The Best One Yet 🐶 “Cute > Compute” — DoorDash’s delivery bot. Etsy’s ChatGPT website-killer. America’s 15th Shutdown. +Ford Poetry.
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Oct 1, 2025 DoorDash unveils an adorable delivery robot named Dot, arguing that cuteness can give it a competitive edge. Etsy's stock sees a surge thanks to a partnership with ChatGPT, potentially changing the face of online shopping to a more personal approach. The looming government shutdown raises concerns about its impact on businesses, especially farmers like Cava. Plus, a quirky twist as the hosts share poetry inspired by the market. Tune in for witty insights and surprising business news!
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Design Robots To Be Lovable
- Design robotics to elicit trust and affection to reduce public fear and resistance.
- Favor relatable, non-human forms instead of uncanny humanlike robots to increase adoption.
Cuteness As A Strategic Edge
- DoorDash's Dot emphasizes emotional design over raw compute to make robots welcome in public spaces.
- Nick argues that cuteness can be a durable competitive advantage in consumer robotics.
This Shutdown Feels Different
- The U.S. routinely shuts down non-essential services when Congress can't agree on funding.
- This shutdown uniquely empowers the president to trim programs he dislikes while still needing to support favored groups.