In this episode of Connect to Orbit, Robert Lamontagne, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at Katalyst Space Technologies, reflects on his 25-year Air Force career, from flying B-52s and working with the B-2 to shaping future force design at the Pentagon. He shares how curiosity, adaptability and embracing unconventional opportunities shaped his journey from military service into the space industry.

Rob also explores why Katalyst Space Technologies is working to transform the space economy from a "throwaway economy" into a dynamic ecosystem built around mobility, logistics, assembly and life extension. He discusses the future of space operations, the skills startups need, building high-performing teams and why the next generation should focus on finding careers that fit who they are.

The Techne Connect Podcast 🎧

Thank you for listening to Techne Connect! This podcast takes you inside the companies and conversations shaping the future of engineering.

From space and defence to robotics, AI, clean energy, advanced manufacturing and next-generation mobility, each episode features the founders, engineers and technology leaders building tomorrow's world.

Through candid discussions on innovation, leadership, product development and career journeys, the podcast uncovers the ideas, challenges and breakthroughs driving the world's fastest-moving industries. Whether you're an engineer, founder, investor or simply fascinated by emerging technology.

Techne Connect offers a front-row seat to the people creating what's next.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Connect to Robotics, Raumi Sidki, Director of Robotic Systems at Robust AI, shares his journey from watching the 2004 DARPA Grand Challenge as a child, where his father competed, to developing cutting-edge robotics at Apple, Amazon, and now Robust AI.

He discusses what it feels like to come full circle by competing in the same challenges that first inspired him, why safety and human-first design are central to Robust AI's philosophy, and the engineering talent they're looking to hire, from motion control specialists to fleet simulation experts.

The Techne Connect Podcast 🎧

Thank you for listening to Techne Connect! This podcast takes you inside the companies and conversations shaping the future of engineering.

From space and defence to robotics, AI, clean energy, advanced manufacturing and next-generation mobility, each episode features the founders, engineers and technology leaders building tomorrow's world.

Through candid discussions on innovation, leadership, product development and career journeys, the podcast uncovers the ideas, challenges and breakthroughs driving the world's fastest-moving industries. Whether you're an engineer, founder, investor or simply fascinated by emerging technology.

Techne Connect offers a front-row seat to the people creating what's next.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Building a career in robotics does not always mean following a fixed path. In this episode of Behind the Robot, Carlos Fernandez, Chief Solutions Officer at AutoStore, shares how he progressed from an engineering role in a small 20-person company to executive leadership in a global robotics business.

Carlos explains how AutoStore scaled from an early-stage company into a publicly listed organisation, and what he learned across technical, commercial, product and leadership roles. He also discusses hardware development, customer-led innovation, physical AI, warehouse automation and the skills needed for the future of robotics. Whether you are an engineer, graduate or business leader, this episode offers practical insight into building a long-term career and developing technology that solves real operational problems.

The Techne Connect Podcast 🎧

Thank you for listening to Techne Connect! This podcast takes you inside the companies and conversations shaping the future of engineering.

From space and defence to robotics, AI, clean energy, advanced manufacturing and next-generation mobility, each episode features the founders, engineers and technology leaders building tomorrow's world.

Through candid discussions on innovation, leadership, product development and career journeys, the podcast uncovers the ideas, challenges and breakthroughs driving the world's fastest-moving industries. Whether you're an engineer, founder, investor or simply fascinated by emerging technology.

Techne Connect offers a front-row seat to the people creating what's next.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.