Dec 20, 2021BCI Startups Compete To Augment Human Disabilities With Unmanned SystemsThe ultimate purpose of robotics is to improve the human condition. As organic species, our bodies are vulnerable to damage and disrepair. In the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy on the “Ethics of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics,” the entry on “care robots” highlights its societal benefits over countering dystopian fears: “One…Robotics6 min read
Published in DataDrivenInvestor·Oct 5, 2021The Impact of AI-Enabled Smart CitiesI’m the type of traveler that explores new cities by getting lost, to the chagrin of Google and Apple maps. As more urban centers become connected with AI, resulting in an increasing number of pedestrians looking down, few are left to discover hidden haberdasheries and coffee houses. This was the…Robotics6 min read
Published in DataDrivenInvestor·Jul 6, 2021Kognition: Reopening America With Intelligence In The Built EnvironmentAs America celebrated this week its 245th year of Independence, New York City is beginning to show signs of liberation from the past year of Covid captivity. Even my landmark office skyscraper, The Empire State Building, recently loosened its pandemic mask and social distancing restrictions. …AI6 min read
Published in DataDrivenInvestor·Jun 7, 2021Robotic Startup Now Cuisine Takes On Ghost Kitchens And Drone DeliveriesThe robotics industry is at an inflection point where the baton is being passed from the scientists to the practitioners. In historical terms, we are witnessing the Edisons of the world harness the innovations of the likes of Faraday to create life changing businesses and wealth. Automation has moved from…Robotics6 min read
Published in DataDrivenInvestor·May 10, 2021Robot Stomachs: Powering Machines With Garbage And PeeThe Seinfeld idiom, “worlds are colliding,” is probably the best description of work in the age of Corona. Pre-pandemic, it was easy to departmentalize one’s professional life from one’s home existence. Clearly, my dishpan hands have hindered my writing schedule. …Robotics6 min read
Published in DataDrivenInvestor·Feb 8, 2021Are Robo-Butlers Really Handy?As all of us are spending more time confined in our domiciles, robo-maids could not be a more timely concept. Last month, Sebastian Seung, President of Samsung Research, unveiled at (virtual) CES 2021, Handy — the autonomous butler. Seung described his innovation as “an extension of you in the kitchen…Robotics5 min read
Published in DataDrivenInvestor·Dec 28, 2020The Year Of The SPAC And What It Means For HardwareCBS MarketWatch declared 2020: The Year of the SPAC (Special Purpose Acquisition Corporation). A record 219 companies went public through this fundraising vehicle that uses a reverse merger with an existing private business to create a publicly-listed entity. This accounted for more than $73 billion dollars of investment, providing private…VC6 min read
Published in DataDrivenInvestor·Dec 7, 2020The Abraham Accords And Israeli Construction RobotsOne of the more positive news stories this year was the cooperation agreement between the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, and Israel. In a matter of hours following the announcement, the countries began working towards opening up their economies. The excitement was felt across the Middle East, in words of…Robots7 min read
Published in DataDrivenInvestor·Nov 2, 2020Oklahoma’s Burgeoning UAV EcosystemFor too long I have flown over the middle of the United States ignoring the creativity of my fellow citizens below. Covid-19 changed everything, grounding planes, and forcing me on a cross-country adventure. …Drones6 min read
Published in DataDrivenInvestor·Oct 7, 2020REEST: Revolutionizing The Global Food System With Robot Harvested ShroomsThe first presidential debate of 2020 is already known as a debacle for public discourse. Unfortunately after 200,000+ deaths from Covid-19, America is as divided in grief as it was in prosperity. Already in New York we are seeing a spike in cases as Springtime memories fade. Few still immediately…Robotics5 min read