MIT research scientist Jerry Pratt has made headlines again. In 2022, Pratt left Boardwalk Robotics, a startup he founded, and joined the well-funded Bay Area-based robotics firm Figure as its CTO. However, Pratt and Figure parted ways last month, leading to an exciting new development in the world of humanoid robots.
Founding Persona AI
Last week, Pratt announced on LinkedIn not only his departure from Figure but also the founding of a new venture, Persona AI. This early-stage startup, officially founded last month, is the brainchild of Pratt and Nic Radford. Radford brings a wealth of experience, having spent seven years at NASA’s robotics division before founding Nauticus Robotics and Jacobi Motors.
Radford explained their approach: “We wanted to get some early indications from both people who wanted to work with us and investors, that if we did something like this on LinkedIn, it wouldn’t fall flat on its face.”
Persona AI’s announcement on LinkedIn served as both a hiring call and a brand unveiling. Pratt expressed excitement about the new venture, aiming to attract 10 to 20 additional “founders” to help shape the company. Radford emphasized the collaborative spirit they hope to instill: “Jerry and I are obviously a pivotal part of this, but so will the next 18 people in. We really want to illustrate to them the esprit de corps of the company.”
Technological Foundations and Vision
At this stage, Persona’s pitch remains broad but promising. The startup’s website highlights several technological advancements that underpin their vision. These include improved computer vision and perception algorithms, more efficient electronics and computation, advanced mobility and manipulation algorithms, and the growing role of machine learning in robotics. The founders believe that now is an opportune time for the commercialization of humanoids, citing increased investor interest and demand from commercial entities.
The founders write:
> Now is a good time for the commercialization of humanoids. Computer vision and perception algorithms can now detect motion, identify and segment objects, and estimate poses at frame rate; electronics and computation have shrunk in size and increased in performance, such that they can be fully onboard a robot and not hog the energy budget; mobility and manipulation algorithms are now competent enough to maneuver around rooms and do commercially useful work; machine learning is increasing robot capabilities while reducing programming burden; investors are starting to believe in the potential of humanoids; and commercial entities are requesting humanoid robots in various applications where they can add real value.
Persona AI is entering a crowded field with competitors like Agility, Boston Dynamics, and Figure. Radford cryptically mentioned that while Persona might share similarities with its competitors, it also has unique competitive advantages, akin to how GM positions itself against Ford or Toyota.
Pratt’s confidence in Persona’s vision led him to leave his top position at Figure. While the split with Figure was amicable, Pratt cited geographical challenges as a factor in his decision. Commuting between Pensacola, Florida, and California proved unsustainable. Persona AI will therefore split its operations between Pensacola and Houston, with Houston serving as the primary headquarters.
Moving Forward
Persona AI aims to carve out its niche in the humanoid robotics industry. With Pratt and Radford at the helm, the startup is poised to leverage technological advancements and investor interest to make a significant impact. As Persona AI grows, it will be fascinating to see how it differentiates itself from established players and contributes to the evolution of humanoid robots.
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