Welcome to Tech Talks by Lawrence Harvey, where technology meets talent! Hosted by our expert recruitment consultants, this podcast explores the latest industry trends, emerging technologies, and the hiring landscape.
In each episode, we’re joined by leading clients to discuss the challenges and opportunities shaping the tech sector today. Whether you’re a tech professional, a hiring manager, or passionate about innovation, Tech Talks delivers valuable insights and engaging conversations to keep you ahead in the world of tech.
Robotics at Sea: When the ocean breaks your assumptions with Jonathan Laporte
In this episode of Tech Talks: The BotPod, Danielle Blake (https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-blake1/), Senior Consultant, Autonomy & Robotics, is joined by Jonathan Laporte (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanlaporte/), Head of Software and Product Director at Fugro (https://www.linkedin.com/company/fugro/), to explore what happens when robotics and autonomy leave the lab and enter one of the most challenging environments on Earth: the ocean.Drawing on years of experience building autonomous maritime systems, Jonathan explains why the sea pushes robotics to its limits. From unreliable connectivity and GNSS-denied environments to changing currents, drift, and remote supervision, he shares the realities of developing robots that must operate safely and reliably under constant uncertainty.The conversation explores maritime autonomy, edge computing, navigation, and real-world deployment, along with the lessons offshore robotics can teach the wider robotics industry. Jonathan also discusses why designing systems that succeed at sea helps build more resilient autonomous systems for applications on land, from logistics to humanoids.To speak to this episode's host, Danielle Blake, email her at: d.blake@lawrenceharvey.com
22 Jul 2026
The BotPod: Seizing the UK Robotics Opportunity with Rory Daniels
In this episode of Tech Talks: The BotPod, Danielle Blake (https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-blake1/?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Aorganization_admin_admin_page_posts_published%3B117d4582-7853-41bf-be13-fe6fa8acd347), Senior Consultant, Autonomy & Robotics, is joined by Rory Daniels (https://www.linkedin.com/in/rorydaniels28/?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Aorganization_admin_admin_page_posts_published%3B117d4582-7853-41bf-be13-fe6fa8acd347), Head of Emerging Technology and Innovation at techUK (https://www.linkedin.com/company/techuk/?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Aorganization_admin_admin_page_posts_published%3B117d4582-7853-41bf-be13-fe6fa8acd347), to explore how the UK can turn its world-class robotics research into global commercial success.Drawing on the findings from techUK's first dedicated robotics report, Seizing the Robotics Opportunity, Rory shares where the UK stands in the global robotics landscape, why now is such a pivotal moment for the industry, and what government, industry, and academia need to do to accelerate adoption and scale.The conversation explores the UK's strengths in robotics, the realities of commercialisation, public procurement, skills, policy, and physical AI, as well as why the UK's biggest opportunity lies in playing to its strengths rather than trying to compete in every area of robotics.To speak to this episode's host, Danielle Blake, email her at: d.blake@lawrenceharvey.com
8 Apr 2026
The missing language of humanoids
In this episode of Tech Talks: The BotPod, Danielle Blake (https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-blake1/), Senior Consultant, Autonomy & Robotics, is joined by Leo Lesin, Senior Engineering Leader at Humanoid, to explore what it takes to build robots that humans can understand and trust.
With over 20 years of experience across robotics, manufacturing, and complex systems, Leo shares his journey designing real-world robotic systems and working at the intersection of autonomy, human interaction, and system architecture.
The conversation dives into the evolution of humanoids, the idea of a “missing language” in robotics, and why sensors, AI, and autonomy aren’t enough without readable intentions. Leo also shares insights on human-robot interaction, shared autonomy, and what it takes to build robots that can operate effectively in human environments.
To speak to this episode’s host, Danielle Blake, email her at: d.blake@lawrenceharvey.com
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