In this episode of the Machine Minds podcast, we sit down with Christoph Kohstall, a remarkable Stanford University student and the visionary founder and CEO of Kind Humanoid. Join us as we explore Christoph's inspiring journey into the world of robotics and artificial intelligence, where he is dedicated to creating intelligent robots that enhance labor and contribute to a better tomorrow.

Christoph shares insights into his early fascination with robotics, his experiences at Google Brain, and the pivotal moments that led him to establish Kind Humanoid. We dive deep into the mission and achievements of his company, discussing how it aims to revolutionise the way humans interact with technology.

As we navigate through the challenges Christoph faced during the startup phase of Kind Humanoid, he reveals the lessons learned and the resilience required to overcome obstacles in the fast-paced tech landscape. Tune in for an engaging conversation filled with inspiration, innovation, and a glimpse into the future of robotics.

00:00 Machine Minds Show Introduction

01:35 Christoph’s journey 

03:52 Christoph’s jump into robotic and AI

05:07 Initial spark for Kind Humanoid 

06:51 Founding story behind Kind Humanoid

06:17 Company's mission

10:57 Early days challenges

18:30 Technical challenges of building humans

21:46 Superhuman instead of more in line with human

23:25 Success for achieving the mission

24:24 Biggest impact of the robots

25:48 Qualities to look for when hiring 

29:13 How to ensure team innovation?

31:29 Future of robotics and AI

37:51 What’s next for Kind Humanoid?

More about Kind Humanoid

https://www.linkedin.com/company/kind-humanoid/

https://www.kindhumanoid.com/

More about our guest

https://www.linkedin.com/in/christophkohstall/

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: 

In this exciting episode of Machine Minds, we sit down with Bob Rogers, Co-Founder and CEO of Oii, a pioneering software development company founded in 2021. Oii is revolutionizing supply chain planning by enabling organizations to consistently achieve the perfect setup to meet their strategic goals and leverage benefits. By combining multi-objective mathematical modeling techniques with the power of AI, Oii helps businesses find and maintain optimal network configurations that maximize service while minimizing costs.
Join us as Bob shares the inspiring founding story of Oii and discusses his involvement with other innovative companies, including BeeKeeperAI. He opens up about the three career mentors who have guided him along the way and reflects on personal experiences that have shaped his entrepreneurial journey. 
Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned professional, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration you won't want to miss!

00:00 Machine Minds Show Introduction
01:35 How Bob learned to surf 
03:05 Bob’s career journey
05:16 Mentorships during his career  
08:38 Oii's functions
11:00 What differentiates Oii
12:55 Founding story behind Oii
16:26 Early days challenges
28:47 Customers feedback 
32:23 Other companies he got involved with
38:36 Challenges as an entrepreneur
45:05 Qualities to look for 
51:13 Trends emerging in AI
55:58 Oii future goals
59:37 Regulations 
1:05:03 Advice for entrepreneurs


More about Oii and BeeKeeperAI
https://www.linkedin.com/company/oiiai/
http://www.beekeeperai.com/

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 of Machine Minds, I’m joined by Arshan Poursohi, co-founder and CEO of Third Wave Automation. Arshan has an impressive background, having worked with tech giants like Google and Toyota Research before venturing out to start his own company. We explore his journey from R&D labs to founding Third Wave Automation, where they’re revolutionizing the forklift industry with autonomous solutions.

Arshan shares the unique challenges and opportunities that come with building AI-driven robotics, emphasizing the importance of balancing cutting-edge innovation with practical business needs. We also dive into the concept of "shared autonomy" and how Third Wave is using human-in-the-loop machine learning to create more reliable and adaptable robots.

If you're curious about the intersection of AI, robotics, and real-world applications, this episode is for you. Arshan’s insights into the future of automation and the evolving role of human workers in this landscape are particularly timely and thought-provoking.

Time Stamps

01:20 Arshan Poursohi’s Background
05:30 Transitioning from Big Tech to Startups
08:12 The Founding Story of Third Wave Automation
11:41 Autonomous Forklifts and Shared Autonomy
18:11 Challenges in AI and Robotics
22:33 Innovation vs. Practicality in Business
29:07 Building a Strong Team
35:19 The Future of Robotics and AI
42:05 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs


More about our guest:
linkedin.com/in/arshanpoursohi
------
Connect with me on LinkedIn:
linkedin.com/in/gregtoroosian

In this episode, I speak with Abdo John Hajj, Managing Partner at Type One Ventures, as he discusses where technology and human progress converge. Abdo walks us through his journey in venture capital and how his firm is backing innovative companies shaping the future.

