Machine Minds

In this episode, I spoke with Leo Chen, Director of US Operations at Engineered Arts. Leo took us on his personal journey—from a childhood fascination sparked by Star Wars to leading teams at groundbreaking robotics projects at Google and now Engineered Arts. We also got an exclusive look at Amica, Engineered Arts’ lifelike humanoid robot, designed to captivate audiences across entertainment, education, and elder care.Key discussion points:- Leo’s career path, from building robotic eels to launching giant balloon robots at Google.- Why Engineered Arts specializes in realistic, interactive robots for human-centric applications.- Ethical considerations in developing humanoid robots and AI integration.- Leo’s candid perspective on the future of humanoids and the technical challenges ahead.- Engineered ArtsWebsite: https://engineeredarts.co.ukLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leoofchen/Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/engineered-arts-ltd/Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregtoroosian/

I had a great conversation with Neel Mehta, Partner at G2 Venture Partners, exploring how traditional industries like energy, logistics, and manufacturing are being transformed by technology and sustainability. Neel shared insights from his early career at Morgan Stanley—where he saw firsthand how industries like automotive were disrupted—and explained why G2 targets the “missing middle” of growth-stage companies.We covered:- How Neel’s experience covering Tesla shaped his understanding of disruptive innovation.- G2’s investment thesis focused on scaling sustainable solutions in traditional industries.- The critical role of unit economics and realistic growth paths in selecting investments.- Neel's perspective on humanoid robotics, autonomy, and the genuine commercial viability of new tech.Guest Info:Neel Mehta, Partner at G2 Venture Partners  Website: https://www.g2vp.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mehtaneel/Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregtoroosian/

In this episode, I sat down with Patrick Leung, CTO at Faro Health, to talk about how they're using AI to tackle huge inefficiencies in clinical trial design. Patrick shared insights from his career—including key roles at Google and Two Sigma—and why he chose to join Faro to help streamline how new drugs get to market.We discussed:- Why traditional clinical trials are becoming increasingly slow and costly.- How Faro’s AI-based approach drastically shortens trial planning from months to hours.- The real-world impact of Faro’s work with leading pharma companies, including Merck and Recursion.- Patrick’s perspective on balancing tech innovation with human expertise in healthcare.Link to the study mentioned: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s43441-024-00666-xGuest Info:Patrick Leung, CTO at Faro Health  Website: https://farohealth.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/puiwah/  Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregtoroosian/

In this episode, I spoke with Torrey Smith, co-founder of Endiatx, creators of Pillbot—a tiny robotic pill you swallow that swims around your stomach to perform medical exams without sedation or hospital visits. Torrey started his career in aerospace engineering but moved into medical tech after losing a family member to cancer.We talked about:- How Pillbot could replace traditional endoscopies with a simpler at-home option- Challenges Torrey faced miniaturizing the robot and navigating FDA regulations- Lessons learned from working at multiple medtech startups before founding Endiatx- Advice for medtech founders looking to innovate in a regulated spaceMore about Torrey and Endiatx:Website: https://www.endiatx.comTorrey's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/torreypsmith/Connect with me: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregtoroosian/

In this episode I speak with Shivani and Ritika, co-founders of Ember Robotics, about their journey from Tesla to launching a startup focused on improving robot reliability through real-time diagnostics.We covered:How Ember Robotics helps robotics companies quickly find and fix hardware issuesThe importance of real-time, on-device diagnostics for field-deployed robotsLessons from their experiences at Tesla and Y CombinatorKey advice on selecting the right co-founder and building resilient startup teamsTrends they're watching, including neuromorphic imaging and advances in humanoid roboticsConnect with Shivani: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shivanicm/Connect with Ritika: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritikashrivastava/Ember Robotics Website: https://www.emberrobotics.comConnect with me: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregtoroosian/

