Machine Minds

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/

In this episode, we had the privilege of speaking with Sam Abidi, the Chief Commercial Officer of Monarch Tractor, a pioneering company that specializes in the development of cutting-edge smart electric tractors, aimed at revolutionizing and optimizing existing farm ecosystems.During our conversation, Sam delved into his impressive professional journey. He began his career as a contributor in a robotics research laboratory, where he honed his expertise and passion for robotics. Additionally, Sam's remarkable tenure as a management consultant at Deloitte spanned over six years, further solidifying his proficiency in strategic decision-making and business acumen in the world of robotics. Prior to assuming his current role at Monarch Tractor. Join us as we explore the exciting world of Monarch Tractors, a company that helps farmers by addressing labor availability, meeting consumer demands for sustainability, and providing actionable data-driven farming insights. Monarch enables economically competitive organic and beyond farming through intelligent electro-mechanical solutions that replace harmful chemicals.Join us as we explore the world of Farming and Robotics!Time Stamps00:00 Machine Minds Show01:30 Sam’s background5:09 Monarch contacting Sam  5:48 Private Land Regulations 8:39 Monarch Tractor’s Journey 10:30 Monarch Tractor’s Customers 11:25 Monarch’s First Big Year  12:20 Monarch’s Approach To Autonomy 14:55 Functionality of Autonomous Tractors 18:41 Rentability of Autonomous Tractors 24:30  Crops Comparison Tests26:50 Monarch Tractors Approach To Farmers   30:42 Who Manages the Tractors? 33:08 Monarch Tractor Business Model  34:20 Hours of Tractor’s Autonomy 35:16 Success Stories of Monarch Tractor   37:20 Sam’s Balance 39:53 Sam’s Function on the Licensing Frontier  41:59 Partnerships43:41 Sam’s Predictions on Tech  47:28 Challenges That Agriculture Needs To Address48:56 Upcoming Innovations Monarch Tractorhttps://www.monarchtractor.com/ Sam Abidilinkedin.com/in/sam-a-8b28324bMachine 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 speaked with Paolo, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Embodied, a cutting-edge robotics company that is changing the world of education and early age development for children. As we dive into our conversation, Paolo shares his background and formative experiences that have shaped his journey in the world of robotics. From his childhood dreams of working at NASA to his diverse experiences in the field, Paolo's passion and dedication to advancing robotics technology are truly inspiring.Today, Paolo and his team at Embodied are on a mission to create life-like robotic characters that can be integrated into our homes and daily lives, providing personalized support and learning opportunities for children aged 5-10. With their flagship product, Moxie, Embodied is poised to transform the education landscape, making learning more effective, inclusive, and engaging for all.Join us as we explore the exciting world of Embodied and how their innovative technology has the potential to shape the future of education. With their commitment to developing robots that can help us with personal development, mental health, and education, Embodied is truly a company to watch. So, sit back, relax, and let's dive into this fascinating conversation with Paolo.Time Stamps00:00 Machine Minds Show01:40 Paolo’s background3:40 Founding Embodied5:00 Developing Affordable Robots7:40 How Moxie was born8:30 AI tutoring for kids10:20 Moxie’s users11:30 Moxie’s functions and support13:00 Digital Moxie App Experience 14:30 The current impact of Moxie16:45 What happens to children that fall behind in class?17:50 Personalized lessons 19:20 Parents learning from Moxie18:40 Parenting with Moxie19:50 Therapy with Moxie21:50 What fuels the passion of Embodied?23:30 Overcoming challenges24:30 How Paolo balances different responsibilities28:40 The future of the Robotics and AI industry33:00 Paolo’s advice to engineers and aspiring entrepreneurs Embodied, Inc.https://www.linkedin.com/company/embodiedinc/Paolo Pirjanianhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/paolopirjanian/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/