Symbotic Names Dr. James Kuffner as Chief Technology Officer
Rhea-AI Summary
Symbotic Inc. (Nasdaq: SYM), an A.I.-enabled robotics technology leader for the supply chain, has appointed Dr. James Kuffner as Chief Technology Officer (CTO), effective January 1, 2025. Kuffner replaces George Dramalis, who is retiring. With over 30 years of robotics leadership experience, Kuffner brings significant expertise from his roles at Toyota, Google, and Carnegie Mellon University's Robotics Institute.
Kuffner, who has authored 125 publications and holds 40 patents in 3D graphics, robotics, and autonomous vehicles, is notably the co-inventor of the Rapidly Exploring Random Tree (RRT) algorithm for robot motion planning. He joins Symbotic from Toyota Motor , where he most recently served as Senior Fellow of the Software Development Center and previously held positions as Chief Digital Officer and Board Member.
Positive
- Appointment of highly qualified CTO with 30+ years of robotics leadership experience
- New CTO brings significant intellectual property portfolio (125 publications, 40 patents)
- Strategic hire from major (Toyota) with proven executive experience
Negative
- None.
News Market Reaction
On the day this news was published, SYM declined 4.16%, reflecting a moderate negative market reaction.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
Industry-Veteran Continues Symbotic’s Technological Innovation Advancements as the Company Reimagines the Supply Chain
WILMINGTON, Mass., Jan. 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Symbotic Inc. (Nasdaq: SYM), a leader in A.I.-enabled robotics technology for the supply chain, today announced the appointment of Dr. James Kuffner as Chief Technology Officer (CTO), effective January 1, 2025, in line with the retirement of George Dramalis, Symbotic’s former CTO. In his new role, Kuffner will be responsible for continuing to advance Symbotic’s technologies and solutions to drive Symbotic’s strategic long-term growth.
“James has more than 30 years of leadership experience in robotics. He has helped forge groundbreaking technological advances at Toyota, Google and Carnegie Mellon University’s Robotics Institute,” said Rick Cohen, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer.
As the author of 125 publications and 40 patents in 3D graphics, robotics and autonomous vehicles, James is most notably known as the co-inventor of the Rapidly Exploring Random Tree (RRT) algorithm for robot motion planning. James joins Symbotic from Toyota Motor Corporation, where he held several leadership roles during his long tenure. Most recently, he was a Senior Fellow in charge of the company’s Software Development Center, after serving as Toyota’s Chief Digital Officer and Member of the Board.
“James is a visionary leader whose cutting-edge research and development have accelerated the world’s technological solutions,” continued Cohen. “We are excited to welcome him to Symbotic and look forward to his development of innovative solutions that will unlock Symbotic’s next phase of growth.”
ABOUT SYMBOTIC
Symbotic is an automation technology leader reimagining the supply chain with its end-to-end, A.I.-powered robotic and software platform. Symbotic reinvents the warehouse as a strategic asset for the world’s largest retail, wholesale, and food & beverage companies. Applying next-generation technology, high-density storage and machine learning to solve today's complex distribution challenges, Symbotic enables companies to move goods with unmatched speed, agility, accuracy and efficiency. As the backbone of commerce, Symbotic transforms the flow of goods and the economics of the supply chain for its customers. For more information, visit www.symbotic.com.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 including, but not limited to, statements about the transition of Dr. Kuffner to the role of Chief Technology Officer and Symbotic’s expectations or predictions of future financial or business performance or conditions. Such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual events, results or performance to differ materially from those indicated by such statements. Certain of these risks are identified and discussed in Symbotic’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on December 4, 2024. These forward-looking statements are expressed in good faith, and Symbotic believes there is a reasonable basis for them. However, there can be no assurance that the events, results or trends identified in these forward-looking statements will occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and are based on the beliefs, estimates, expectations and opinions of management on that date. Symbotic is not under any obligation, and expressly disclaims any obligation to update, alter or otherwise revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Readers should carefully review the statements set forth in the reports that Symbotic has filed or will file from time to time with the SEC.
INVESTOR RELATIONS CONTACT
Charlie Anderson
Vice President, Investor Relations & Corporate Development
ir@symbotic.com
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