Machine Minds

In this episode of Machine Minds, I sit down with Nohtal Partansky, founder and CEO of Sorting Robotics, to explore the fascinating intersection of robotics and cannabis manufacturing. 🚀Nohtal shares his journey from working at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) to founding multiple startups, including Sorting Robotics, which has revolutionized the cannabis industry with innovative automation solutions like the GCO Automated Infusion Robot and Stardust.We dive into:🔹 Nohtal’s path from aerospace to entrepreneurship🔹 The challenges of building robotic solutions for niche markets🔹 How robotics is transforming cannabis manufacturing processes🔹 The importance of team culture in achieving breakthroughsWhether you're an entrepreneur, robotics enthusiast, or just curious about the cutting-edge applications of technology in unexpected industries, this conversation is packed with insights and inspiration.

In this episode, I sit down with Stefan Seltz-Axmacher, CEO and co-founder of Polymath Robotics, to discuss how their modular autonomy solutions are revolutionizing industrial robotics. Stefan shares the story behind founding Polymath and how his previous experience at Starsky Robotics shaped his vision for creating reusable, scalable autonomy stacks.We explore the challenges of retrofitting legacy machinery, the inefficiencies of rebuilding autonomy stacks, and why the future of robotics lies in modular solutions that allow companies to focus on creating real value. Stefan also dives into market dynamics, funding challenges in today’s landscape, and why robotics startups must think differently about growth.If you’re curious about how robotics is solving critical labor shortages and unlocking new opportunities across industries like mining, agriculture, and logistics, this episode is for you.Connect with Stefan:linkedin.com/in/stefanseltzaxmacher------Connect with me on LinkedIn:linkedin.com/in/gregtoroosian

In this episode, I sit down with Benjamin Bond, VP of Strategy and Business Development at Simbe Robotics, to talk about how AI-driven robotics are transforming retail efficiency. Benjamin shares his journey from consulting and retail strategy to leading Simbe’s efforts to enhance store-level insights and streamline operations with shelf intelligence solutions.We discuss Simbe’s flagship robot, Tally, and how it helps stores optimize inventory, pricing, and layout without disrupting the shopping experience. Benjamin also reveals how Simbe’s recent $50M Series C funding, led by Goldman Sachs, will propel their expansion into new markets and further their mission of empowering retailers.Benjamin emphasizes the human side of robotics, explaining how their solutions free up employees to focus on more meaningful customer interactions while driving measurable ROI. If you’re curious about how AI and robotics are reshaping real-world operations, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.Connect with Benjamin:linkedin.com/in/benjamingrbond------Connect with me on LinkedIn:linkedin.com/in/gregtoroosian

In this episode of the Machine Minds Show, Greg sits down with Muhammad Musa, the founder of Deepen AI, to explore the fascinating world of artificial intelligence and autonomous systems. Join us as we delve into Muhammad's inspiring journey from his early experiences in the tech industry to establishing a company that is at the forefront of AI innovation. Muhammad shares insights into the challenges and opportunities he faced while building Deepen AI, a company dedicated to enhancing data annotation and sense calibration for autonomous vehicles and robotics. We discuss the suite of tools they offer, the importance of safety in AI applications, and the key milestones that have marked their growth. Throughout the conversation, we touch on the emerging trends in AI that excite Muhammad the most and how Deepen AI is contributing to the advancement of safety in autonomous systems. Whether you're an AI enthusiast or simply curious about the future of technology, this episode is packed with valuable insights and thought-provoking discussions. Tune in to learn more about the intersection of AI and safety, and discover what it takes to scale a tech startup in today's rapidly evolving landscape.01:18 Muhammad’s background.04:24 Initial problems09:10 What does Deepen AI offer?18:15 Financing27:30 Key milestones29:52 Solutions that Deepen AI is contributing to the advancement of safety vehicles and robots40:40 Emerging trends 43:40 Aspirations of Deeper AI in the next five years? More about Deepen AIhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/deepen-ai/More about our guest https://www.linkedin.com/in/mohammad/Machine Minds:Apple Podcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast..Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1apGh7x... Google Podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0...YouTube:    / @machinemindsshow   Let’s connect on social media: IG:   / machinemindsshow   LinkedIn:   / gregtoroosian

