Colin Angle

Colin Angle, co-founder of iRobot and now working on Familiar Machines, teams up with Grant Erickson, a former engineer at Apple and Nest, to explore the quest for the ultimate home robot. They discuss the reality of creating a Rosie the Robot and the evolving role of AI in homes. Grant shares insights on the Thread protocol's significance in smart home connectivity and how it laid the groundwork for the Matter standard. The duo also delves into data privacy concerns and the importance of intuitive design in enhancing user experience.

In a captivating discussion, Colin Angle, the co-founder and former CEO of iRobot, delves into the climactic journey of his company, from Roomba’s success to its recent bankruptcy. He argues that the blockage of a $1.7 billion Amazon acquisition was not just a business misstep but a pivotal error by regulators. Angle also shares the taxing 18-month fight with the FTC and discusses his new stealth startup aimed at blending emotional sophistication with robotics. Plus, he offers insights on the future of humanoid robots and the importance of focusing on real user needs.

Colin Angle, CEO and co-founder of iRobot, shares insights on home robotics, including the iconic Roomba and the company's journey in selling over 25 million robots. He discusses the future roles of robots in society, emphasizing safety and the needs of an aging population. The conversation touches on the evolution of household robotics, the intersection of automation and autonomous vehicles, and the critical importance of data privacy. Angle also explores emotions in robotics through a fun lens, referencing science fiction's beloved characters.