Sense Think Act Podcast

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Latest Episodes:

ROSCon 2024 Highlights: Conversations with Dexory, Asimovo, and ZettaScale Jan 07, 2025

Join us for three conversations from ROSCon 2024 in Denmark with leaders building the future of robotics. We talk with Marcus Scheunemann from Dexory about scaling warehouse robotics, Christine Fraser from Asimovo about their developer collaboration platform, and Angelo Corsaro from ZettaScale about Zenoh – the future middleware for ROS 2. You’ll like these interviews if you’re interested in scaling robotics companies, developer tools, ROS 2 middleware, and building successful robotics businesses.
If you’re enjoying the podcast, please consider donating to help us keep it going:
https://donorbox.org/sense–think–act–podcast
EPISODE LINKS:
– ROSCon 2024: https://roscon.ros.org/2024/}
– Dexory: https://www.dexory.com/}
– Asimovo: https://asimovo.com/}
– ZettaScale: https://www.zettascale.tech/}
– Episode Transcript: https://audrownashpodcast.com/posts/16–roscon/transcript}
PODCAST INFO:
– Podcast website: https://sensethinkact.com}
– Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sense–think–act/id1582090036}
– Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/52wK4oMDvgijRk6E82tC5d}
– RSS: https://sensethinkact.com/itunes.xml}
– Full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/c/SenseThinkActPodcast}
– Clips: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChfnCpNwZzYtZ32J–pZvNDg}
SOCIAL:
– Twitter: https://twitter.com/sense_think_act}
– Discourse: https://discourse.ros.org/c/sensethinkact/71}

OSRA: Pioneering a Sustainable Open Source Ecosystem for Robotics Mar 19, 2024

What is the Open Source Robotics Alliance (OSRA) and how is it pioneering a sustainable open source ecosystem for robotics? You’ll like this interview if you’re interested in the open source robotics ecosystem and how it’s evolving. With Geoff Biggs from Open Robotics and Tully Foote from Open Robotics and Intrinsic.
If you’re enjoying the podcast, please consider donating to help us keep it going:
https://donorbox.org/sense–think–act–podcast
EPISODE LINKS:
– OSRA’s website: https://osralliance.org/}
– Open Robotics’ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/open–source–robotics–foundation/}
– Open Robotics’ website: https://www.openrobotics.org/}
– Geoff Biggs’ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geoffrey–biggs/}
– Tully Foote’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tullyfoote/}
PODCAST INFO:
– Podcast website: https://sensethinkact.com}
– Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sense–think–act/id1582090036}
– Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/52wK4oMDvgijRk6E82tC5d}
– RSS: https://sensethinkact.com/itunes.xml}
– Full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/c/SenseThinkActPodcast}
– Clips: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChfnCpNwZzYtZ32J–pZvNDg}
SOCIAL:
– Twitter: https://twitter.com/sense_think_act}
– Discourse: https://discourse.ros.org/c/sensethinkact/71}

Audrow Steps Down from STA Nov 14, 2023

Audrow will be stepping down from hosting the Sense Think Act Podcast and starting a new podcast called the Audrow Nash Podcast.
If you’re enjoying the podcast, please consider donating to help us keep it going:
https://donorbox.org/sense–think–act–podcast
EPISODE LINKS:
– Audrow Nash Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/audrow1}
– Audrow Nash Podcast on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@audrow}
– Audrow’s X: https://twitter.com/audrow}
– Audrow’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/audrow/}
PODCAST INFO:
– Podcast website: https://sensethinkact.com}
– Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sense–think–act/id1582090036}
– Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/52wK4oMDvgijRk6E82tC5d}
– RSS: https://sensethinkact.com/itunes.xml}
– Full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/c/SenseThinkActPodcast}
– Clips: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChfnCpNwZzYtZ32J–pZvNDg}
SOCIAL:
– Twitter: https://twitter.com/sense_think_act}
– Discourse: https://discourse.ros.org/c/sensethinkact/71}

