Robotics for a better, more creative and innovative world
Our teachless controller makes robots more intelligent and easy to use. The result? More prolific and capable robots.
We’re starting in the warehouse, helping logistics operations address major long-term challenges finding and retaining labor. Because when robots take on dirty, tedious or dangerous tasks, available labor can be deployed more effectively.
But we’re not stopping there. We believe in a future where endeavors of any size can reap the benefits of intelligent automation.
Did you know?
Research shows that organizations that leverage automation technologies are 33% more likely to foster “human-friendly” work environments.
In these environments, employees experience a significant boost in productivity, averaging 31% higher output.
Mujin Through the Years
Mujin began as a mission to solve, through the use of robotics automation, one of the most pressing and challenging problems facing the world: the shortage of manual labor. In just 5 years, our team revolutionized the field by developing the world’s first “teachless” robot controller, using what we call MujinMI or machine intelligence. Building on this success, we rapidly expanded our global reach and garnered numerous accolades for our innovation, leadership, and achievements over the next decade.
July 2011
It All Began in Tokyo, Japan
Founded by Ross Diankov and Issei Takino as Mujin, Inc. in the undisputed powerhouse of robotics, Tokyo
January 2015
The First Teachless Controller
Launched MujinController PickWorker, the world’s first teachless controller for bulk picking
April 2019
Expansion to China
Opened office in Guangzhou, China
February 2020
First Place at Japan Open Innovation
Received the Prime Minister Award at the second Japan Open Innovation Prize for the MujinController
September 2021
Another Innovation Award Win
Received the RBR50 Innovation Award for the Mujin piece picking robot with multi-pick end effector
September 2020
CEO Makes Top 100 List
Issei Takino selected among 100 people transforming business in Asia by Business Insider
May 2021
Expansion to the United States
Opened Mujin Corp. office in Atlanta to further capitalize on growth and success
March 2023
Mujin Debuts TruckBot
Unveiled revolutionary container and trailer unloading robot at ProMat 2023 to immense praise
October 2023
Expansion to the Netherlands
Opened Mujin Europe office in Eindhoven to proliferate intelligent robotics globally
Meet our US leaders
Ross Diankov
CEO
Ross Diankov is a pioneering robotics expert known for advancing machine intelligence and industrial automation. As co-founder of Mujin, he has led the deployment of countless robotic systems, transforming logistics and manufacturing with intelligent automation powered by the MujinController Platform. With a Ph.D. from Carnegie Mellon, he actively shares insights at conferences, bridging academic research with real-world applications.
Crystal Parrott
Chief Operating Officer
Crystal Parrott brings over 30 years of expertise in robotics and automation. She has a strong track record of driving emerging technologies to market in manufacturing and logistics, with leadership roles at Plus One Robotics, Dematic, and Southwest Research Institute. A recognized industry leader, she has contributed to key advisory boards and committees shaping the future of robotics and material handling.
Crystal Parrott
Chief Operating Officer
Crystal Parrott brings over 30 years of expertise in robotics and automation. She has a strong track record of driving emerging technologies to market in manufacturing and logistics, with leadership roles at Plus One Robotics, Dematic, and Southwest Research Institute. A recognized industry leader, she has contributed to key advisory boards and committees shaping the future of robotics and material handling.
Manish Gupta
Global FP&A and US Chief Financial Officer
Manish Gupta brings over 20 years of leadership in finance, fintech, and AI-driven industries. With expertise in SEC reporting, finance transformation, and M&A integration, he has held executive roles at Fortune 500 companies, private equity-backed firms, and Big 4 accounting. A CPA with an MBA from Kellogg, Manish drives strategic growth and operational efficiency to scale Mujin’s global impact.
Rob Schmit
Senior Vice President of Product
Rob Schmit brings over 30 years of leadership in automation and material handling. Before joining Mujin in 2023, he served as EVP of Distribution and Fulfillment at MHS (now Fortna) from 2019 to 2022. He held executive roles at SSI Schäfer, Daifuku’s Jervis B. Webb Company and brought WITRON to the US. Rob holds a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Eindhoven University of Technology.
Rob Schmit
Senior Vice President of Product
Rob Schmit brings over 30 years of leadership in automation and material handling. Before joining Mujin in 2023, he served as EVP of Distribution and Fulfillment at MHS (now Fortna) from 2019 to 2022. He held executive roles at SSI Schäfer, Daifuku’s Jervis B. Webb Company and brought WITRON to the US. Rob holds a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Eindhoven University of Technology.
Mario D’Cruz
Vice President of Marketing and Strategy
Mario D’Cruz brings more than 20 years of global strategy and marketing expertise from leading technology companies including Swisslog, Honeywell, and Huawei. He has helped define and expand markets through leadership in revenue operations, product-market fit, and marketing transformation. Previously, he advised Fortune 100 companies on strategic growth initiatives and earned advanced credentials from the University of Dallas and Harvard Business School.
John Ridgley
Vice President of Engineering
John Ridgley brings 30+ years of industry experience and is leading the company’s engineering vision. He has driven innovation across machine vision, supply chain optimization, and systems engineering. Previously, he led engineering at SoftWear Automation and held key roles at The Home Depot and Factory Automation Systems. A Georgia Tech graduate, John excels in advancing automation technology.
John Ridgley
Vice President of Engineering
John Ridgley brings 30+ years of industry experience and is leading the company’s engineering vision. He has driven innovation across machine vision, supply chain optimization, and systems engineering. Previously, he led engineering at SoftWear Automation and held key roles at The Home Depot and Factory Automation Systems. A Georgia Tech graduate, John excels in advancing automation technology.
