educators, and industry professionals alike, this evolution offers inspiring possibilities within the STEM ecosystem - a future where intelligent machines and human creativity innovate side-by-side for a smarter world.

Technology AI Insights
Nov 10th, 2025
Aptiv and Robust.AI Jointly Develop AI-Driven Collaborative Robots

Aptiv and Robust.AI jointly develop ai-driven collaborative robots. Aptiv PLC, a global technology company focused on creating a safer, greener, and more connected future, and Robust.AI, a leader in AI-driven industrial automation, announced a strategic collaboration to jointly develop AI-driven collaborative robots. This collaboration combines Aptiv's industry-leading product portfolio, including the Wind River platform and tools, with Robust.AI's robotics expertise and human-centric design philosophy, aiming to accelerate innovation in warehousing and industrial automation. Javed Khan, Executive Vice President and President of Software, Advanced Security and User Experience at Aptiv, stated, "Aptiv is working with strategic partners to empower the future of the intelligent edge through technologies that enable real-time sensing, thinking, acting, and optimization. By combining Aptiv's intelligent sensing, computing, and software solutions with Robust.AI's innovative robotics platform, we will accelerate the deployment of scalable, AI-driven solutions that create real value across multiple industries." Aptiv's perception portfolio and machine learning technologies will be integrated with the Robust.AI platform to create scalable, efficient, and safe robotic workflows. The joint solution will have the following core characteristics: * The Aptiv PULSE sensor - a compact surround-view camera paired with ultra-short-range radar - enables reliable and accurate 360-degree perception. * Aptiv Radar ML and Behavior ML - advanced machine learning technologies developed based on Aptiv's industry-leading Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) to enable real-time perception and dynamic path planning in complex environments. * Robust.AI's platform architecture encompasses AI-driven advanced optical sensors and decision models, real-time simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM), a patented omnidirectional drive system, force-sensitive joysticks that instantly transfer control to human operators, and other intuitive features that enhance productivity, efficiency, and safety. * The expanded proof-of-concept (PoC) leverages Aptiv computing technology and the Wind River platform (including the VxWorks real-time operating system (RTOS) and Helix Hypervisor) to deliver best-in-class performance and virtualization capabilities, low latency, and greater flexibility to support a variety of system designs. Robust.AI's Carter is a versatile collaborative robot designed to enhance the efficiency of existing workforces. Its software-defined capabilities integrate the core capabilities of three robots - fulfillment picking, point-to-point transport, and mobile sorting - supporting multiple workflows on a single platform. With its plug-and-play automation capabilities, Carter quickly and significantly boosts productivity while optimizing workflows, improving warehouse efficiency, and supporting continuous learning through data-driven insights. This unprecedented flexibility allows customers to dynamically adapt Carter's functionality to the evolving needs of their facilities. Rodney Brooks, co-founder and chief technology officer of Robust.AI, stated, "Aptiv's expertise in developing advanced AI models, sensors, and real-time operating systems for autonomous vehicles will enhance Carter's ability to safely collaborate with human operators in dynamic, close-range environments. By integrating these AI-driven capabilities, we can even surpass other advanced solutions, bringing Carter's productivity and efficiency advantages to new industries." Aptiv's strong integration capabilities, global footprint, and resilient supply chain enable it to scale complex systems across multiple markets - a capability proven by deploying advanced technologies in millions of vehicles worldwide. This allows Robust.AI to focus on its core strengths: human-centric design and AI-driven workflows, while ensuring solutions are delivered at scale in a cost-effective manner.

PYMNTS
May 27th, 2025
Abb Reportedly Exploring $3.5 Billion Sale Of Robotics Business

Automation company ABB is reportedly preparing a possible deal for its robotics unit.The company is working with Bank of America and UBS on a spinoff or sale of the robotics business, Bloomberg News reported Tuesday (May 27), citing sources familiar with the matter.According to the report, ABB had said last month it aims to spin off the robotics unit in the second quarter of next year, as CEO Morten Wierod shifts the company’s focus to more profitable parts of the business. Among them is electrification, thanks to the rise of new data centers being built to meet artificial intelligence (AI) demand.The report added that the company could also consider selling the unit, which could be worth upwards of $3.5 billion, rather than spinning it off.Bloomberg notes that ABB’s robotics unit accounts for roughly two-thirds of the company’s robotics and discrete automation division. It employs 7,000 people, with manufacturing hubs in China, the U.S. and Sweden, where ABB’s robotics business was launched.PYMNTS examined the rise of robotics in the workplace earlier this year after Figure, an OpenAI-backed robotics AI startup, showcased humanoid robots that can understand voice commands and can grab objects they hadn’t seen before.Jenny Shern, general manager at robot builder NexCOBOT, told PYMNTS at the time that humanoid robots face more complicated challenges than industrial robots.“Traditional industrial robotic arms with vision systems primarily rely on preprogrammed instructions to execute tasks. This works well in factory environments where applications are repetitive and goal-oriented,” she told PYMNTS.However, “implementing humanoid robots into household settings is a more complex advancement because, unlike factories, household environments are highly dynamic, and tasks will vary significantly from one home to another,” Shern said.In unpredictable environments, humanoid robots need AI to operate effectively in daily life because preprogrammed instructions won’t be sufficient, she added.Rodney Brooks, co-founder and CTO of Robust AI, said Figure’s robot demo illustrated just how superior humans are to machines when it comes to picking up objects.“The human effortlessly reached into the paper bag, extracting each item one by one — often with only the slightest glimpse of each — then laid them out neatly on a pristine countertop,” Brooks told PYMNTS. “In contrast, the humanoid robots picked up the objects at a snail’s pace, about 10 to 20 times slower, despite having a clear, unobstructed view of them.”