Going Vertical: Robotic Vision Hardware to an Education Robot and Cloud Platform Oct 10, 2023

Luxonis has a grand vision, and they’re doing it in a smart way. CEO Bradly Dillon from Luxonis speaks on depth cameras, a robot for education, and a robot app store. Those interested in sensors and robotics business models will especially enjoy this interview.
If you’re enjoying the podcast, please consider donating to help us keep it going:
https://donorbox.org/sense–think–act–podcast
EPISODE LINKS:
– Luxonis’ website: https://www.luxonis.com/}
– Luxonis’ X: https://twitter.com/luxonis}
– Luxonis’ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/luxonis/}
– Luxonis on Crunchbase: https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/luxonis}
– Bradley Dillon’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradley–dillon/}
– RobotHub: https://www.luxonis.com/robothub}
– RAE robot Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/opencv/rae–0}
PODCAST INFO:
– Podcast website: https://sensethinkact.com}
– Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sense–think–act/id1582090036}
– Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/52wK4oMDvgijRk6E82tC5d}
– RSS: https://sensethinkact.com/itunes.xml}
– Full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/c/SenseThinkActPodcast}
– Clips: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChfnCpNwZzYtZ32J–pZvNDg}
OUTLINE:
– (0:00:00) Start
– (0:01:10) Introducing Bradley and Luxonis
– (0:08:24) Luxonis’s cameras
– (0:15:20) New Kickstarter
– (0:17:24) Introducing Rae robot
– (0:23:09) Price point + education robots
– (0:30:27) How they get 3D info: Active stereo
– (0:36:36) Programming Rae + RobotHub
– (0:53:44) How RobotHub works
– (1:04:13) Security on RobotHub
– (1:10:13) Future of Luxonis
– (1:14:19) Funding
– (1:17:44) Manufacturing + supply chain issues
– (1:22:11) Having a global team
– (1:28:47) Future of robotics
– (1:31:59) Links to share
SOCIAL:
– Twitter: https://twitter.com/sense_think_act}
– Discourse: https://discourse.ros.org/c/sensethinkact/71}

How Can Robots Revolutionize Farming with See-and-Spray Technology? Sep 05, 2023

In this episode you’ll learn about robotics in agriculture. We talk to Jim Ostrowski, CTO of Blue River Technology, about their See–and–Spray technology, Blue River’s partnership with John Deere, deep learning, and the future of robotics in agriculture. Don’t miss this episode if you want to see a great example of a high impact problem that robots are well suited for.
If you’re enjoying the podcast, please consider donating to help us keep it going:
https://donorbox.org/sense–think–act–podcast
EPISODE LINKS:
– Blue River Technology’s Website: https://bluerivertechnology.com/}
– Blue River Technology’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bluerivertech/}
– Jim Ostrowski’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim–ostrowski–9a8112/}
PODCAST INFO:
– Podcast website: https://sensethinkact.com}
– Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sense–think–act/id1582090036}
– Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/52wK4oMDvgijRk6E82tC5d}
– RSS: https://sensethinkact.com/itunes.xml}
– Full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/c/SenseThinkActPodcast}
– Clips: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChfnCpNwZzYtZ32J–pZvNDg}
OUTLINE:
– (0:00:00) Start
– (0:03:02) How does their system work?
– (0:10:09) Image processing to spray weeds
– (0:17:27) Discussion on labor
– (0:21:48) Herbicide resistance
– (0:26:31) Genetically modified crops
– (0:27:50) Monocrop cultures
– (0:32:43) Regenerative agriculture
– (0:35:17) Partnering with John Deere
– (0:36:02) Jim’s background in Blue River
– (0:37:37) Deep learning technology
– (0:38:31) Risks of deep learning
– (0:41:29) Labeling for deep learning
– (0:41:54) Autonomous tillage
– (0:43:50) Challenges in tillage
– (0:45:10) Why tillage is a nice problem
– (0:46:55) Mentions monitoring the job
– (0:47:40) Using cameras to determine normal function
– (0:48:58) How to use deep learning in tilling
– (0:50:42) Getting into other areas like construction at John Deere
– (0:51:41) Fully automated farms?
– (0:55:36) Harvesting will be the last task to be automated
– (0:57:45) What’s the progression of automating tasks on the farm?
– (0:59:32) Hydroponic farming?
– (1:05:07) Future at Blue River
– (1:09:01) Integrating with John Deere
– (1:17:57) Allocating space in new designs
– (1:22:38) Advice for a new graduate
– (1:27:46) Wrapping up
SOCIAL:
– Twitter: https://twitter.com/sense_think_act}
– Discourse: https://discourse.ros.org/c/sensethinkact/71}

