
Machine Minds
Machine Minds - the minds behind the machines! This is the show where we dive deep into the intricate worlds of robotics, AI, and Hard Tech. In each episode, we bring you intimate conversations with the founders, investors, and trailblazers who are at the heart of these tech revolutions. We dig into their journeys, the challenges they've overcome, and the breakthroughs that are shaping our future. Join us as we explore how these machine minds are transforming the way we live, work, and understand our world.
Latest episodes

Dec 27, 2024 • 52min
Episode 78 | Home Robot Scratch Kitchen | Matthew Moore
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

Dec 24, 2024 • 56min
Episode 77 | AI Employees and the Generative Workflow Revolution | Surojit Chatterjee
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

Dec 20, 2024 • 37min
Episode 76 | Computing in Compressed Form | Rachel StClair
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

Dec 19, 2024 • 51min
Episode 75 | The Unlocking of Confidential Artificial Intelligence | Chester Leung
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

Dec 11, 2024 • 51min
Episode 74 | AI & Drone Powered Emergency Response | Chris Zahuranec
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:

Dec 6, 2024 • 50min
Episode 73 | Innovating Body Sculpting with AI & Robotics | Dennis Ledenkof & Yelena Kormilina
In this episode, I speak with Dennis Ledenkof, founder and CEO of RoboSculptor, and Yelena Kormilina, Head of International Projects at RoboSculptor. They’re pioneering a new frontier where wellness, aesthetics, and robotics converge, delivering what was once a manual, human-driven experience—body sculpting and therapeutic massage treatments—through advanced, AI-powered robotic systems.We discuss the origin story behind RoboSculptor, how Dennis’s experience in the wellness industry influenced the idea to use robotic arms for vibrational compression therapy, and how Yelena’s background helped shape the product’s global strategy. We delve into the challenges of developing a device that not only applies complex massage techniques but does so safely, efficiently, and consistently—reliably scanning a patient’s body, adjusting to movement, and following precise protocols.You’ll learn about the team’s approach to building a machine that reduces the reliance on scarce labor, ensuring that treatments can be delivered anytime, anywhere, while also capturing meaningful data to fine-tune and personalize sessions. We also explore their plans for global deployment, their initial focus in markets like the UAE and Europe, and the broader potential for this technology to transform the spa, wellness, and even medical therapy landscape.Whether you’re intrigued by new robotic applications, curious about the future of wellness and aesthetics, or looking for insights on how advanced technology can improve traditional human-centered services, this conversation shines a light on what’s coming next. Join me as I learn how RoboSculptor aims to reshape our understanding of body treatments and unlock a new era of wellness possibilities.------Connect with me on LinkedIn:linkedin.com/in/gregtoroosian

Dec 4, 2024 • 56min
Episode 72 | Reality Capture & AI-Powered Analytics For Building | Jeevan Kalanithi
In this episode of Machine Minds, Greg sits down with Jeevan, co-founder of Open Space, an innovative company dedicated to computer vision technology. Jeevan shares his fascinating professional journey, from his beginnings to the creation of Open Space, where his team focuses on solving complex problems through advanced technological solutions.During the conversation, Greg and Jeevan delve into the challenges they faced while establishing the company, the lessons learned along the way, and the key moments that shaped their vision. They also explore the uniqueness of Open Space's technology and how they are redefining the landscape in their industry.They also discuss the importance of team dynamics and the qualities that Jeevan looks for when building his team. With a focus on both speed and meticulous selection, he shares valuable insights on how to foster a collaborative and innovative work environment that drives success.Don't miss this inspiring conversation filled with insights on entrepreneurship, innovation, and the future of technology. Join us and discover more about Jeevan's journey and his impactful work at Open Space!01:29 Jeevan’s journey.06:32 Founding Open Space17:16 Challenges of the company.26:02 What makes Open Space different40:02 Qualities to look for when hiring46:02 Prioritizing speed or meticulousness when building a team.49:25 Upcoming projects, innovations and technology to be excited about53:16 Advice to younger self More about OpenSpacehttps://www.linkedin.com/company/openspace.ai/More about our guest https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeevan/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

