Symbotic Names Dr. James Kuffner as Chief Technology Officer
Symbotic Inc. (Nasdaq: SYM), an A.I.-enabled robotics technology leader for the supply chain, has appointed Dr. James Kuffner as Chief Technology Officer (CTO), effective January 1, 2025. Kuffner replaces George Dramalis, who is retiring. With over 30 years of robotics leadership experience, Kuffner brings significant expertise from his roles at Toyota, Google, and Carnegie Mellon University's Robotics Institute.
Kuffner, who has authored 125 publications and holds 40 patents in 3D graphics, robotics, and autonomous vehicles, is notably the co-inventor of the Rapidly Exploring Random Tree (RRT) algorithm for robot motion planning. He joins Symbotic from Toyota Motor , where he most recently served as Senior Fellow of the Software Development Center and previously held positions as Chief Digital Officer and Board Member.
Symbotic Inc. (Nasdaq: SYM), un leader nella tecnologia robotica abilitata all'IA per la catena di approvvigionamento, ha nominato Dr. James Kuffner come Chief Technology Officer (CTO), a partire dal 1 gennaio 2025. Kuffner sostituisce George Dramalis, che si ritira. Con oltre 30 anni di esperienza nella leadership della robotica, Kuffner porta un'importante expertise dai suoi ruoli in Toyota, Google e nel Robotics Institute della Carnegie Mellon University.
Kuffner, che ha pubblicato 125 articoli e detiene 40 brevetti in grafica 3D, robotica e veicoli autonomi, è noto per essere il co-inventore dell'algoritmo Rapidly Exploring Random Tree (RRT) per la pianificazione del movimento dei robot. Si unisce a Symbotic dopo aver lavorato in Toyota Motor, dove ha ricoperto più recentemente il ruolo di Senior Fellow del Software Development Center e in precedenza ha detenuto posizioni come Chief Digital Officer e membro del Consiglio di Amministrazione.
Symbotic Inc. (Nasdaq: SYM), un líder en tecnología robótica habilitada por IA para la cadena de suministro, ha nombrado a Dr. James Kuffner como Director de Tecnología (CTO), a partir del 1 de enero de 2025. Kuffner reemplaza a George Dramalis, quien se jubila. Con más de 30 años de experiencia en liderazgo en robótica, Kuffner aporta una notable experiencia de sus roles en Toyota, Google y en el Robotics Institute de la Universidad Carnegie Mellon.
Kuffner, quien ha escrito 125 publicaciones y posee 40 patentes en gráficos 3D, robótica y vehículos autónomos, es notablemente el co-inventor del algoritmo Rapidly Exploring Random Tree (RRT) para la planificación del movimiento del robot. Se une a Symbotic desde Toyota Motor, donde más recientemente se desempeñó como Senior Fellow del Software Development Center y anteriormente ocupó cargos como Chief Digital Officer y miembro de la Junta Directiva.
Symbotic Inc. (Nasdaq: SYM), 공급망을 위한 AI 기반 로봇 기술의 선두주자인 Symbotic Inc.가 Dr. James Kuffner를 최고 기술 책임자(CTO)로 임명했습니다. 이 임명은 2025년 1월 1일부터 효력이 발생합니다. Kuffner는 은퇴하는 George Dramalis를 대체합니다. 30년 이상의 로봇 리더십 경험을 가진 Kuffner는 Toyota, Google, Carnegie Mellon University Robotics Institute에서 쌓은 풍부한 전문성을 제공합니다.
Kuffner는 125편의 저술과 3D 그래픽, 로봇 공학 및 자율주행 차량 관련 40개의 특허를 보유하고 있으며, 로봇 동작 계획을 위한 Rapidly Exploring Random Tree (RRT) 알고리즘의 공동 발명자로 유명합니다. 그는 최근 Toyota Motor에서 Software Development Center의 Senior Fellow로 재직하였고, 그 이전에는 Chief Digital Officer 및 이사회 멤버로 근무하였습니다.
Symbotic Inc. (Nasdaq: SYM), un leader en technologie robotique habilitée par l'IA pour la chaîne d'approvisionnement, a nommé Dr. James Kuffner au poste de Chief Technology Officer (CTO), à partir du 1er janvier 2025. Kuffner remplace George Dramalis, qui part à la retraite. Fort de plus de 30 ans d'expérience dans le leadership en robotique, Kuffner apporte une expertise significative grâce à ses rôles chez Toyota, Google et au Robotics Institute de l'Université Carnegie Mellon.
Kuffner, qui a rédigé 125 publications et détient 40 brevets dans les domaines des graphismes 3D, de la robotique et des véhicules autonomes, est notamment le co-inventeur de l'algorithme Rapidly Exploring Random Tree (RRT) pour la planification du mouvement des robots. Il rejoint Symbotic après avoir travaillé chez Toyota Motor, où il a récemment occupé le poste de Senior Fellow au Software Development Center et a précédemment exercé des fonctions en tant que Chief Digital Officer et membre du conseil d'administration.
Symbotic Inc. (Nasdaq: SYM), ein führendes Unternehmen in der KI-gestützten Robotiktechnologie für die Lieferkette, hat Dr. James Kuffner zum Chief Technology Officer (CTO) ernannt, mit Wirkung zum 1. Januar 2025. Kuffner übernimmt die Rolle von George Dramalis, der in den Ruhestand geht. Mit über 30 Jahren Erfahrung in der Robotik bringt Kuffner bedeutende Fachkenntnisse aus seinen Rollen bei Toyota, Google und dem Robotics Institute der Carnegie Mellon University mit.
