User blog comment:DiegoAnime3000/Things I noticed about Penny/@comment-11188061-20140808001152

And what's that offhand comment? Can't just leave us hanging like that.

Also, I think you're mistaken. I think this episode clarifies that Penny's father and Ironwood are two different person. Remember when Ruby asked whether it was her father who forbid her from talking to anyone, she said, 'No'. Then came Ironwood with his mecha army. So yes, Penny's father is a great scientist who created a sentient robot, and Ironwood's his superior.