The BotPod - The missing language of humanoids

In this episode of Tech Talks, Danielle Blake, Senior Consultant, Autonomy & Robotics, is joined by Leo Lesin, Senior Engineering Leader at Humanoid, to explore what it really takes to build robots that humans can understand and trust.

 

With over 20 years of experience across robotics, manufacturing, and complex systems, Leo shares his perspective on the evolution of humanoids and the challenges of designing robots that operate safely in human environments. The conversation dives into the idea of a “missing language” in robotics, and why sensors, AI, and autonomy alone aren’t enough without clear, readable intentions.

 

Leo also discusses human-robot interaction, shared autonomy, and how subtle behaviours, motion, and system design influence trust and adoption. From early-stage concepts to real-world deployment, this episode offers practical insight into how the next generation of humanoid robots will integrate into everyday environments.

 

 

 

About the guest

Leo Lesin is a UK-based robotics and systems architecture leader focused on the design of real-world robotic operations across industrial logistics, industrialised construction, and humanoids, with a particular focus on shared autonomy.

 

With over 20 years of experience across time-critical systems, robotics, and manufacturing, Leo works on turning early-stage concepts into executable architectures that can operate under real constraints. He has led system-level programmes across industrial robotics, factory-scale manufacturing, and construction systems, and is a co-inventor on multiple internationally granted patents in robotics and manufacturing.

 

To speak to this episode’s host, Danielle Blake, please email her at d.blake@lawrenceharvey.com