Meet our global leaders
Ross Diankov
Global CEO
Ross Diankov is a pioneering robotics expert known for advancing machine intelligence and industrial automation. As co-founder of Mujin, he has led the deployment of countless robotic systems, transforming logistics and manufacturing with intelligent automation powered by the MujinController Platform. With a Ph.D. from Carnegie Mellon, he actively shares insights at conferences, bridging academic research with real-world applications.
Felix von Drigalski
Global CTO
Felix von Drigalski brings more than a decade of experience in robotics, AI, and automation, with expertise in motion planning, real-time systems, and applied AI. He earned his Ph.D. in Robotics from the Nara Institute of Science and Technology, with additional engineering degrees from INSA Lyon and the University of Karlsruhe. Prior to becoming Mujin’s CTO, Felix held research and engineering roles at OMRON SINIC X, Ritsumeikan University, and AIST, and served as Lead Product Engineer at Mujin. He now drives Mujin’s global technology vision, leading R&D, platform architecture, and innovation strategy.
Felix von Drigalski
Global CTO
Felix von Drigalski brings more than a decade of experience in robotics, AI, and automation, with expertise in motion planning, real-time systems, and applied AI. He earned his Ph.D. in Robotics from the Nara Institute of Science and Technology, with additional engineering degrees from INSA Lyon and the University of Karlsruhe. Prior to becoming Mujin’s CTO, Felix held research and engineering roles at OMRON SINIC X, Ritsumeikan University, and AIST, and served as Lead Product Engineer at Mujin. He now drives Mujin’s global technology vision, leading R&D, platform architecture, and innovation strategy.
Rob Schmit
Global CPO
Rob Schmit brings more than 30 years of experience in product, engineering, and innovation leadership across material handling, robotics, and automation. He has held senior roles including Executive Vice President of Technology & Innovation at SSI Schäfer and President of Jervis B. Webb (Daifuku North America), where he drove global product platform strategies and organizational integration. With a background in mechanical engineering from Eindhoven University of Technology, Rob now leads product vision and strategy at Mujin, uniting robotics, vision, software, and controls into scalable solutions for logistics and manufacturing customers.
Issei Takino
Interim Global CRO
Issei Takino is the Founder and Representative Director of Mujin, bringing more than 13 years of leadership experience in robotics and automation. He began his career as an award-winning sales manager at Iscar Japan, where he gained deep expertise in manufacturing and customer engagement across Japan, China, and Korea. Since founding Mujin, Issei has led global customer acquisition, partner strategy, and go-to-market execution across multiple industries. With a BA in Humanities from Soka University of America, he now drives Mujin’s global revenue strategy, overseeing sales, solutions, and customer success teams worldwide.
Issei Takino
Interim Global CRO
Issei Takino is the Founder and Representative Director of Mujin, bringing more than 13 years of leadership experience in robotics and automation. He began his career as an award-winning sales manager at Iscar Japan, where he gained deep expertise in manufacturing and customer engagement across Japan, China, and Korea. Since founding Mujin, Issei has led global customer acquisition, partner strategy, and go-to-market execution across multiple industries. With a BA in Humanities from Soka University of America, he now drives Mujin’s global revenue strategy, overseeing sales, solutions, and customer success teams worldwide.
Jumpei Daikoku
Global CFO
Jumpei Daikoku brings more than a decade of experience in finance, audit, and corporate planning across global and Japanese companies. A CPA with a BA in Economics, he began his career at EY and GCA (Houlihan Lokey) before joining Mujin in 2018. Since then, he has played a central role in shaping financial strategy, governance, and administrative control, leading major financing efforts including Mujin’s Series C and debt raise totaling 17 billion JPY. As Global Head of Corporate Planning and Executive Officer, Jumpei oversees corporate finance, investor relations, and long-term growth strategy.
Nobu Hiroi
Global CLO
Nobu Hiroi brings more than 15 years of legal experience spanning high-stakes intellectual property litigation, corporate governance, and global compliance. A licensed California attorney with a JD from Drexel University, he previously practiced at leading U.S. firms including Paul Hastings and Kramer Levin before joining Mujin. As Global General Counsel, Nobu has built Mujin’s legal and compliance infrastructure across Japan, the U.S., EU, and China, and led the legal aspects of major financing initiatives. He now advises the CEO, Board, and GLC on legal strategy, IP, and cross-border structuring to support Mujin’s global growth.
Nobu Hiroi
Global CLO
Nobu Hiroi brings more than 15 years of legal experience spanning high-stakes intellectual property litigation, corporate governance, and global compliance. A licensed California attorney with a JD from Drexel University, he previously practiced at leading U.S. firms including Paul Hastings and Kramer Levin before joining Mujin. As Global General Counsel, Nobu has built Mujin’s legal and compliance infrastructure across Japan, the U.S., EU, and China, and led the legal aspects of major financing initiatives. He now advises the CEO, Board, and GLC on legal strategy, IP, and cross-border structuring to support Mujin’s global growth.
Junya Konishi
Interim Global Head of Internal Audit
Junya Konishi brings more than 15 years of experience in audit, governance, risk, and compliance leadership for technology startups and scale-ups. A Qualified Internal Auditor with IIA Japan, he has built Mujin’s accounting, audit, compliance, legal, and governance functions from the ground up and has served as Audit Committee Chair since 2020. Previously, he led FP&A at Yahoo! Japan (now LY Corp.), where he managed multi-million-dollar budgets and was nominated to the CFO training track. As Global Head of Internal Audit, Junya now designs Mujin’s audit strategy, strengthens internal controls for IPO readiness, and provides independent oversight to the CEO and Audit Committee.
