Machine Minds

In this episode, we engaged in a conversation with Mislav Tolusic, a distinguished individual who holds positions of co-managing partner and CIO at Marlinspike. A company that is a multi-stage investor in advanced technologies that matter. Focusing on four core industries: Artificial Intelligence & Data Analytics, Autonomy & Robotics, Aerospace, and Cyber Security.Our dialogue with Mislav Tolusic unveils his background, as he narrates his formative years spent in aerospace engineering at University of Zagreb in Croatia, and how he found a different role at Airbus UK in the corporate strategy department. Join us and learn all about the world of robotics!Time Stamps00:00 Machine Minds Show Introduction 08:06 Maintaining Technical Dominance  12:30 Disruptive Technologies: AI at the Edge and Drones20:43 Success Story: Armada and Autonomous Warfare 24:30 Exploring the Drone Ecosystem 29:26 Evaluating Teams and Their Dynamics  32:48 Adapting and Changing in the Aerospace and Defense Industry  44:35 Understanding the Buyer Universe for Exits   Marlinspikehttps://www.linkedin.com/company/marlinspike/ More about our guest, Mislav Tolusic https://www.linkedin.com/in/mislav-tolusic-525a58/ 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:   Youtube: https://youtube.com/@machinemindsshowLet’s connect on social media:IG: https://www.instagram.com/machinemindsshow/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregtoroosian/

In today's episode of The Machine Minds Show, we delve into the fascinating world of Ambi Robotics with our special guest, Jeff Mahler, Co-Founder and CTO of the company. Ambi Robotics’s mission is to build AI-powered robotics that empower employees to work smarter and safer, increasing the operational resilience for global brands by creating a more efficient supply chain This episode promises to be a thought-provoking and enlightening conversation. Join us and watch how Jeff Mahler journey and accomplishments serve as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators seeking to make a positive impact on the world of robotics.Time Stamps00:00 Machine Minds Show Introduction1:30 Jeff’s Background07:07 Pivotal Moments and Commercial Success14:26 Challenges in AI and Robotics Manipulation 35:12 Robots as a Service: Providing Hardware, Software, and Support 44:46 More Information  Ambi Robotics https://www.linkedin.com/company/ambirobotics/ More about our guest, Jeff Mahlerhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-mahler-64b56138/ 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:   Youtube: https://youtube.com/@machinemindsshowLet’s connect on social media:IG: https://www.instagram.com/machinemindsshow/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregtoroosian/

Brennand Pierce, CEO of Kinisi Robotics, shares his journey from academia to revolutionizing retail workflows with robotics. Topics include his early fascination with humanoid robots, challenges of introducing robots to hotels, hiring strategies for startups, and advancements in robot performance for retail tasks.

Larsen Jensen, ex-Olympic winner turned Founder, discusses Harpoon Venture's focus on transformative technology investments. Topics include taking risks, visionary founders, Silicon Valley's ecosystem, identifying promising startups, and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. A look into the importance of team dynamics in investments and game-changing technologies.

In this episode, we speak with Jenna Bryant, the Co-Founder & General Partner at Embedded Ventures, an early-stage deep tech venture capital firm investing in startups, advanced manufacturing, digital engineering, and space operations. They have a 'first of its kind' partnership with the United States Space Force, and a team with firsthand experience as operators in the areas they invest in.Today, Jenna and her team at Embedded Ventures are on a mission to recruit engineers, startups, firms, and clients while building strong connections and helping skilled engineers among companies.As we dive into our conversation, she shares her background and professional experiences that have shaped her journey in the world of robotics. From working with Beyoncé as a dancer, to jumping into a boutique recruiting firm, and now having a one-of-a-kind partnership with the United States Space Force.Join us as we explore the exciting world of Embedded Ventures and how the life of Jenna turned 180 degrees into a curious adventure and is now a powerful and important recruiter, Co-Founder & General Partner of a business.Time Stamps00:00 Machine Minds Show Introduction 3:22 Venture Capital   6:11 Embedded Ventures  9:05 Challenges15:05 Deep Tech  21:02 Assessing Potential Investments  24:52 Investment Strategy and Portfolio  31:07 Early Stages 32:48 The Future of Hard Tech and Deep Tech 35:08 The Exciting and Wild State of the Industry 39:11 Opportunities of Growth and Innovations  42:20 Robotics and Automation43:14 Advice for Aspiring EntrepreneursEmbedded Ventures https://www.linkedin.com/company/embedded-ventures/ Jenna Bryant https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennabryant/ 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:   https://youtube.com/@machinemindsshowLet’s connect on social media:IG: https://www.instagram.com/machinemindsshow/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregtoroosian/

In this episode, we sit down with Justin Selfridge, the CEO of Devorto Corporation. A pioneering company dedicated to the development of an innovative solar-powered aircraft, distinguished by its remarkable ability to operate perpetually without the need for landing.During our conversation, Mr. Selfridge shares captivating insights about his extensive background at NASA and illuminates the ambitious mission undertaken by his exceptional team at Devorto Corporation. Their collective endeavour focuses on constructing an aircraft capable of harnessing abundant solar energy during daylight hours, thereby enabling it to sustain operations throughout the night solely on stored battery power.Join us as we explore the exciting world of Devorto Corporation and the remarkable strides they have made in transforming this visionary concept into a tangible reality. Time Stamps00:00 Machine Minds Show Introduction01:16 The Vision of Devorto 6:30 The Development of Tern UAV  9:48 Takeoff and Landing of Tern UAV  14:44 Applications of Tern UAV 21:54 The Role of Tern UAV in IA and Robotics  27:05 Addressing Global Challenges with Tern UAV  32:11 Control and Landing of Tern UAV  36:01 Endurance and Battery Life  38:23 The Future of UAVs, Robotics, and AI 41:15 Regulation and Oversight of AI43:21 Upcoming Projects and Developments  Devorto Corporationhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/devorto/ Justin Selfridgehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-selfridge/ 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:   https://youtube.com/@machinemindsshowLet’s connect on social media:IG: https://www.instagram.com/machinemindsshow/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregtoroosian/

Roboticist and CEO of Chef Robotics, Rajat Bhageria, discusses how AI is revolutionizing the American food supply chain. From overcoming hiring challenges to developing cutting-edge technology, Chef Robotics is paving the way for a sustainable and efficient food industry. They have reached a significant milestone of 10 million meals produced, and their innovative approach is shaping the future of robotics in the food sector.

