Aaron Prather is a leader in robotics safety, standards development, and scalable robotics deployment. As Director at ASTM International, he works at the intersection of innovation and governance by helping advanced robotic systems move from prototypes to real-world operations safely and responsibly through standards and certifications.

His work centers on three pillars of robotics maturity: safety, ensuring reliable operation in human environments; interoperability, enabling systems and platforms to integrate seamlessly; and scalable deployment, building the governance frameworks required for widespread adoption. Aaron collaborates with industry, startups, and policymakers worldwide to develop test methods, certification pathways, and governance models that make robotics practical, trusted, and ready for scale.

He also writes a weekly column for Six Degrees of Robotics, a Substack newsletter examining the global robotics ecosystem through the lenses of risk, policy, and commercialization.

Prior to joining ASTM International, Aaron led Robotics & Automation R&D efforts at FedEx, where he concluded a 26-year career.