Cassidy Kovell

Robotics Operations & Communications Coordinator at Yondu AI

Robotics & AI OpsTeleoperation (VR/IK)Data AnnotationFull-stack Web DevelopmentTechnical CommunicationsAgile Methodologies

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About

I'm Cassidy Kovell, currently leading Robotics Operations & Communications at Yondu AI. My journey has taken me from freelance web development and engineering tutoring to the front lines of physical AI, where I now focus on the intersection of hardware and software in warehouse automation. I'm passionate about moving robotics out of the lab and into real-world use, specifically through autonomous picking and apparel handling. At Yondu, I've captured over 1,500 data episodes to train ML models and managed our technical presence at major industry events. I'm always looking to connect with 'non-corporate' engineering talent who want to build from scratch, as well as logistics leaders interested in the future of autonomous infrastructure. Whether we're talking about data center scaling or the 'seamless shift' between autonomy and teleoperation, I'm here to share what it's really like to have boots on the ground in robotics.

Networking

What I can offer

›Insights into robotics deployment and data collection
›Technical blogging and documentation expertise
›Web development and design support
›Connections to the YC startup ecosystem

Looking for

›Non-corporate engineering talent for Yondu AI
›Logistics executives and supply chain investors
›Collaborations on demystifying robotics deployments

Best fit for

Engineering interns and full-time developersLogistics and supply chain professionalsRobotics investorsTech-focused content consumers

Current Interests

Warehouse AutomationPhysical AIData Center InfrastructureHardware Agnosticism

Background

Career

Transitioned from personal assistance and tutoring into freelance web development before specializing in robotics operations and communications at a YC-backed AI startup.

Education

Bachelor of Arts (BA), University of Oregon (2018 – 2023)

Achievements

›Captured 1,500+ high-quality data episodes for ML model training
›Managed technical demonstrations at Manifest 2026
›Developed a testing platform for warehouse management software
›Achieved a 100% publish rate for freelance web projects

Opinions

Robotics companies should focus on real production environments rather than staying 'stuck in the lab.'
General-purpose robots do not need to be human-shaped; form should follow function for reliability.
Interns should design from scratch rather than working on tiny components.
A 'seamless shift' between autonomy and teleoperation is the fastest path to scaling robotics.