ABOUT US
The Human Force Behind Intelligent Automation
We're scientists, engineers, and operators who believe that labs deserve better than manual workarounds between million-dollar instruments.
OUR STORY
Built by Scientists. Driven by Impact.
Tactus AI was founded by a team with deep expertise in artificial intelligence, robotics, and laboratory science. After successfully building and exiting a previous AI company, our founders saw a clear opportunity: the most advanced labs in the world were still relying on manual labor to move samples between instruments.
We set out to build something different, not another point automation tool, but a complete system that could observe, orchestrate, and physically execute laboratory workflows. The result is Tactus: humanoid robots paired with intelligent orchestration software, designed from the ground up for regulated environments.
Based in San Diego, California, we're building at the intersection of robotics and laboratory science to accelerate discovery and improve healthcare outcomes worldwide.
LEADERSHIP
Our Team
Claire Weston, PhD
Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Claire is an accomplished leader who is dedicated to advancing science and improving patient care. Most recently she successfully built and led Reveal Biosciences, a pathology AI company, from inception to acquisition. Claire is a Board Director and Advisor to multiple companies. She holds a PhD from Cambridge University.
Casey Laris
Co-Founder & Chief Technology Officer
Casey has spent his career building and scaling computer vision systems and automation, from high-content screening to computational pathology to embodied AI. Previously he was the Co-founder and CTO of Reveal Biosciences, an AI pathology company that was successfully acquired in 2021. Casey holds a BS in Chemistry from UC San Diego.
Michael Quick
Chief Commercial Officer
Mike has a career spanning 30+ years in medical devices and diagnostics. Most recently as VP of Research & Development at Hologic, he led development of the Genius Digital Diagnostics System, the first and only FDA-cleared AI-powered digital cytology platform. Before that he held leadership roles in Business Development including International Market Development. Mike is the Past President of the Digital Pathology Association, a Board-certified cytologist, and holds a BA from the University of Vermont in Biology & Math.
Dawn Eastin
Head of Operations
Dawn is an accomplished operations leader with over 20 years of experience managing administrative infrastructure and HR coordination for high-stakes organizations. Most recently, she spent nine years leading operations at Calibrate Ventures, where she streamlined internal processes, managed vendor relationships, and supported investor relations for the deep tech venture firm. Dawn is a graduate of California State University, Long Beach.
Nathan Wildgrube
Head of Quality & Regulatory
Nathan is a senior quality and regulatory leader with over 20 years of experience in the medical device industry. He has previously held leadership roles at Össur and Organovo, spanning FDA regulatory pathways, quality management systems, and medical device commercialization. Nathan holds a Bachelor of Engineering, Mechanical Engineering degree from The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art.
ADVISORS
Scientific Advisory Board
Our scientific advisory board brings world-class expertise in pathology, laboratory medicine, and clinical operations. Details coming soon.
MISSION & VALUES
What Drives Us
To accelerate scientific discovery and improve global healthcare by building intelligent robotics that eliminate manual bottlenecks in the laboratory.
Precision
Every movement matters. We build systems that operate with the accuracy and reliability that regulated labs demand.
Science First
We're scientists building for scientists. Every decision is grounded in real laboratory needs, not abstract technology goals.
Build What Matters
We focus on impact over novelty. If it doesn't make the lab better, we don't build it.
Move with Urgency
Scientists are doing critical work, and patients are counting on them. We move with the speed and focus that mission demands.
Join Our Team
We're hiring scientists, engineers, and operators who want to build the future of laboratory automation.