Build the machine that builds the machine

Bill Doerrfeld | December 19, 2025

A shift back to large end-to-end machine learning models

My latest DirectorPlus column with LeadDev interviews Bedrock Robotics' CTO, Kevin Peterson, on what it takes to develop highly adaptable and safe autonomous machines.


Lately, a big shift he's noticed is a move away from many small, purpose-built models toward one end-to-end system that computes its own best representation.


They're putting this to practice in the field — quite literally — developing models that allow excavators to operate autonomously in large-scale construction projects.


Peterson was formerly leading autonomous system development at Waymo and Caterpillar, so he has some really great experience to share, which other AI/ML or robotics experts will appreciate.


Read the post here, and if you're an engineering leader, definitely consider signing up for DirectorPlus for a monthly check-in with an experienced director, VP, or CTO on a new subject!

Read: Hard-won lessons on building and scaling ML models

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