Hardware Podcasts

Ep. 18: What Happens When Machines Start Feeling More Human?

The Robo Success Podcast · 15 Sept 2026 · 41m

What this episode covers

Andrew Kiguel, CEO and Chairman of Realbotix, discusses the company's focus on social companion robots rather than industrial automation, leveraging his background in finance and previous ventures like Hut 8. He details the development of the Aria educational robot, which uses a closed-loop, STEM-based AI to provide safe tutoring in schools, and introduces the new Echo line, including characters like Amar and Mila, designed for stationary, human-facing interactions. Kiguel argues that stationary designs offer practical advantages in battery life and safety, while highlighting the market validation provided by competitors like UBTech and Unitree in China.

Most relevant to

early-stage companies

Topics

Mentioned

Companies
Realbotix, Hut 8, UBTech, Unitree
Products
Aria, Echo, ChatGPT, Grok, Optimus, Figure AI, Amika

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