NEXT with John Koetsier

IBM has just unveiled its boldest quantum computing roadmap yet: Starling, the first large-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computer—coming in 2029. Capable of running 20,000X more operations than today’s quantum machines, Starling could unlock breakthroughs in chemistry, materials science, and optimization.

According to IBM, this is not just a pie-in-the-sky roadmap: they actually have the ability to make Starling happen.

In this exclusive conversation, I speak with Jerry Chow, IBM Fellow and Director of Quantum Systems, about the engineering breakthroughs that are making this possible ... especially a radically more efficient error correction code and new multi-layered qubit architectures.

We cover:

- The shift from millions of physical qubits to manageable logical qubits

- Why IBM is using quantum low-density parity check (qLDPC) codes

- How modular quantum systems (like Kookaburra and Cockatoo) will scale the technology

- Real-world quantum-classical hybrid applications already happening today

- Why now is the time for developers to start building quantum-native algorithms

00:00 Introduction to the Future of Computing

01:04 IBM's Jerry Chow

01:49 Quantum Supremacy

02:47 IBM's Quantum Roadmap

04:03 Technological Innovations in Quantum Computing

05:59 Challenges and Solutions in Quantum Computing

09:40 Quantum Processor Development

14:04 Quantum Computing Applications and Future Prospects

20:41 Personal Journey in Quantum Computing

24:03 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

How will we scale humanoid robot product to hundreds of thousands and millions of units?

In this TechFirst we do a deep dive with Apptronik CEO Jeff Cardenas. We chat about Apptronik's Apollo, his recent $400M+ funding round, the partnership with manufacturing giant Jabil, and much more.

We also talk about innovations in AI that have accelerated robot learning and dexterous manipulation, the challenge of scaling manufacturing, and Apptronik's future vision.

🎙️ Podcast Summary:

Topic: The future of humanoid robotics, funding, manufacturing, and the global AI arms race

Guest: Jeff Cardenas, CEO of Apptronik

🦾 Apollo Robot Updates

• Apollo 1 debuted in 2023; new versions are coming in 2025 with major upgrades.

• Focus areas: larger batteries, swappable parts, improved actuators, and system robustness.

• Push toward dexterous manipulation, not just lifting boxes—real industrial work.

💰 $403 Million Funding Round

• Grew from $350M with new investments from Mercedes, Google (DeepMind), B Capital, Capital Factory, and others.

• Mercedes’ legacy of precision and design deeply inspires Cardenas.

• Funding will fuel scaling, robustness, and manufacturing partnerships.

🏭 Manufacturing Strategy

• New partnership with global manufacturing giant Jabil.

• Learning from Jabil to avoid premature scaling pitfalls.

• Long-term plan includes building out their own capability in Texas and Mexico.

• Manufacturing flexibility is key amid tariff and geopolitical uncertainty.

🌍 The Global Race: US vs. China

• Over 100 humanoid robotics companies worldwide; US and China dominate.

• China has invested $138B+ into domestic robotics, outpacing the rest of the world in deployment.

• Cardenas calls it the “Space Race of Our Time”, emphasizing urgency and national strategy.

📅 Roadmap for Humanoids

• 2025: Proving commercial viability in industrial/logistics environments.

• 2026+: Volume manufacturing begins for industrial use.

• Phase 2: Retail, healthcare, hospitality.

• Phase 3 (5+ years): Elder care and home robots — Cardenas’ personal North Star.

🧠 Vision & Ethics

• “Robots for Humans” isn’t just branding—it’s a human-centered design philosophy.

• Deep partnership with Google DeepMind ensures AI is developed responsibly.

• Apptronik’s mission: build robots that people want around, not fear.

💡 Soundbites

• “You don’t just build the robot. You build the machine that builds the machine.”

• “We want to be the Apple of robots—designed for people.”

• “This is the 1980s of humanoid robots—but innovation is 10x faster.”

00:00 Introduction to Humanoid Robot Innovation

00:31 Apron's Recent Achievements and Funding

01:23 Interview with Apptronik CEO, Jeff Cardenas

01:46 Advancements in Apollo Humanoid Robot

03:47 Challenges in Scaling Robotics

07:56 Future Plans and Human-Centered Robotics

10:35 Global Race and Investment in Robotics

20:03 Meeting Howard Morgan and B Capital

20:41 Inspiration from Mercedes-Benz and Steve Jobs

22:02 Global Investors and Supporters

23:37 Manufacturing Challenges and Strategies

29:36 The Global Race in Humanoid Robotics

35:39 Timetable for Humanoid Robots

39:57 The Future of Humanoid Robots in Elder Care

42:22 Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts

Would you want a personal AI that acts as your twin mind? I've always dreamed of never forgetting anything. And instantly and effortlessly remembering anything I need, right away. Now, an AI-driven app called TwinMind might help me do something similar.

In this episode of TechFirst we chat with Daniel George, the CEO of TwinMind. This innovative AI app aims to become your second brain, capturing and processing your life events in real-time.

We chat about George's inspiration behind TwinMind, its features, future vision, and the LLM tech making it possible. We also chat about privacy and security concerns.

00:00 Introduction to AI and Twin Mind

00:51 How Twin Mind Works

01:37 Real-World Applications and User Experience

03:37 Privacy and Security Concerns

11:06 Technology Behind Twin Mind

15:17 Future of AI and Twin Mind's Vision

21:08 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Microsoft just announced a massive quantum computer breakthrough that uses an entirely new state of matter. The new quantum computer uses topological superconductors to create stable qubits with low error rates.

Topological superconductors enable stable qubits by utilizing Majorana zero modes to protect quantum information from decoherence.

The result: Microsoft should have a fault-tolerant usable quantum computer this decade. As in, before 2030.

