Dave Coleman

Dave Coleman is the Chief Product Officer and Founder of PickNik Robotics, a company focused on addressing complex challenges in robotics. He has held this position since September 2015 and has a strong background in robotics and engineering.

Professional Background

• Education: Coleman earned his PhD from the University of Colorado Boulder, where he focused on motion planning and robotics.

• Experience: Before founding PickNik Robotics, he worked as a Roboticist Intern at Google and held various roles in academic and research settings, including a Visiting Researcher position at the JSK Humanoids Lab at The University of Tokyo. His work also includes contributions to robotics frameworks such as MoveIt and the Open Motion Planning Library.

Contributions and Interests

Coleman's research interests encompass motion planning, kinodynamics, and robotic manipulation. He has developed methodologies aimed at enhancing robotic motion planning through experience-based techniques, which improve efficiency and predictability in robotic movements. His work is notable for its application in practical robotics, including participation in competitions like the Amazon Picking Challenge.

Personal Attributes

Dave Coleman is recognized as a visionary leader with a passion for solving complex robotic challenges. He is also described as an adventurer who enjoys outdoor activities, reflecting a well-rounded personality beyond his professional pursuits.12