Revolutionizing Warehouse Automation with Jon Miller Schwartz of Ultra

In this episode of The Next Next, host Jason Jacobs welcomes Jon Miller Schwartz, co-founder and CEO of Ultra. Ultra is pioneering the development and deployment of general-purpose robots aimed at transforming American warehouses. Jon discusses Ultra's mission, the importance of adaptable robots versus traditional static systems, and the role of AI in making these advancements possible. He outlines Ultra's unique technology, the challenges they've faced in the robotics industry, and their strategic focus on the e-commerce logistics space. The conversation also delves into the benefits of these robots for customers, the current state and future of robotics, and the importance of data in improving robotic capabilities. Jon shares insights about Ultra's rapid growth, their operational strategies, and the immense potential for robotics in various industries.

00:00 Introduction to The Next Next

02:01 Meet Jon Miller Schwartz: Ultra's Mission and Background

02:43 The Evolution of Robotics and AI

05:24 Jon's Journey: From 3D Printing to Robotics

07:30 Challenges and Innovations in Robotics

14:51 Focusing on Logistics: Ultra's Strategic Direction

20:07 Building and Deploying Robots: Ultra's Progress

22:34 Targeting the Logistics Industry: Ultra's Customers

26:22 Augmentation Strategy and Industry Growth

26:50 Robots in Fulfillment and Labor Optimization

28:03 Robot Performance vs. Human Packer

29:29 Cost Efficiency and Utilization of Robots

30:16 Impact on Human Workers and Job Shifts

32:31 Challenges in Robotics and Future Prospects

34:59 Focus on E-commerce Fulfillment

36:24 Competition and Defensibility in Robotics

37:42 Data Collection and Model Training

44:13 Technological and Societal Readiness

48:55 Future Vision and Company Goals

50:50 Hiring and Collaboration Opportunities

51:49 Conclusion and Final Thoughts