Nov 28, 2024 • 50min
Episode 71 | Accelerating Robot Adoption | Dale Walsh
In this episode of Machine Minds, we welcome Dale Walsh, the Vice President of Strategy and Innovation at Roboworx. The show dives deep into the fascinating intersection of technology and humanity, exploring the intricate world of robotics and artificial intelligence.Roboworx is a relatively new brand that emerged from a robust support background in robotics, has been dedicated to providing specialised services for robots for about three years. The company focuses exclusively on the maintenance, repair, and support of robotic systems, distinguishing itself from other service providers that may offer a broader range of equipment. Dale Walsh, with nearly three decades of experience in the industry, particularly in automation and innovation, brings a wealth of knowledge to the discussion. His journey includes significant roles at Ricoh, where he was instrumental in developing robotics practices to meet the growing demand for automation in various sectors.Throughout the episode, Dale shares insights about his unique lifestyle as a full-time RVer, his career trajectory, and the innovative approaches Roboworx employs to address the challenges faced by robotic technologies in the market today.02:44 Dale’s journey21:12 Figuring out your pricing and business model30:03 Skills to look for when hiring39:28 Trends and upcoming technologies to be excited about44:38 Challenges that the industry might be facing in the next five to ten years48:02 Advice for our listeners that might be aspiring to lead in strategy and innovation.48:50 Where to find RoboworxMore about Roboworxhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/roboworx-management/More about our guesthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/adwalsh/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

Nov 22, 2024 • 44min
Episode 70 | Simplifying Data Complexity for Engineers | Austin Spiegel
In this episode of Machine Minds, I sat down with Austin Spiegel, the CTO of SIFT. Austin shared his journey from working at companies like SpaceX and Riot Games to co-founding SIFT, a platform that simplifies data complexity for engineers working with hardware sensor data.We discussed how his experiences at SpaceX and Riot Games influenced his approach to building teams and solving complex problems. Austin explained how SIFT is helping companies in aerospace and other industries by providing an observability platform tailored for hardware engineers, enabling faster and more reliable product development.We also talked about the challenges of building a startup, hiring the right talent, and the importance of being product-oriented. Austin offered valuable insights into the future of hardware development and how tools like SIFT are accelerating innovation.If you're interested in hardware engineering, data analytics, or the intersection of software and complex hardware systems, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge from someone who's been at the forefront of these industries.More about our guest:https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-spiegel------Connect with me on LinkedIn:linkedin.com/in/gregtoroosian

Nov 21, 2024 • 51min
Episode 69 | Automating Architectural Review with AI | Dave DeCaprio
In this episode of the Machine Minds Show, host Greg welcomes Dave DiCaprio, the CTO of MBUE, to discuss the intersection of technology and innovation in the field of artificial intelligence. The conversation begins with Dave sharing his impressive journey through various industries, including his pivotal moments that led him to his current role at MBUE.Throughout the episode, Greg and Dave delve into the challenges and opportunities within the AI landscape, particularly focusing on the innovative machine learning techniques employed by MBUE. They explore the importance of understanding industry-specific metrics for success and the necessity of adapting to the rapidly changing technological environment.Dave emphasizes the significance of defining problems in a way that allows for diverse technological solutions, advocating for a flexible approach to problem-solving that leverages both cutting-edge AI models and traditional methods. The discussion also touches on the current state of the AI industry, addressing the hype surrounding AI technologies and the reality of over-promising and under-delivering.Listeners will gain valuable insights into the future of AI, the importance of team dynamics in tech startups, and the strategic considerations for building a successful technology company in a competitive landscape. This episode is a must-watch for entrepreneurs, tech enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the transformative power of AI.Join us as we explore how machine minds are shaping our future and the exciting developments on the horizon for MBUE and the broader AI industry.00:01:18 - Dave’s journey and pivotal moments.00:07:53 - Past Roles and insights.00:09:17 - Advice for founders.00:19:13 - The idea of creating startups with a view of being acquired by a big player. 00:20:36 - The core tech behind MBU.00:25:51 - Team dynamics.00:31:52 - Internships.00:40:02 - Over promising and under delivering.00:46:37 – Where is AI and the robotics industry heading?More about Mbue https://www.linkedin.com/company/mbue/More about our guesthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/davedecaprio/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