Drones on the Ceiling: An Exciting New Era in Indoor Security? Jul 14, 2023

In this episode of the Sense Think Act Podcast, we chat with Amit Moran and Doron Ben David from Indoor Robotics. We discuss their unique approach to indoor drones, exploring topics like ceiling docking, indoor navigation, and the role of drones in indoor security and maintenance. We also touch on the challenges they’ve faced, their business model, and their vision for the future. It’s a thoughtful conversation that offers a peek into the world of indoor robotics.
If you’re enjoying the podcast, please consider donating to help us keep it going:
https://donorbox.org/sense–think–act–podcast
EPISODE LINKS:
– Indoor Robotics’ website: https://www.indoor–robotics.com/}
– Doron Ben David’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doronbd/}
– Amit Moran’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amitmoran/}
– Indoor Robotics’ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/indoorrobotics/}
PODCAST INFO:
– Podcast website: https://sensethinkact.com}
– Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sense–think–act/id1582090036}
– Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/52wK4oMDvgijRk6E82tC5d}
– RSS: https://sensethinkact.com/itunes.xml}
– Full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/c/SenseThinkActPodcast}
– Clips: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChfnCpNwZzYtZ32J–pZvNDg}
OUTLINE:
– (0:00:00) Start
– (0:00:44) Introducing Doron, Amit, and Indoor Robotics
– (0:04:00) Docking on the ceiling
– (0:08:04) Why on the ceiling?
– (0:11:21) Charging and data
– (0:15:51) Why bring a drone inside?
– (0:20:46) Downsides of using a drone
– (0:23:55) Networking challenges
– (0:25:44) Dealing with changing environments
– (0:29:08) Dealing with doors
– (0:30:17) Price
– (0:35:26) Business model
– (0:38:32) Company size
– (0:39:00) Growing into different markets
– (0:45:30) Tech stack
– (0:48:20) Customers
– (0:50:43) More about the pricing model
– (0:54:28) Part shortages
– (0:57:17) Manufacturing
– (1:00:47) Choosing a manufacturer
– (1:04:14) Manufacturing in Israel
– (1:08:53) Funding
– (1:14:07) Deployments
– (1:15:16) Managing a growing team
– (1:23:05) Future plans
– (1:29:32) Advice for entrepreneurs
– (1:34:52) Links or contact info
SOCIAL:
– Twitter: https://twitter.com/sense_think_act}
– Discourse: https://discourse.ros.org/c/sensethinkact/71}