Tech in Asia
May 22nd, 2025
Newsfrench President Thanks Foxconn For Semiconductor Investmentfoxconn Signed Two Mous With French Companies Thales And Radiall To Create France'S First Osat Facility. Aiko Gao Ishida · 11M Ago

👩‍🍳 How we use AI at Tech in Asia, thoughtfully and responsibly.🧔‍♂️ A friendly human may check it before it goes live. More news hereFrench President Emmanuel Macron has expressed gratitude to Taiwan-based Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. for its plan to invest around €250 million (US$278 million) in a joint venture in France.The investment will focus on semiconductor and space industries.Foxconn signed two MOUs with French companies Thales and Radiall to create France’s first outsourced semiconductor assembly and test (OSAT) facility.This will use fan-out wafer-level packaging (FOWLP) technology, focusing on automotive, space science, 6G mobile technologies, and national defense.Foxconn will also collaborate with Thales on satellite production for telecommunications in low-Earth orbit.This investment is the second-largest Taiwanese project in France, after ProLogium Technology Co.’s €5.2 billion (US$4.59 billion) solid-state battery factory announced in 2023.🔗 Source: Focus Taiwan🧠 Food for thought1️⃣ Europe’s semiconductor sovereignty push creates new opportunities for Asian manufacturersHon Hai’s €250 million investment aligns with Europe’s quest for semiconductor self-sufficiency, as the continent currently produces less than 10% of global chips despite consuming 20% 1.The European Chips Act, with its €43 billion support package, aims to double Europe’s global semiconductor production share to 20% by 2030, creating a welcoming environment for established Asian manufacturers 2.This investment represents a strategic win-win: Europe gains advanced packaging capabilities through Hon Hai’s expertise, while the Taiwanese firm secures a foothold in a market projected to grow from €45 billion in 2024 to €70 billion by 2030 3.The establishment of France’s first outsourced semiconductor assembly and test facility addresses a critical gap in Europe’s semiconductor ecosystem, which has traditionally focused on chip design rather than advanced manufacturing and packaging.By bringing fan-out wafer-level packaging technology to France, Hon Hai is helping Europe reduce its vulnerability to supply chain disruptions that have impacted industries from automotive to healthcare in recent years.2️⃣ Hon Hai accelerates diversification beyond consumer electronics manufacturingThis semiconductor and space industry investment exemplifies Hon Hai’s strategic pivot from being primarily an iPhone assembler to a diversified technology company with interests in high-growth, high-margin sectors.With 2024 revenue reaching $208 billion, Hon Hai has been systematically expanding into electric vehicles, digital health, robotics, and now advanced semiconductor packaging and space technology 4.The company’s global manufacturing network of over 230 facilities across 24 countries positions it uniquely to capitalize on regional technology initiatives while maintaining economies of scale 4.Hon Hai’s partnership approach—working with established regional players like Thales and Radiall—demonstrates its strategy of leveraging local expertise while contributing its manufacturing prowess to new markets.This diversification strategy has shown results in other sectors, as evidenced by Hon Hai’s recent agreements with Japanese automakers for EV manufacturing and its partnership with Robust.AI to produce warehouse robotics 5, 6.3️⃣ Taiwan-France economic ties strengthen amid global technology realignmentThis investment represents the second-largest Taiwanese commitment to France, following ProLogium’s €5.2 billion battery factory announcement, signaling growing economic cooperation between the two economies.Since the 2011 tax treaty between Taiwan and France, which reduced withholding taxes to 10% and eliminated double taxation, bilateral investments have steadily increased from an initial base of about 60 Taiwanese companies with French operations 7.The trend highlights how medium-sized economies are forming strategic technology partnerships as global supply chains reconfigure around regional hubs rather than purely cost-driven global networks.France gains valuable semiconductor packaging capabilities in critical sectors like automotive, space science, and national defense, while Taiwan extends its technological influence beyond traditional manufacturing bases in Asia and North America.The publicly expressed gratitude from President Macron underscores the political significance of these investments beyond their economic value, particularly in the context of Europe’s efforts to develop technological sovereignty.Recent Foxconn developments

Part of Style
May 16th, 2025
Foxconn Teams Up with Robust.AI to Boost U.S. Warehouse Robot Production

Foxconn teams up with Robust.AI to boost U.S. Warehouse robot production.