Episode features Paul Baker (Productiv) and Colin Webb (Avatar Robotics) on deploying humanoid robots in real production environments
Dallas, TX – February 17, 2026 – Paul Baker, CFO and CTO of Productiv, appeared on The Manufacturing Executive podcast alongside Colin Webb, CEO of Avatar Robotics. The episode, hosted by Joe Sullivan of Gorilla 76, explores what it actually looks like to deploy humanoid robots in a live 3PL fulfillment operation — the decisions, the trade-offs, and what mid-market operators need to know before committing to automation at this scale.
Key Facts
- Podcast: The Manufacturing Executive
- Host: Joe Sullivan, Co-Founder of Gorilla 76
- Guests: Paul Baker, CFO & CTO of Productiv; Colin Webb, CEO of Avatar Robotics
- Air date: February 17, 2026
- Topic: Humanoid robots in live 3PL production — operator perspective and vendor perspective together
- Context: Productiv operates 2 Avatar Robotics humanoids + 13 Blue Sky Robotics cobots in live production at its Dallas facility
What the Episode Covers
The episode brings together a rare combination: an operator who has deployed humanoid robots in production and the CEO of the company that built them. Baker shares the practitioner perspective on what it takes to integrate humanoids into a high-mix fulfillment operation — and what the realities look like versus the expectations. Webb provides context on where the technology is today and where it is heading.
Topics covered include the economics of humanoid deployment for SMB operators, the hybrid warehouse model Productiv has built — combining human operators with cobots and humanoids — and the practical considerations operators face when evaluating automation platforms.
"The conversation we had on that episode reflects exactly how we approach this internally," said Paul Baker. "It's not about automation replacing people. It's about what's possible when you build the right environment for humans and machines to work together — and what it takes operationally to get there."
About The Manufacturing Executive Podcast
The Manufacturing Executive is a podcast hosted by Joe Sullivan, Co-Founder of Gorilla 76, a B2B industrial marketing agency. The show explores strategy, leadership, and operations with practitioners and executives in the manufacturing sector.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Paul Baker discuss on The Manufacturing Executive podcast?
Paul Baker, CFO and CTO of Productiv, appeared on The Manufacturing Executive podcast in February 2026 alongside Avatar Robotics CEO Colin Webb. The episode covers humanoid robot deployment in live 3PL production environments, the hybrid warehouse model, and what mid-market operators need to evaluate before investing in advanced automation.
Who is Paul Baker?
Paul Baker is the CFO and CTO of Productiv, a national kitting, assembly, and fulfillment 3PL headquartered in Dallas, TX. He oversees the company's technology and financial operations and leads its automation strategy, including the deployment of 13 cobots from Blue Sky Robotics and 2 humanoid robots from Avatar Robotics into live production.
Who is Colin Webb?
Colin Webb is the CEO of Avatar Robotics, a humanoid robotics company whose units are deployed in live production at Productiv's Dallas fulfillment facility.
About Productiv
Productiv is a national kitting, assembly, and fulfillment company serving consumer brands, manufacturers, and retail program agencies. With 1,000+ operators across four owned warehouses and eight embedded operations nationwide, Productiv delivers 1B+ manual operations annually. Visit getproductiv.com for more information.
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