We discuss the challenges of investing in cutting-edge technologies and what it really takes to identify ideas that can change industries. Abdo also reflects on the current landscape of venture capital and offers practical insights for entrepreneurs and investors alike.

If you're interested in how technology can drive growth, and the role of venture capital in making that happen, this conversation is for you.

Time Stamps

01:20 Abdo John Hajj’s Background
05:30 The Path to Type One Ventures
06:05 Founding and Scaling a Venture Firm
08:12 Key Challenges in Early-Stage Investing
09:10 Insights on Identifying Breakthrough Technologies
11:41 What Type One Ventures Does
18:11 Innovations and Industry Transformations
22:33 Growth and Future Directions
29:07 Company Culture at Type One Ventures
32:03 Trends in Technology and Venture Capital
35:19 Vision for the Future of Innovation
36:41 Advice for Aspiring Investors and Entrepreneurs

More about our guest:
linkedin.com/in/abdojohnhajj

------
Connect with me on LinkedIn:
linkedin.com/in/gregtoroosian

Tune in to this exciting conversation this week with our guest Ali Ahmed, the Co-founder and CEO of Robomart. He's actually changing the retail industry in his very own way—through robotics. In this episode, he shares his inspiring journey from a global career across various industries to creating a company that changes how we shop.

Ali shares the pivotal moments that shaped his career trajectory and the one-of-a-kind challenges he had to overcome in the early days of Robomart. We get deep into the groundbreaking tech behind Robomart and debate what's next for autonomous retail. Whether you are an entrepreneur, a tech enthusiast, or simply a curious soul of what the future of shopping has in store, here's a conversation full of insights and inspiration.

Safe to say that Ali is one of the top robotics minds, so tune in as we navigate all the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, the latest trends in tech, and what it takes to be successful amidst the ever-changing tides in this field.


Time Stamps

01:20 Ali Ahmed’s Background
05:30 The Journey to Robomart
06:05 Founding the Company
08:12 Early Challenges and Breakthroughs
09:10 Insights on Building a Startup
11:41 What Robomart Does
18:11 Innovations in Retail Robotics
22:33 Expansion and Future Plans
29:07 Company Culture at Robomart
32:03 Trends in Robotics and Autonomous Retail
35:19 Vision for the Future
36:41 Advice for Aspiring Founders


More about Robomart:
robomart.ai/

More about our guest:
linkedin.com/in/roboticali

------
Connect with me on LinkedIn:
linkedin.com/in/gregtoroosian

Join us for an enlightening episode of Machine Minds as we sit down with Rosalind Shinkle, the Co-Founder and CEO of Adagy Robotics. Rosalind has been a trailblazer in the world of robotics engineering, specializing in machine learning and robotics. In this episode, we delve into the fascinating journey of how Rosalind turned an initial idea into a groundbreaking company.

From her early fascination with technology and startups to her transformative experience at Y Combinator, Rosalind shares the pivotal moments that shaped her career. We explore the cutting-edge innovations and trends in robotics that are redefining industries, and gain insight into the vision driving Adagy Robotics forward.

Don't miss this chance to hear from one of the leading minds in robotics as we discuss the future of tech, the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship, and what it takes to succeed in the rapidly evolving world of robotics engineering. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that's sure to ignite your imagination and passion for technology.

Time Stamps

00:00 Machine Minds Show Introduction
01:20 Rosalind’s background
05:30  Adagy Robotics 
06:05 Meeting her co-founder
08:12 Hurdles in the early days
09:10 YC experiences
11:41 What the company doe
18:11 Robotic companies
22:33 What’s next?
29:07 Company culture
32:03 Trends in robotics and innovations
35:19 What the future looks like
36:41 Advice for future founders

More about Adagy Robotics:
https://www.adagyrobotics.com/

More about our guest:
linkedin.com/in/rosalind-shinkle

More about Adagy Robotics:
https://www.adagyrobotics.com/

More about our guest:
linkedin.com/in/rosalind-shinkle

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 of the Machine Minds podcast, we sit down with Regis Vincent, Senior Vice President of Engineering at Canvas - a company developing innovative technologies to improve the quality, affordability, and working conditions of the spaces we inhabit.

