Who is Dr. Alfred Lanning from the novel, I, Robot?

Dr. Alfred Lanning was the head of research at US Robots during Dr. Calvin’s time. Dr. Lanning is an elderly man in the stories that Dr. Calvin tells that include him. In fact, in one story a coworker is anxious for Dr. Lanning to retire so that he can take over his position. Dr. Lanning is a pioneer in the work of robotics, however, and greatly respected by the majority of his coworkers.