AFAM: Hello Quentin and thank you for this interview. You are a Mechanical Design Engineer for Hello Robot Inc.
Please tell us a few words about your company and your current role in it.
Quentin: Hello Robot Inc. designs Stretch, a mobile manipulator ( a robot on wheels and with a robotic arm, a manipulator which can grab, reach, pick etc.). Stretch is a very complex product, used as a companion, and in healthcare especially for people with physical impairments, as well as with Alzheimer. The robot is designed to function effectively in real-world environments and it is already deployed in homes as we speak.
My engineering role focuses on designing the mechanical aspect of the next generation of Stretch, e.g. the structural elements and plastic enclosures.
AFAM: What in your opinion is the most awesome that a Stretch robot can do?
Quentin: That’s a good question. The robot is currently being sold mostly to Universities, research labs and roboticists. What I find the most awesome thing is the robot's dual impact: enabling groundbreaking research in physical AI through its use in universities and research labs, and helping users with physical impairments regain independence and form bonds with their families through its pilot program in homes.
AFAM: you started in Hello Robot Inc. as an intern in 2024 and now you are an engineer there. What do you think made you a successful candidate for an engineering position after you finished your internship at Hello Robot Inc.?
Quentin: Yes, I started at Hello Robot as an intern after graduating from UC Berkeley. My initial 3 months internship was extended to 6 months and then to a full time job. I think my success in securing a full-time position was in my specialized skills in CAD, which enabled me to contribute significantly to the development of the Stretch robot during the early stages of its development. My ability to quickly iterate and take ownership of various systems and understanding of the robot from head to toe within six months of my internship led me to a full-time offer.
AFAM: What is the most challenging and the most exciting part of your job today?
Quentin: A unique aspect of my job is being the sole mechanical design engineer at Hello Robot which is at the same time the most exciting and the most challenging part. Both excitement and responsibility come with full autonomy in designing the robot. Working independently (even though we obviously work together with electrical and software engineers) represents for me a learning curve where I will make every possible mistake but will find what I want at the end of the day.
AFAM: you have been living in the San Francisco bay area since 2023. What are the things you like the most? How do you like spending your free time?
Quentin: San Francisco is such a beautiful city. Here we are close to nature, next to the ocean, not far from skiing resorts. I enjoy running in local parks. Every Saturday morning I would run in a park and then grab my morning coffee in a local coffee shop. I love my Saturday morning routine.
AFAM: how did being a GadzArts help you in your professional career and life?
Quentin: As a GadzArts in the US, you have an advantage of having a supportive community to help navigate opportunities and provide guidance. I benefited a lot from connecting with other GadzArts, both older and younger cohorts, to share experiences and advice. Being a GadzArts has allowed me to give back to the community by offering support to new arrivals (note: Quentin became one of Shasta mentors in 2026)
AFAM: thank you, Quentin!
Pictures: courtesy of Quentin
About Hello Robot: company's web site
Other interview in People and Robots series:
Interview with Thomas Gurriet ( Cl 212)
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