Regis shares his fascinating journey, from his early opportunity as a research scientist at the University of Massachusetts to his 15 years at the prestigious SRI International in Silicon Valley. He discusses how his deep passion for engineering and robotics has driven him to find solutions for dangerous and repetitive tasks that humans should not have to perform.

As the head of engineering at Canvas, Regis provides insights into the company's mission to create artificial intelligence software that will transform robots into truly useful machines. He delves into his vision of how these advancements can enhance the quality and accessibility of our workplaces, while simultaneously improving the working conditions of the people who build these spaces.

Join us as we explore Regis' remarkable career, his perspectives on the future of robotics and AI, and how Canvas is poised to revolutionize the workspaces of tomorrow.

00:00 Machine Minds Show Introduction

01:21 Regis’ background 

03:53 Initial spark in the world of engineering and robotics

06:21 Academic background

07:47 SRI days

11:47 Joining Canvas

18:00 Innovations in technology

23:36 Balance between clients and teams

27:35 Qualities to look for in candidates

37:50 Trends emerging in robotics and automation 

43:05 Challenges in the near future 

46:35 Robotics and automation in the next 5 years

49:57 Advice for engineers

More about Canvas:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/we-are-canvas/about/

More about our guest:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rvincent/

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:

In this episode of Machine Minds, our host sits down with Vonni Williams, Talent Partner and Advisor at Embedded Ventures - an early-stage deep tech venture capital firm investing in startups in advanced manufacturing, digital engineering, and space operations. Vonni shares her unique journey into the hard tech industry, including her first steps in recruiting and talent development for cutting-edge startups. 
Throughout the conversation, Vonni offers invaluable insights into landing that critical first job in the hard tech space, and provides candid advice for founders and job seekers looking to break into these rapidly evolving industries. From her early career to her current role at the forefront of deep tech venture capital, Vonni gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges and opportunities in building the next generation of transformative technology companies.
Don't miss this deep dive into the people and perspectives shaping the future of machine intelligence and beyond, straight from one of the leading voices in the hard tech space.

00:00 Machine Minds Show Introduction
01:28 Starting in the world of recruitment? 
03:10 Vonni’s background
09:55 Hard tech space
11:43 Vonni’s day to day 
16:42 Strategies to attract top talent 
23:41 Identifying candidates
29:41 Having a strong team
35:23 Qualities to look for in candidates
44:09 Trends emerging in the hard tech industry 
49:38 Vonni’s advice
53:32 What keeps Vonni motivated?

More about Embedded Ventures
https://www.linkedin.com/company/embedded-ventures/
More about our guest
https://www.linkedin.com/in/vonni-williams-83515415/

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 of Machine Minds, we sit down with Oliver Mitchell, partner at FF Venture Capital (ffVC), to discuss his career trajectory. Oliver shares insights from his early days as a startup founder, building and selling companies to multinational corporations. He then describes his deep dive into the world of industrial robotics and automation, leveraging his technical expertise and entrepreneurial experiences.
Oliver also discusses ffVC's investment thesis, focusing on emerging industries like enterprise software, industrial automation, sustainable transformation, and fintech. As an engaged investment partner, he explains how ffVC helps founders build truly viable businesses with sustainable growth models.
Listeners will gain perspective on Oliver's journey from startup founder to VC partner and learn about the trends and opportunities he sees shaping the future of technology and innovation. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a technology enthusiast, or an investor, this episode offers valuable insights into the evolving startup ecosystem.
Tune in to hear Oliver's story and discover how his diverse background informs ffVC's approach to identifying and nurturing the next generation of transformative businesses.

In this episode, we'll explore the early days of A3 and how it has grown to become a driving force in making automation and robotics one of the most critical tools of the 21st century. Jeff will share insights on the latest trends and innovations he's seeing, from collaborative robots to AI-powered vision systems.

This is a can't-miss listen for anyone interested in the rapidly evolving world of robotics and intelligent automation. Hear directly from a leading expert on the innovations set to reshape our future.

00:00 Machine Minds Show Introduction
01:25 Jeff’s journey
06:40 Turning point
09:30 Main goals and preparation 
12:50 How A3 assist and supports companies 
17:35 How A3 evolved from the early days
20:14 Key milestones
24:37 The importance of strong team members 
27:59 Skills to look for in team members
31:53 Humanoid robots
39:00 Trends and innovations in automation
41:04 Evolution of the Industry
43:00 A3 future goals  
44:15 Advice for applicants 

More about A3
https://www.automate.org/
https://www.automateshow.com/

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