In this episode, we speak with Michael Laskey, CTO, and Nag Murty, Founder & CEO of Electric Sheep, a company that has vertically integrated robotics and it’s transforming the outdoor services industry, from building their own foundation AI models to deploying human + robot crews to service customers. As we dive into our conversation, Michael Laskey and Nag Murty share their background and formative experiences that have shaped his journey in the world of robotics. From their education and PhD, how the idea of building a robot to landscapers first began, the company’s background and how they have outgrown from years of experiences. Michael from having 10+ years of experience and interest in the robotics industry and Nag from working in the White House under Obama’s administration.Today, Michael, Nag and his team at Electric Sheep are on a mission to build the largest outdoor sandbox for outdoor autonomy under a business model that works with the help of AI.Join us as we explore the exciting world of Electric Sheep and how the data engine to power the robots of tomorrow really works while amplifying the landscaping business using advanced automation.Time Stamps00:00 Introduction and background01:40 Building the Largest Outdoor Sandbox for Outdoor Autonomy 4:21 Founding Electric Sheep Robotics 5:00 Amplifying landscaping businesses 8:33 The technology behind Electric Sheep Robotics 10:00 Training the robots to learn and execute tasks  13:24 Working alongside humans to enhance efficiency  16:02 Acquiring and transforming landscaping businesses   18:43 Evaluating businesses for acquisition  20:00 Challenges in collaboration 25:22 Nurturing talent and maintaining a culture of innovation 31:51 The competitive landscape in outdoor automation robotics  34:31 The current state of the robotics and AI industry37:53 Future plans and scale-up39:24 Conclusion and where to find more information 40:00 Upcoming launch Electric Sheep https://www.linkedin.com/company/electric-sheep-robotics/ Michael Laskeyhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-laskey-4b087ba2/ Nag Murtyhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/nag-murty-b003383/ 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:   https://youtube.com/@machinemindsshowLet’s connect on social media:IG: https://www.instagram.com/machinemindsshow/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregtoroosian/

In this episode, we sit down with Steve Arters, Partner Vice President of Marketing at Renu Robotics, a company at the forefront of automating operations and maintenance in the solar industry. Renu Robotics specializes in the development of all-electric autonomous vehicles tailored for vegetation management.Throughout our engaging discussion, Steve imparts valuable insights derived from his illustrious background as a writer and editor, recounting his initial foray into the realm of marketing in Dallas before eventually relocating to San Antonio. He shares how his marketing expertise seamlessly transitioned into the realm of robotics, embarking on an extraordinary journey that continues to unfold.Join us on this exploration of Renu Robotics, as we delve into the remarkable strides they are making in shaping the future of Vegetation Management.Time Stamps00:00 Machine Minds Show01:20 Steve’s background5:20 Vegetation Management is critical6:30 Showing the Future through marketing9:45 Marketing Excellence Award12:55 Renu Robotics’s Journey 16:25 What Inspired Renu Robotics’s Focus?18:20 How Big are These Operations?19:20 Success Stories 22:20 Reasons to Have Vegetation Management Systems24:50 Trends of the Robotics Industry29:10 Other Mowing Markets32:00 Challenges and Regulations35:00 Advice to InnovatorsRenu Roboticshttps://renurobotics.com/Steve Artershttps://www.linkedin.com/in/stevearters/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:   https://youtube.com/@machinemindsshowLet’s connect on social media:IG: https://www.instagram.com/machinemindsshow/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregtoroosian/

In this episode, we speak with Seth Winteroth, partner at Eclipse Ventures. Eclipse Ventures is an early stage venture firm that specializes in investments within the vital physical industries that significantly impact people's lives.During our discussion, Seth imparts insights into his background and shares the transformative experiences that have shaped his journey in the realm of robotics. His tenure at General Electric in 2012, coupled with his involvement in pioneering strategic initiatives, provided him with invaluable perspectives and expertise. Furthermore, Seth had the privilege of witnessing a pivotal convergence point among substantial industrial sectors that exert profound influence on society.We invite you to join us as we delve into the captivating world of Eclipse Ventures and explore how their engagement in unconventional opportunities aligns with their overarching objective of augmenting the prospects of success for the visionary entrepreneurs they collaborate with.Time Stamps00:00 Machine Minds Show01:20 Seth background5:20 Hardware Business Models9:40 Delivering Solutions11:30 Seth’s Role in Eclipse12:10  Eclipse’s high Involvement 16:05 Eclipse’s Key Industries and Sectors21:15 Modern Automation Systems22:00 Opportunities in Automation24:20 What Eclipse Looks for Investing29:50 Pitching Mistakes34:40 Talent, Challenges and Success35:30 Hiring the Right People38:10 Current State of Robotics and AIEclipse Ventureshttps://eclipse.vcSeth Winterrothhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterrothMachine 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:   https://youtube.com/@machinemindsshowLet’s connect on social media:IG: https://www.instagram.com/machinemindsshow/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregtoroosian/