Michael Perry, Chief Commercial Officer at Persona AI, is a specialist in the commercialization of physical artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics, having led robot business and market strategy at companies including Boston Dynamics and DJI. His competitive edge, industry observers say, lies in his long track record of transforming advanced robotics into deployable, revenue-generating products. Combining deep technological understanding with sophisticated go-to-market strategy capabilities, he has accelerated the adoption of physical AI on industrial sites, earning a reputation as a strategic planner in the robotics field. Reflecting high expectations over his arrival, Persona AI CEO Nicolaus Radford said, "Based on his extensive experience, Perry will spearhead Persona AI's commercial transition."
He joined Persona AI, a U.S. industrial humanoid robot startup, this year and is actively pursuing the commercialization of robot technologies tailored for heavy industries such as steel, shipbuilding, and energy. His arrival is expected to accelerate humanoid robot adoption at POSCO (005490.KS) and HD Hyundai (267250.KS), both of which have investment and partnership ties with Persona AI.
He previously served as Vice President of Marketing at U.S. robotics startup Dexterity in 2021, and before that as Vice President of Business Development at Boston Dynamics in 2018, where he is credited with playing a pivotal role in applying AI-based robotic systems to real-world industrial, logistics, and enterprise environments.
From 2014 to August 2018, he worked as Managing Director for North America at DJI, the world's leading drone technology company. During this period, he led the expansion of drone technology to enterprise customers in DJI's largest market, North America, and oversaw sales and marketing.
Perry holds bachelor's degrees in Chinese and Government from the University of Texas at Austin. He later received a Chinese language certificate from Nanjing University in China and studied Chinese at East China Normal University, building his understanding of Asian markets on the foundation of China-related academic training and on-the-ground experience.
Through his keynote speech at "Seoul Forum 2026," Perry will share his experience in commercializing drones, quadruped robots, and AI-based robots. He will outline what companies, technologies, and ecosystem partners must do together to fully realize the potential of humanoid robots.