In this episode, I sit down with Carl Chouinard, founder and CEO of Extend AI, to explore how advanced AI tools can reshape physical operations in manufacturing, logistics, and beyond. Carl talks about his early days tinkering with computers in Quebec, Canada, and how his love for technology led him to build multiple startups. He explains how Extend AI connects to cameras, reconstructs real-world spaces in 3D, and identifies “spatial agents” that help businesses organize floors, workflows, and inventory.Carl believes in harnessing AI to enhance—not replace—human capabilities. He describes real scenarios where physical processes can be guided and optimized, cutting wasted effort and freeing workers to focus on meaningful tasks. Anyone curious about AI’s impact on day-to-day, real-world labor will appreciate Carl’s insights and his clear enthusiasm for bridging the gap between people, machines, and the physical environment.Connect with Carl:linkedin.com/in/carl-chouinard-5066823------Connect with me on LinkedIn:linkedin.com/in/gregtoroosian

In this episode of Machine Minds, Greg welcomes Matt Moore, co-founder of Sous Chef Studios, a company dedicated to revolutionising home cooking with an innovative table top kitchen appliance. This device aims to automate the process of making food from scratch, specifically focusing on noodles and pasta initially, to help families prepare healthy meals conveniently during the busy weekdays.Matt shares insights into his diverse career path, which includes founding multiple startups and working with tech giants like Google and Samsung. He reflects on his early experiences in tech, starting with a Linux computer company in high school, and how those experiences shaped his entrepreneurial spirit. His journey led him to Sous Chef Studios, where he aims to address the challenges faced by working parents in providing nutritious meals for their families.The conversation delves into the motivation behind Sous Chef Studios, particularly Matt's personal experiences as a parent navigating food allergies and the complexities of meal preparation. He emphasizes the importance of creating a product that not only simplifies cooking but also caters to the dietary needs of families.The appliance itself is designed to be user-friendly, allowing families to prepare meals with minimal effort. It features a compact design, multiple cooking functions, and the ability to handle various ingredients, making it a versatile addition to any kitchen. Overall, this episode highlights the intersection of technology and culinary arts, showcasing how innovation can enhance everyday life.01:32 Matt’s journey.09:23 What motivated Matt?25:14 Appliance operation.30:00 Adaptation if someone needs a gluten free meal37:25 Addressing customers46:47 The future of automated cooking appliances50:53 Where can people find Sous Chef Studio?More about Sous Chef Studiohttps://www.linkedin.com/company/souschefstudio/More about our guest https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewpaulmoore/Machine Minds:Apple Podcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast..Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1apGh7x... Google Podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0...YouTube:    / @machinemindsshow   Let’s connect on social media: IG:   / machinemindsshow   LinkedIn:   / gregtoroosian  

I talked with Surojit Chatterjee, who leads Ema—a platform aimed at building “AI employees.” Instead of the usual AI that simply produces content, Ema tackles multi-step tasks through agent-like workflows. Surojit explained how Ema’s generative workflow engine and smaller, specialized models together can take on complex tasks usually handled by people.He got into the challenges enterprises face when employees spend countless hours on tedious, manual tasks. The goal is for Ema’s “AI employees” to handle these chores so human teams can focus on higher-impact problems. It’s not just theoretical—Surojit described how Ema helps with customer support, HR tasks, and more by linking to enterprise systems like CRMs and support ticket software. We also touched on security, data privacy, and how Ema’s approach steers clear of seat-based pricing, which Surojit believes is outdated.Surojit summed it up as a new wave of software that eliminates repetitive tasks, letting humans zero in on creativity. While some folks see AI as a threat to jobs, Surojit feels it’s similar to other tech revolutions: freeing people to do the work they truly care about. It’s a bold vision for an age of more flexible “AI employees,” crossing tasks from customer support and beyond. Surojit is clearly optimistic about the future and sees a golden era of AI just beginning to unfold.Connect with Surojit:linkedin.com/in/surojitchatterjee------Connect with me on LinkedIn:linkedin.com/in/gregtoroosian

