Trust in Robotics: GM's Mikell Taylor on Earning Credibility

As the robotics world eagerly anticipates the 2026 Robotics Summit & Expo in Boston, Mikell Taylor of General Motors is poised to deliver a compelling keynote. Highlighting the theme 'What Makes a Robot Worthy?', Taylor will look at into a subject that could dictate the future trajectory of the industry: trust.

Building Trust in Robotics

Taylor, who leads robotics strategy at GM, argues that while technological excitement has its place, true industry growth hinges on trust. For robots to be integrated successfully into demanding environments, they must meet stringent requirements for safety, performance, and return on investment. The demo impressed. The deployment timeline is another story.

Taylor's background offers a unique perspective. From her time at startups to leadership roles at Amazon and GM, she brings a wealth of knowledge on the challenges and triumphs of robotics deployment. She understands that on the factory floor, the reality looks different. Precision matters more than spectacle in this industry.

Avoiding 'Pilot Purgatory'

Beyond the need for trust, Taylor will address the industry's tendency to linger in 'pilot purgatory'. This stagnation, where projects fail to move past pilot stages into full production, represents a significant hurdle. Japanese manufacturers are watching closely as lessons learned could shift the landscape for global players.

Her keynote, scheduled for May 28 at the Thomas M. Menino Convention & Exhibition Center, promises to challenge the status quo. Can the industry overcome its inertia and achieve scalable deployment? The gap between lab and production line is measured in years.

From Prom Dates to Proteus

With a career spanning 25 years, Taylor's contributions to robotics are varied and impactful. From whimsical projects like a robotic prom date to serious innovations such as Amazon’s autonomous mobile robot Proteus, her focus remains on creating practical, reliable machines that enhance human capabilities.

Outside the corporate world, Taylor's commitment to STEM education shines. As a board member of Mbadika and a coach for a LEGO robotics team, she fosters the next generation of innovators. It's clear that her passion for trust in robotics extends beyond just machines. it includes the people who create and interact with them.

The Robotics Summit & Expo, coinciding with DeviceTalks Boston, promises a rich lineup of over 50 sessions covering AI, healthcare, logistics, and more. Taylor's participation in the Women in Robotics Breakfast will further emphasize the importance of diverse perspectives in this evolving field.