The founders of Persona are convinced that the world needs another humanoid robot

MIT research scientist Jerry Pratt is back in the spotlight. After leaving Boardwalk Robotics, the humanoid startup he founded, and joining the well-funded Bay Area-based robotics firm Figure as CTO, Pratt quietly parted ways with Figure last month. He used his LinkedIn announcement of his exit to reveal the founding of a new humanoid-focused startup, Persona AI, which was officially established just last month.

Persona AI is co-founded by Pratt and Nic Radford, an industry veteran with an impressive background that includes seven years at NASA’s robotics division and founding Nauticus Robotics and Jacobi Motors.

Radford explained that the LinkedIn announcement served as a test to gauge interest from potential collaborators and investors. The positive response they received was encouraging.

The announcement was not just about launching the brand but also a call for talent. Pratt’s LinkedIn post enthusiastically invited people to join the venture, likening it to creating an Iron Man suit. Radford emphasized the importance of building a strong team, noting that while he and Pratt are pivotal, the next 18 to 20 team members will also play crucial roles in shaping the company. They aim to foster a strong sense of teamwork and shared vision among their early hires.