In this TechFirst, we talk with Microsoft's head of quantum hardware, Chetan Nayak, who has been working on solving this problem for literally 19 years, and he talks us through the technology and what it means for quantum computer. He explains the methods to measure this new state non-destructively, the novel architecture that leverages it, and Microsoft's ambitious roadmap towards building a fault-tolerant quantum computer within this decade.

The conversation delves into potential future applications, the integration of this technology into global data infrastructures, and the transformative possibilities it holds for various fields, including chemistry, materials science, and beyond.

00:00 Introduction to Fault Tolerant Quantum Computing

00:48 Understanding the New Phase of Matter: Topological Superconducto

r02:10 Properties and Applications of Superconductors

03:11 Creating and Engineering Topological Superconductors

05:16 The Significance of Topological Superconductors for Qubits

09:54 Measuring Quantum States with Quantum Dots

13:03 Building and Testing Quantum Devices

19:43 Future Roadmap for Quantum Processors

19:53 Unveiling the Quantum Roadmap

20:34 DARPA Collaboration and Engineering Milestones

21:23 Fabrication and Demonstration of the Eight Qubit Processor

21:43 Accelerating Quantum Progress

23:22 Scaling Quantum Computers for Practical Applications

27:04 The Long Journey of Quantum Research at Microsoft

33:24 Future Prospects and Challenges in Quantum Computing

38:10 Quantum Computing's Role in Addressing Global Issues

42:32 Reflections on a 19-Year Journey

What humanoid robots is Europe working on? There are maybe 100 humanoid robot companies on the planet, and 16 major ones, but none in Europe according to Peter Diamandis' recent report.

That might just have changed.

Neura Robotics out of Germany is working on the third generation of its 4NE-1 robot and CEO David Reger says in June they'll be releasing it. And it should be the best humanoid robot on the planet, he says.

In this TechFirst we sit down and chat about Europe's answer to humanoid robots, and what Reger sees as a significantly pro-social and pro-human means to bring AI and robotics into the world.

We discover how Neuro Robotics is innovating with their upcoming Gen 3 humanoid robot, 4NE-1, learn about their unique approach to robotics, including responsive AI, real-time data streaming, and the development of a sensitive robotic skin.

We also explore the future of work, the race against global competitors, and what AI-driven humanoid robots mean for society.

00:00 European Humanoid Robots

01:09 The Concept of 'For Anyone' Robots

01:46 Rapid Innovation and Development

06:29 Challenges in Humanoid Robotics

09:02 Neuro Robotics' Unique Approach

17:53 Collaborative Market Strategy

19:55 Teasing the Third Generation Robot

20:10 Challenges in Robot Sensing and Interaction

20:50 Innovations in Robot Skin and Sensors

22:59 Speed and Agility in Robotics

25:38 The Global Race in Robotics

28:46 The Future of Humanoid Robots

31:45 Balancing Technology and Society

34:03 The Role of AI and Robotics in Human Life

38:27 Concluding Thoughts and Vision

It feels like we're at a tipping point right now in humanoid robotics. Models are getting released faster and faster, more and more capable than ever. Robots are actually taking paying gigs in warehouses and factories, and there's accelerating innovation.

Most of the time when we're talking about humanoid robots, we're talking about laborers ... workers who will fill our factories and fields.

Predicting Space Weather with AI & Satellites: A TechFirst Exclusive

In this episode of TechFirst, host John Koetsier chats with Alex Pospeckov, CEO of Mission Space, about the critical role of space weather forecasting. Learn how advanced AI and a planned constellation of 24 satellites will predict space weather and protect billions of dollars of assets.

Discover the implications for aerospace companies, power plants, satellite operators, and even airlines as Alex explains the science behind solar flares, coronal mass ejections, and their potential devastating impacts. Gain insights into how accurate space weather predictions can mitigate risks, save lives, and ensure operational continuity for critical infrastructure on Earth and in space.

00:00 Introduction to Space Weather

01:16 Understanding Space Weather

03:26 Historical Impacts of Space Weather

07:38 Predicting Space Weather with AI

11:30 Challenges and Solutions in Space Weather Prediction

17:14 Future of Space Weather Prediction

24:44 Conclusion and Future Plans

Could you love an AI?

Is AGI just a really dumb idea?

Is the concept essentially meaningless?

And are we entirely barking up the wrong tree?

In this episode of TechFirst, host John Koetsier interviews Neil Lawrence, the DeepMind Professor of Machine Learning at the University of Cambridge and senior Fellow at the Alan Turing Institute about his latest book 'The Atomic Human: What Makes Us Unique in the Age of AI.'

Lawrence explores the complexities of human intelligence, the misconceptions around artificial general intelligence (AGI), and the implications of large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT. He also discusses the limitations and strengths of human decision-making, the potential risks of AI, and the importance of preserving human culture and diversity in intelligence. The conversation delves into the role of AI in enhancing human capabilities, the challenges in deploying AI in sensitive areas, and the necessity for regulatory interventions to maintain a balanced technological ecosystem.

00:00 Introduction

00:40 Meet Neil Lawrence: AI Expert

01:19 The Atomic Human: Book Insights

02:26 Philosophical Perspectives on AI

04:16 Neil Lawrence's Journey into AI

05:45 Current State of AI and AGI

08:06 The Complexity of Intelligence

18:31 Corporate Culture and Innovation

20:00 The Impact of Large Language Models

23:18 Exploring AI as an Interface

28:53 The Evolution of Internet Search

29:57 Human Flaws as Strengths

31:06 Collective Intelligence and Decision Making

33:16 AI and the River Gods

35:21 The Complexity of Culture and Technology

40:49 Regulating AI and Digital Markets

52:31 The Role of Teachers and Human Connection

55:17 Concluding Thoughts and Optimism