Kuffner, der 125 Publikationen verfasst und 40 Patente im Bereich 3D-Grafik, Robotik und autonome Fahrzeuge hält, ist insbesondere als Mit-Erfinder des Rapidly Exploring Random Tree (RRT)-Algorithms zur Robotermotionplanung bekannt. Er kommt von Toyota Motor, wo er zuletzt als Senior Fellow im Software Development Center tätig war und zuvor Positionen als Chief Digital Officer und Vorstandsmitglied innehatte.
- Appointment of highly qualified CTO with 30+ years of robotics leadership experience
- New CTO brings significant intellectual property portfolio (125 publications, 40 patents)
- Strategic hire from major (Toyota) with proven executive experience
- None.
Insights
The appointment of Dr. James Kuffner as CTO represents a strategic technological enhancement for Symbotic's AI-enabled robotics platform. His expertise in RRT algorithms - fundamental to robot movement optimization - could significantly improve Symbotic's warehouse automation systems' efficiency and pathfinding capabilities. For easier understanding: imagine upgrading from basic GPS navigation to an advanced AI system that can instantly calculate millions of possible routes while avoiding obstacles in real-time.
Kuffner's extensive background at Toyota's Software Development Center and his role as Chief Digital Officer signals Symbotic's commitment to advancing their digital transformation. His portfolio of 125 publications and 40 patents in robotics and autonomous vehicles suggests potential acceleration in Symbotic's R&D pipeline, particularly in motion planning and 3D graphics - important elements for warehouse robotics systems.
The transition from automotive (Toyota) to warehouse automation (Symbotic) could bring cross-industry innovations, potentially leading to more sophisticated and reliable robotic systems. Think of it as bringing autonomous vehicle intelligence to warehouse robots, making them smarter and more adaptable.
From a market perspective, this executive appointment carries strategic weight for Symbotic's competitive positioning in the warehouse automation market. With a
The timing is particularly relevant as the warehouse automation market faces increasing demands for efficiency and scalability. Kuffner's expertise in autonomous systems could help Symbotic capture a larger share of this growing market, especially as e-commerce continues to drive demand for automated warehouse solutions. Think of this as adding a Formula 1 engineer to a promising racing team - it could significantly accelerate their technological development and market position.
Industry-Veteran Continues Symbotic’s Technological Innovation Advancements as the Company Reimagines the Supply Chain
WILMINGTON, Mass., Jan. 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Symbotic Inc. (Nasdaq: SYM), a leader in A.I.-enabled robotics technology for the supply chain, today announced the appointment of Dr. James Kuffner as Chief Technology Officer (CTO), effective January 1, 2025, in line with the retirement of George Dramalis, Symbotic’s former CTO. In his new role, Kuffner will be responsible for continuing to advance Symbotic’s technologies and solutions to drive Symbotic’s strategic long-term growth.
“James has more than 30 years of leadership experience in robotics. He has helped forge groundbreaking technological advances at Toyota, Google and Carnegie Mellon University’s Robotics Institute,” said Rick Cohen, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer.
As the author of 125 publications and 40 patents in 3D graphics, robotics and autonomous vehicles, James is most notably known as the co-inventor of the Rapidly Exploring Random Tree (RRT) algorithm for robot motion planning. James joins Symbotic from Toyota Motor Corporation, where he held several leadership roles during his long tenure. Most recently, he was a Senior Fellow in charge of the company’s Software Development Center, after serving as Toyota’s Chief Digital Officer and Member of the Board.
“James is a visionary leader whose cutting-edge research and development have accelerated the world’s technological solutions,” continued Cohen. “We are excited to welcome him to Symbotic and look forward to his development of innovative solutions that will unlock Symbotic’s next phase of growth.”
ABOUT SYMBOTIC
Symbotic is an automation technology leader reimagining the supply chain with its end-to-end, A.I.-powered robotic and software platform. Symbotic reinvents the warehouse as a strategic asset for the world’s largest retail, wholesale, and food & beverage companies. Applying next-generation technology, high-density storage and machine learning to solve today's complex distribution challenges, Symbotic enables companies to move goods with unmatched speed, agility, accuracy and efficiency. As the backbone of commerce, Symbotic transforms the flow of goods and the economics of the supply chain for its customers. For more information, visit www.symbotic.com.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 including, but not limited to, statements about the transition of Dr. Kuffner to the role of Chief Technology Officer and Symbotic’s expectations or predictions of future financial or business performance or conditions. Such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual events, results or performance to differ materially from those indicated by such statements. Certain of these risks are identified and discussed in Symbotic’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on December 4, 2024. These forward-looking statements are expressed in good faith, and Symbotic believes there is a reasonable basis for them. However, there can be no assurance that the events, results or trends identified in these forward-looking statements will occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and are based on the beliefs, estimates, expectations and opinions of management on that date. Symbotic is not under any obligation, and expressly disclaims any obligation to update, alter or otherwise revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Readers should carefully review the statements set forth in the reports that Symbotic has filed or will file from time to time with the SEC.
INVESTOR RELATIONS CONTACT
Charlie Anderson
Vice President, Investor Relations & Corporate Development
ir@symbotic.com
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