Simulate What You Want and Not What You Don't with Gazebo Jun 09, 2023

In this episode of the Sense Think Act Podcast, host Audrow Nash interviews Louise Poubel, former lead of the Gazebo project and current Simulation Lead of Zipline. The conversation covers a range of topics, including the role of Gazebo, an open–source 3D robotics simulator, its comparison to other simulators, and its efforts to be more accessible to beginners. They also discuss the use of simulation in Machine Learning and Reinforcement Learning, the challenges in the field of simulation, and its application with physical robots. Louise shares her insights on the future of robotics, the importance of open–source projects, and the lessons she’s learned from her experiences.
If you’re enjoying the podcast, please consider donating to help us keep it going:
https://donorbox.org/sense–think–act–podcast
EPISODE LINKS:
– Louise’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louise–poubel/}
– Gazebo’s website: https://gazebosim.org/home}
– Zipline’s website: https://flyzipline.com/}
PODCAST INFO:
– Podcast website: https://sensethinkact.com}
– Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sense–think–act/id1582090036}
– Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/52wK4oMDvgijRk6E82tC5d}
– RSS: https://sensethinkact.com/itunes.xml}
– Full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/c/SenseThinkActPodcast}
– Clips: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChfnCpNwZzYtZ32J–pZvNDg}
OUTLINE:
– (0:00:00) Start
– (0:01:29) Introducing Louise Poubel
– (0:04:06) Introducing Gazebo
– (0:06:11) Clearing up Gazebo naming
– (0:10:42) Gazebo’s Garden release
– (0:20:24) Prioritizing what goes in a Gazebo release + working with the community
– (0:26:17) How does Gazebo compare to other simulators?
– (0:30:37) Gazebo’s plugin architecture
– (0:36:19) Making Gazebo beginner friendly
– (0:40:11) Gazebo as a “Generic simulator”
– (0:46:55) Simulation for Machine Learning and Reinforcement Learning
– (0:52:42) Gazebo and the web
– (0:59:24) Hard Challenges in simulation
– (1:08:51) How simulation can be used with physical robots
– (1:10:49) Lessons learned from leading Gazebo
– (1:14:56) Why Open Source?
– (1:16:15) Moving to Zipline
– (1:24:21) How to learning Gazebo
– (1:31:47) Future of robotics
– (1:35:49) Trying Gazebo
SOCIAL:
– Twitter: https://twitter.com/sense_think_act}
– Discourse: https://discourse.ros.org/c/sensethinkact/71}

How is Nvidia Betting Big on Reinforcement Learning for Robot Control? May 08, 2023

In this episode of the Sense Think Act Podcast, we’re joined by Amit Goel, Head of Embedded Edge AI Product Management and Robotics Ecosystem at Nvidia. Amit shares his insights on the challenges and promise of robotics, Nvidia’s approach to business, and the future of robotics and Nvidia. Tune in to learn about the value of business school, reinforcement learning, and where early adopters should start.
If you’re enjoying the podcast, please consider donating to help us keep it going:
https://donorbox.org/sense–think–act–podcast
EPISODE LINKS:
– Amit Goel’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amit–goel–759146a/}
– NVIDIA’s website: https://www.nvidia.com/en–us/}
PODCAST INFO:
– Podcast website: https://sensethinkact.com}
– Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sense–think–act/id1582090036}
– Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/52wK4oMDvgijRk6E82tC5d}
– RSS: https://sensethinkact.com/itunes.xml}
– Full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/c/SenseThinkActPodcast}
– Clips: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChfnCpNwZzYtZ32J–pZvNDg}
OUTLINE:
– (0:00:00) Start
– (0:08:43) Value of Business School
– (0:11:01) Being Leaders in Fundamental Technology
– (0:20:19) Nvidia’s Approach to Business
– (0:24:26) The Challenges and Promise of Robotics
– (0:28:23) Omniverse and Physics Simulation
– (0:35:35) Reinforcement Learning
– (0:39:43) Making a Bet on Reinforcement Learning for Control
– (0:47:14) GPUs
– (0:51:40) Working With the ROS 2 Community
– (0:56:07) Future of Robotics and Nvidia
– (1:01:33) Advice for Person Starting their Career
– (1:04:35) Where Should Early Adopters Start?
– (1:07:14) Links and Contact Info
SOCIAL:
– Twitter: https://twitter.com/sense_think_act}
– Discourse: https://discourse.ros.org/c/sensethinkact/71}

Production-ready Robotics: How to Move Fast and Not Destroy Your Robot Apr 14, 2023