In this episode of the Machine Minds Show, host Greg welcomes Rachel Sinclair, the founder and CEO of Simuli, a pioneering company focused on advancing artificial intelligence through innovative computing methods. Rachel shares her journey from a strong research background in AI to establishing her own startup, driven by a desire to explore the philosophical questions surrounding consciousness and machine intelligence.Throughout the conversation, Rachel discusses the core technology behind Simuli, which leverages hyperdimensional computing—a novel mathematical framework that allows for efficient data processing and model training. She emphasizes the importance of making AI more accessible and resource-efficient, aiming to empower users who previously lacked access to advanced AI tools.Greg and Rachel delve into various topics, including the ethical implications of AI, the challenges of transitioning from academia to entrepreneurship, and the significance of building a collaborative team culture. Rachel also highlights her recent speaking engagements, such as the Singularity NET event, where she discussed decentralized computing and its relevance to the future of AI.Listeners can expect to gain insights into the innovative approaches that Simuli is taking to reshape the AI landscape, as well as Rachel's vision for the future of intelligent systems. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of technology, ethics, and the evolving capabilities of artificial intelligence.⁠01:16 Rachel’s background.04:36 Drivera into the entrepreneur world06:02 Pivotal moments & key experiences11:55 Strategies in building a team25:02 Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs in the AI field34:01 AI and surpassing human intelligenceMore about Simulihttps://www.linkedin.com/company/simuliinc/More about our guest https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelaileenstclair/Machine Minds:Apple Podcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast..Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1apGh7x... Google Podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0...YouTube:    / @machinemindsshow   Let’s connect on social media: IG:   / machinemindsshow   LinkedIn:   / gregtoroosian  

In this episode, I speak with Chester Leung, co-founder and head of platform architecture at Opaque Systems. Chester shares his journey from a non-technical college student who stumbled into computer science at UC Berkeley to his involvement in cutting-edge data privacy and security research. His story highlights how early academic experiences, including collaboration with renowned faculty and industry partners, led to the creation of Opaque Systems and their groundbreaking work in confidential computing.We explore what confidential computing actually is—how it allows organizations to analyze and derive insights from sensitive data without exposing it. Chester explains how Opaque’s platform empowers data scientists and engineers to process encrypted data and run machine learning workloads securely and efficiently, all while preserving user privacy and meeting stringent compliance demands.Chester also discusses the importance of building a resilient team and fostering a culture of ownership and customer-centric thinking. He opens up about the challenges of educating the market on a relatively new concept and the lessons learned from merging academic innovation with real-world commercial needs. Whether you’re curious about the next frontier of data privacy, the practical applications of confidential computing, or the crucial role of trust and integrity in emerging AI systems, this conversation shines a spotlight on the future of secure, privacy-preserving artificial intelligence.Connect with Chester:linkedin.com/in/chester-leung------Connect with me on LinkedIn:linkedin.com/in/gregtoroosian

In this episode of Machine Minds, host Greg sits down with Chris Zahuranec, the visionary behind Citadel North, a pioneering company at the forefront of robotics and technology. Together, they delve into Chris's journey into the tech space, exploring the inspirations and challenges that led him to create innovative solutions in the realm of drone technology. Listeners will gain insight into the genesis of Citadel North and how it aims to revolutionise the way we think about security and surveillance.Throughout the conversation, Greg and Chris discuss the unique features of Citadel North's drones, which are designed to remain idle until activated, ensuring they do not interfere with daily life. Chris elaborates on the various activation mechanisms available, highlighting the flexibility and customization options that cater to different customer needs. This segment provides a fascinating look at how technology can be seamlessly integrated into our environments while maintaining a focus on safety and efficiency.The episode also touches on the future of robotics and hard tech, with Chris sharing his thoughts on the evolving landscape of the industry. He emphasizes the importance of staying ahead of the curve and the need for continuous innovation to meet the demands of an ever-changing market. Listeners will find inspiration in Chris's insights on entrepreneurship and the qualities necessary for building a successful team in the tech sector.Join Greg and Chris for an engaging discussion that not only highlights the groundbreaking work being done at Citadel North but also offers valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or simply curious about the future of robotics, this episode is packed with thought-provoking ideas and practical insights that you won't want to miss.⁠01:34 Chris’s journey04:01 The initial idea for Citadel North09:25 Activating drones 18:40 Future of  the space?27:28 Planning and staying ahead35:57 Is there anyone else trying to work on something similar?40:34 The future of robotics and hard tech in general41:49 Qualities to look for when you're building the team?48:13 Advice to future entrepreneursMore about Citadel Northhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/citadelnorth/More about our guest https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-zahuranec-27636b21/Machine Minds:Apple Podcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast..Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1apGh7x... Google Podcast: