Bloomberg Talks: Mobileye CEO Amnon Shashua Talks Humanoid Robots
Date: January 7, 2026
Host: Bloomberg (Caroline and Ed)
Guest: Amnon Shashua, CEO of Mobileye
Episode Overview
This episode features a conversation with Amnon Shashua, CEO of Mobileye, focusing on Mobileye’s $900 million acquisition of Mentee Robotics and the company’s strategic move into humanoid robots. Shashua discusses the technological and business rationale behind the deal, addresses questions about potential conflicts of interest, and provides insight into Mobileye’s ongoing innovations in both robotics and autonomous driving.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Mobileye’s Acquisition of Mentee Robotics
Timestamp: 00:02–01:37
- Mobileye has announced a major deal to acquire Mentee Robotics for $900 million in combined cash and shares, expected to close in Q1 2026.
- Shashua positions the acquisition as a natural extension for Mobileye, an AI company rooted in autonomous driving and computer vision, to move into the broader field of “physical AI.”
Quote:
"Humanoid robotics has been recognized in the past two or three years as a complementary domain... From a technological point of view, if you are an actor in this area of physical AI, you want to then extend it to the full scope of physicality."
— Amnon Shashua (00:41)
- Shashua argues this move is not just about seeking new growth, but leveraging deep synergies in AI, software, and infrastructure between autonomous driving and robotics.
2. Addressing Conflict of Interest Concerns
Timestamp: 01:37–02:44
- Host questions Shashua on his connections to Mentee Robotics, noting his role as a founder and his son’s employment at the company.
- Shashua explains standard practices for “related party transactions,” stressing that he recused himself from decisions, and that his son’s role is minor ("just an employee").
- He emphasizes the material issue is the strategic fit, not personal relationships.
Quote:
“There are ways to handle it, like being recused from decision, which I did... The material part is the scope of AI.”
— Amnon Shashua (01:55)
3. The Market Opportunity & Go-to-Market Strategy for Humanoid Robots
Timestamp: 02:44–04:54
- Shashua identifies “humanoids” as a new growth engine for Mobileye, with technology moats and vast market potential (TAM).
- Go-to-market approach will unfold in two phases:
- Phase 1 (2028 Launch):
Focus on structured environments (warehouses, assembly plants, retail), where robots perform a finite set of known tasks.- Business model: Sell or lease robot fleets, with manufacturing costs targeting $20,000 per robot at volume.
- Customization based on client needs and proof-of-concept demonstrations.
- Phase 2:
Target unstructured environments (home use), which require continuous learning and more advanced AI.- Unique “mentoring” technology: Robots passively watch humans perform tasks, upload footage to the cloud, and improve using foundation models and simulators.
- Phase 1 (2028 Launch):
Quote:
“The robot is watching, passively watching a human showing a new task... Today it's a few hours, in the future, a few minutes, goes back to the robot and the robots perform the task.”
— Amnon Shashua (04:29)
4. Autonomous Driving Competition & Expansion
Timestamp: 04:54–06:27
- Conversation shifts to NVIDIA’s push into autonomous driving with a new integrated stack.
- Shashua assures he is “not worried” about competition, viewing it as positive for market development.
- Mobileye is scaling up with major partners, including Volkswagen, aiming for 100,000 robotaxis over the next eight years.
- Mobileye’s stack is described as “ironclad”—robust, cost-efficient, and already deployed in many vehicles.
- Emphasizes cost leadership: “Mobileye chips are 1/10 the cost of competing chips.”
Quote:
“Competition, I believe, is always good. It kind of ignites the market.”
— Amnon Shashua (05:14)
5. Major OEM Deals & Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS)
Timestamp: 06:27–07:29
- Hosts highlight a significant Mobileye deal with a US automaker to supply safety software for 9 million cars.
- Shashua expounds on the evolution of ADAS, moving from front-facing sensors to “surround ADAS” with multiple cameras and radars.
- New system replaces multiple legacy components and adds value for manufacturers and consumers.
- Two recent high-volume deals: Volkswagen and the US automaker (cumulatively 19 million units).
Quote:
“This is the evolution of ADAS, and it's high volume... safety functions for the next five years.”
— Amnon Shashua (06:58)
6. Industry Rumors & The AI21 Connection
Timestamp: 07:29–08:19
- Host queries rumors about Nvidia being interested in another company linked to Shashua (“AI21”).
- Shashua downplays the media speculation and clarifies: AI21’s foundation models and agents are separate ventures, unrelated to Mobileye or Mentee Robotics.
Quote:
“I21 is working on foundation models and you know, agents has nothing to do with activity of Mobileye.”
— Amnon Shashua (08:05)
Notable Quotes & Moments
- On Competition:
“Competition, I believe, is always good. It kind of ignites the market.”
— Amnon Shashua (05:14) - On New Market Frontiers:
“Humanoids is becoming that click, is becoming this area where you can grow.”
— Amnon Shashua (02:45) - On Robotics Learning:
“The robot is watching, passively watching a human showing a new task... Today it's a few hours, in the future, a few minutes, goes back to the robot and the robots perform the task.”
— Amnon Shashua (04:29) - On Related-Party Concerns:
“There are ways to handle it like being recused from decision, which I did... the material part is the scope of AI.”
— Amnon Shashua (01:55)
Timeline of Important Segments
- 00:02–01:37: Announcement and rationale for acquiring Mentee Robotics.
- 01:37–02:44: Addressing related-party concerns and synergies in AI.
- 02:44–04:54: Go-to-market strategies for humanoid robots.
- 04:54–06:27: Autonomous vehicle competition, VW partnership, and cost leadership.
- 06:27–07:29: High-volume ADAS deals with OEMs.
- 07:29–08:19: Industry rumors and separation of AI21 from Mobileye’s activities.
Tone & Flow
Shashua’s responses are candid, optimistic, and forward-looking, emphasizing both technological vision and practical business strategy. He addresses concerns directly, often with humor or humility, and is focused on the long-term potential of both autonomous vehicles and humanoid robotics.
This episode provides unique insight into Mobileye’s next chapter—leveraging its AI heritage to shape the future of both transportation and robotics, with an eye on real-world applications and industry leadership.