Revolutionizing Warehouse Automation with Jon Miller Schwartz of Ultra

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