HOUSTON, March 10, 2026 – Persona AI, an emerging leader in developing humanoid robots specifically designed for heavy industrial applications, has announced the strategic appointment of Michael Perry as its new Head of Commercial Strategy. This significant hire marks a pivotal shift for the company as it transitions from research and development toward full-scale commercial deployment in demanding industrial sectors.
Seasoned Executive to Lead Market Expansion
Michael Perry brings a distinguished and proven track record in scaling advanced robotics and Physical AI technologies for enterprise markets. His extensive executive experience includes key leadership roles at industry giants Boston Dynamics and DJI, as well as at Dexterity AI. Throughout his career, Perry has consistently focused on driving commercial growth, forging strategic partnerships, and facilitating market expansion for cutting-edge robotic solutions.
"Now is the perfect time to join Persona AI as we rapidly close the gap between what's possible in the lab versus what's driving real commercial value," stated Michael Perry. "Building industry-hardened humanoid hardware and production-deployable AI is only one piece of the puzzle. Getting humanoids into operations for heavy industry will require systematic commercial and operational work to make enterprises humanoid-ready. This involves defining the business case, solving integration challenges, and building the playbook for safe, scalable adoption. That's precisely what I'm here to build."
Addressing Critical Industrial Challenges
Perry's appointment comes at a crucial juncture for industrial enterprises worldwide, which are grappling with an urgent and accelerating structural shortage of skilled labor for high-value, high-risk tasks. These include welding, fabrication, and heavy maintenance in dynamic, hazardous environments such as shipyards, steel mills, offshore platforms, and construction sites. Humanoid robots are uniquely positioned to deliver significant impact in these precise areas.
Persona AI is already making strides in this direction, having secured key agreements with major industrial players HD Hyundai and POSCO Group to advance humanoid automation in shipbuilding and steel manufacturing. Additionally, the company has initiated a pilot program with the state of Louisiana, targeting active heavy-industry environments for real-world testing and deployment.
Building a Commercial Framework for the Future
In his new leadership role, Perry will be tasked with constructing Persona AI's comprehensive commercial framework. His responsibilities will center on engaging strategic partners, enabling early adopters, and scaling the company's customer engagements. A core focus will be working directly with clients to deploy their first humanoid robots specifically for heavy industrial tasks, ensuring a smooth transition from concept to operational reality.
"We're building Persona to solve real problems in some of the hardest industrial environments on the planet," said Nicolaus Radford, CEO and Co-Founder of Persona AI. "Now we need someone who has successfully taken robots from the lab to the factory floor and built the commercial engine to sustain that growth. Michael's proven track record is exactly the experience this critical moment demands for our company."
Company Background and Vision
Persona AI is assembling a world-class team with deep expertise in AI and robotics, drawing talent from top-tier companies and leading research institutions. The company is developing humanoid robots engineered to operate standard industrial tools—such as welding torches, grinders, and power tools—within human-scale environments where skilled tradespeople traditionally work. By focusing on this niche, Persona AI aims to augment human labor and address capacity shortages in vital industries.
Operating from dual headquarters in Houston, Texas, and Pensacola, Florida, Persona AI is backed by a consortium of leading investors specializing in robotics and industrial technology innovation. The company's announcement strategically precedes major industry events, including the NVIDIA GTC conference and SXSW, where it is expected to showcase its advancements and commercial roadmap.
