The BotPod - From data to impact: Commercialising AI in robotics

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In this episode of Tech Talks, Danielle Blake, Senior Consultant, Autonomy & Robotics, is joined by Dr. Oscar Mendez Maldonado, Head of AI & Data Science at Locus Robotics, to explore what it really takes to turn artificial intelligence into measurable business value.
With a career that bridges world-leading research and large-scale deployment, Oscar shares how Locus Robotics applies AI to drive smarter perception, decision-making, and coordination across robotic fleets. The conversation dives into the importance of real-world data (not just synthetic), the value of domain expertise, and why explainability and workforce readiness are crucial when scaling AI in complex environments.
From “AI sprinkles” that unlock workflow wins to the deeper infrastructure needed for full-scale automation, this episode tackles both the strategic and technical sides of commercialising AI in robotics.
About the guest
Oscar Mendez Maldonado is a recognised leader in AI, computer vision, and robotics. As Head of AI & Data Science at Locus Robotics, he leads the design and deployment of intelligent systems for scalable automation across global warehouses. He is also a Senior Lecturer at the University of Surrey, where he supports cutting-edge research and academic mentorship. With a PhD in Computer Vision and awards including the BMVA Sullivan Thesis Prize, Oscar brings a rare blend of scientific rigour and commercial insight to the world of robotics.
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