I sat down with Kamron Khodjaev, co-founder of KOOP, to discuss how they’re helping deep tech startups navigate compliance, insurance, and security to become enterprise-ready.Kamron shared his journey from working in telematics and insurance to founding KOOP, where he and his team saw a gap in the market for tailored risk management solutions for robotics and AI companies. We talked about the challenges startups face in securing proper coverage, why early-stage companies should think about trust and compliance from day one, and how KOOP is making it easier for them to scale without getting slowed down by regulatory hurdles. He also shared insights on adapting to market shifts and the importance of flexibility in scaling.Learn more about KOOP at https://www.koop.ai/How KOOP helps startups get enterprise-ready: https://www.koop.ai/news/koop-launches-iso-27001-hipaa-complianceConnect with Kamron Khodjaev on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kkhodjaev/Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregtoroosian/

In this episode, I sat down with Sam Fatoohi, co-founder and CEO of Bomello, to talk about how they’re transforming hardware development with a modern, cloud-based PLM system.We discussed:- The challenges of managing BOMs and why traditional PLM tools are outdated  - How Bomello simplifies hardware workflows for small and mid-sized companies  - Lessons from Sam’s journey through engineering, consulting, and entrepreneurship  - The shift toward cloud-based development and its impact on collaboration  - How AI and automation are influencing hardware design and supply chain management  Learn more about Bomello:Website: https://www.bomello.comEmail: sam@bomello.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sfatoo/Connect with me:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregtoroosian/

In this episode, I sit down with Rishabh Agarwal, co-founder and CEO of Peer Robotics. Coming from a manufacturing family, Rishabh shares how his background and passion for machines led him to robotics and the founding of Peer Robotics. We discuss the company's mission to simplify automation for small and medium-scale manufacturers through collaborative mobile robots that learn in real time from humans.Key Discussion Points:- Rishabh's journey from IIT and University of Maryland to founding Peer Robotics- The challenges of automation in manufacturing and how Peer Robotics addresses them- The concept of collaborative mobile robots and real-time human-robot interaction- Insights into how Peer Robotics designs cost-effective automation solutions- The future of robotics, including modular designs and human-in-the-loop systemsPeer Robotics Website: https://www.peerrobotics.ai/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peer-robotics/Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregtoroosian/

In this episode of Machine Minds, I sit down with Raghav Gupta, co-founder and CEO of Posha, to explore how robotics is transforming home cooking.Raghav shares his journey from launching a startup straight out of school to creating Posha, a smart kitchen appliance that automates home cooking with AI-powered precision and robotic efficiency.We dive into:The inspiration behind Posha and its mission to simplify home cookingHow AI and robotics can preserve home-cooked meals in a fast-paced worldThe challenges of building and scaling a robotics startupThe future of kitchen automation and personalized meal preparationIf you're passionate about food, technology, and the future of home cooking, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.Learn more about Posha:🔗 https://www.posha.com/Connect with Raghav Gupta:🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/ragsgups/Connect with me:🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregtoroosian/

In this episode of Machine Minds, I sit down with Abhishek Gupta, co-founder and CEO of OpenDroids, to discuss how open-source, AI-driven robotics are redefining automation. Abhishek shares his journey from hardware design to entrepreneurship, what inspired him to launch OpenDroids, and how his team is building modular robots that can adapt to a wide range of industries.We explore the power of open-source robotics, how AI is accelerating robotic development, and why giving the community the tools to innovate is central to OpenDroids’ mission. Abhishek also reflects on his experience at CES, the momentum behind OpenDroids, and what the future holds for robotics and automation.Key Discussion Points:- How OpenDroids is making robotics accessible and scalable through open-source development.- The role of AI in robotics and how advancements in AGI and embodied AI are reshaping automation.- The real-world impact of robotics in hospitality, senior care, and education.- Lessons from early-stage startup growth, including talent acquisition, vision alignment, and rapid iteration.- Ethical considerations and the future of AI and robotics.Learn more about OpenDroids:  Website: https://www.opendroids.com  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@opendroids  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/open-droids/  X: https://x.com/Opendroids_  Email: abhi@opendroids.com  Connect with Abhishek Gupta:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ragsgups/  Connect with me:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregtoroosian/