James Kuffner

Chief Technology Officer at Symbotic

Portland, Oregon Metropolitan Area, United States

About James Kuffner

James Kuffner is Chief Technology Officer at Symbotic. Location: Portland, Oregon Metropolitan Area, United States.

Over 30 years experience in engineering research and executive management. Specialized in both academic and industry research related to robotics software and computer graphics. Co-founded startup companies and large-scale research projects. Helped develop the Google self-driving car and manage projects within Google Research. Co-inventor of the RRT algorithm for robot motion planning, along with 125 publications and 40 patents in 3D graphics, robotics, and autonomous vehicles. Active startup advisor and angel investor in technology companies. Specialties: Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, Automotive and Mobility Technology, Computer Graphics & Animation, Motion Planning, Physically-based Modeling, Game Programming, Computational Geometry

Skills

  • Robotics
  • Computational Geometry
  • Path Planning

Additional experience

  • Senior Fellow, Software Development Center

    Toyota Motor Corporation

    October 2023 – January 2025

Education

  • Doctor of Philosophy - PhD, Stanford University
  • Master of Science - MS, Stanford University