The Grand Challengers Podcast Episode #59

Episode title.

Guest: Galina Yordanova

March 17th, 2026

Episode Teaser

Introduction

“…If it’s dull, dirty or dangerous, let’s find a way to automate it using robotics …”

Hiten Sonpal is the CEO of Rise Robotics in Sommerville Massachusetts. Hiten has rich experience in the evolution of the robotics industry, inspired by his early childhood love for Lego. He has played instrumental role in many of the industry’s innovations, making an impact on the frontlines of conflict and in our very own homes. At RISE Robotics, he is driving systemic change in automation to support future electrification of many essential industries that support our daily lives, using his superpower of decreasing time to market of complex robotics products.

On today’s show, Hiten and I explore the robotics landscape, touching upon his early fascination to its many forms and functions in our present day. We discuss how robots can help improve our quality of life, his journey through the industry including the hardships and challenges, and how RISE Robotics is pioneering a novel Beltdraulics system to replace traditional hydraulic operations with a threefold efficiency and with substantial sustainability benefits.

Biography

… coming soon…

Resources Related to the Episode

  • coming soon…

Episode Chapters

(Chapters are embedded in the episode for quick access, click this to expand and view all chapters and time stamps)
  • 0:00 Intro
  • 1:59 Guest Intro and the Drumming Passion
  • 5:04 Early inspiration for robotics – Lego
  • 9:15 Moving beyond Lego
  • 11:29 The Chess Playing Robot
  • 18:55 From Chess to iRobot – seeing real-world value
  • 23:27 The rise and diversity of the robotics industry
  • 30:21 Generative AI’s impact on robotics
  • 32:36 The electric sheep and an unfortunate timing
  • 37:56 Being smarter about design for sustainability – RISE Robotics
  • 45:15 Examples of RISE’s applications
  • 51:44 RISE Robotic’s Future Plans
  • 58:17 Hiten’s reflections from advisory and leadership positions
  • 1:01:43 Q&A Start
  • 1:02:04 What does innovation mean to you?
  • 1:03:28 Key Moment, Book, Person
  • 1:05:18 Favourite childhood memory
  • 1:07:03 Biggest challenge to date
  • 1:13:18 Advice for young professionals
  • 1:14:18 What would you most like to be remembered for?
  • 1:15:32 Where can people find you?
  • 1:15:58 Final Message
  • 1:16:43 Outro

Connect with Hiten Sonpal

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Credits