How to Build the World’s Strongest Robot?
- misafuku2
- 19 hours ago
- 3 min read
A conversation with Yuji Elfahkrany, Software Leader at MUSE
Today, we spoke with Yuji Elfahkrany, Software Leader at MUSE, about what it takes to build the world’s strongest robot. In this conversation, Yuji shares his perspective on designing cutting-edge robotic intelligence and motion control for real-world environments. Drawing on his deep experience in both hardware and software, he explains what makes MUSE’s robot, Armo, fundamentally different from traditional machines.
Introduction
- Yuji, could you start by introducing yourself and telling us what you’ll be sharing?
Of course. I’m Yuji Elfahkrany, software leader at MUSE. What I’d like to do here is show how we design robotics that actually work in everyday environments. With my background across both hardware and software, I’ll also explain how Armo breaks away from the limitations of traditional robots.
Traditional Robots: One-Track Minds
- How would you describe conventional robots?
Most of them are pretty rigid. Their behavior is programmed step by step in a fixed order, and there’s usually just one expected way to interact with them. Because of that, they struggle to adapt when things change. No matter the situation, they tend to treat it all the same.
Why Armo is Different
- And Armo changes that?
Exactly. Armo has spatial awareness, so it adjusts based on where it is and what’s happening around it.
In the backroom, it moves cautiously, aware of staff traffic.
On the shop floor, it moves confidently while still politely avoiding customers.
At night, it glides quietly and efficiently through an empty store.
And it doesn’t stop there—Armo also learns. It picks up on user behavior patterns, adapts to recurring tasks, and even adjusts to individual preferences.
Total Control Over Behavior
- How much control do users really have over Armo’s behavior?
Quite a lot. At MUSE, we build everything from the ground up. We don’t rely on open-source libraries or black-box logic, so we can fine-tune every detail.
Through our cloud platform, users can adjust things like:
The robot’s operating volume (quiet at night, normal during the day)
Its exact lateral offset in an aisle
How strictly it follows a planned path versus freely avoiding obstacles
The distance at which it should stop when approaching an obstacle
…and more. Every parameter can be tuned, every motion tracked, every behavior adjusted—all through an intuitive interface that translates intention into action.
Development Challenges
- That sounds powerful, but I imagine it’s not easy to achieve.
You’re right. Running robots in retail environments is challenging. They need to coexist with people, handle layouts that change often, and remain stable despite unpredictable conditions.
The labor shortage makes it even more urgent. Robots like Armo need to handle errors and anomalies on their own, without constant human oversight. And because Armo does things like patrolling or shelf photography, near 24/7 uptime is essential. Downtime can disrupt store operations, so reliability and stability are non-negotiable. That’s why we push to make each version more robust and more autonomous.
Meet Our Team
- Tell us a bit about the team behind all this.
Our software team may be small, but their creativity and talent are remarkable. We’re a globally distributed, cross-cultural team united by one mission: building the world’s strongest retail store robot.
Our members are based in Japan, Vietnam, India, Singapore, Canada, and more. Even across borders, we collaborate as one, combining strengths to solve problems in creative and efficient ways. Every line of code and every feature brings Armo closer to being smarter, more adaptable, and more intuitive.
Conclusion
- Finally, what does “the world’s strongest robot” mean to you?
To me, it’s not about brute force. It’s about intelligent design, modular control, and the ability to adapt to context. At MUSE, we believe the future of robotics isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s about robots that truly fit into human environments and behaviors. Armo is just the beginning.
Join Us
We’re also growing our team. MUSE is currently hiring for a variety of positions across engineering, business, and corporate fields.
If our vision excites you, and you’re interested in the challenge of creating the future from scratch, we’d love to hear from you. Casual meetings and office tours are always welcome!
For job posting and application:
Looking forward to talking to you!