In this episode of the Sense Think Act Podcast, we are joined by Andreas Bihlmaier, Head of Robotics Software Architecture at Intrinsic, for an in–depth discussion on the future of robotics. We explore a range of topics, including the development of adaptive robotics software, the potential of cloud robotics, the concept of robot app stores, and the challenges of testing robots in real–world production environments. Throughout the conversation, Andreas shares his expert insights and sheds light on the innovative technologies that are shaping the next generation of robotics. Tune in to gain valuable knowledge from one of the industry’s foremost thought leaders.
If you’re enjoying the podcast, please consider donating to help us keep it going:
https://donorbox.org/sense–think–act–podcast
EPISODE LINKS:
– Andreas Bihlmaier’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreas–bihlmaier/}
– Andreas Bihlmaier’s new book: Robotics for Programmers: https://www.manning.com/books/robotics–for–programmers}
– Intrinsic’s website: https://intrinsic.ai/}
– ABB’s website (Andreas’ previous employer): https://new.abb.com/products/robotics}
PODCAST INFO:
– Podcast website: https://sensethinkact.com}
– Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sense–think–act/id1582090036}
– Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/52wK4oMDvgijRk6E82tC5d}
– RSS: https://sensethinkact.com/itunes.xml}
– Full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/c/SenseThinkActPodcast}
– Clips: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChfnCpNwZzYtZ32J–pZvNDg}
OUTLINE:
– (0:00:00) Start
– (0:01:19) Introducing Andreas
– (0:07:39) What does a Chief Software Architect do?
– (0:14:05) Coming to ABB
– (0:22:12) Planning for new technology to advance
– (0:30:10) Serverless Robots?
– (0:43:42) Robotics and other technologies
– (0:50:21) Growth of the Robotics Community
– (0:54:18) Robot App store?
– (1:01:43) Tesla bot?
– (1:06:45) Human in the loop for startups?
– (1:13:55) Reinforcement Learning in Robotics
– (1:22:56) Testing Robots and how it’s different than other software
– (1:43:22) Learning about testing
– (1:45:34) Advice for those early in their career
– (1:47:10) Getting in touch
SOCIAL:
– Twitter: https://twitter.com/sense_think_act}
– Discourse: https://discourse.ros.org/c/sensethinkact/71}

How to Have a Strong ROI for Customers: Lessons From a Floor Scrubbing Robot Mar 24, 2023

In this insightful episode, we chat with Pablo Molina from Avidbots about their floor scrubbing robot, which is making a notable impact on the cleaning industry. Discover how this autonomous machine offers enhanced efficiencies by navigating tight spaces without a human driver, while also providing an impressive 6–month ROI. Pablo shares the thoughtful design approach that went into creating this advanced robot and explains the error–checking software that helps minimize failure time. Join us for this engaging conversation as we explore how Avidbots is contributing to the evolution of cleaning operations with their floor scrubbing robot, offering a blend of cost–effectiveness and efficiency in facility maintenance.
If you’re enjoying the podcast, please consider donating to help us keep it going:
https://donorbox.org/sense–think–act–podcast
EPISODE LINKS:
– Avidbots’ website: https://avidbots.com/}
– Pablo Molina’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pablomolinacabrera/}
– Pablo Molina’s email: mailto:pablo@avidbots.com}
PODCAST INFO:
– Podcast website: https://sensethinkact.com}
– Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sense–think–act/id1582090036}
– Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/52wK4oMDvgijRk6E82tC5d}
– RSS: https://sensethinkact.com/itunes.xml}
– Full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/c/SenseThinkActPodcast}
– Clips: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChfnCpNwZzYtZ32J–pZvNDg}
OUTLINE:
– (0:00:00) Start
– (0:00:38) Introducing Pablo and Avidbots
– (0:01:48) Introducing Neo
– (0:06:22) Why not build a device humans can comfortably use?
– (0:10:37) Major challenges
– (0:17:20) Handling connectivity issues
– (0:19:23) Evil edge cases
– (0:22:07) Choosing the Intel Realsense depth camera
– (0:26:48) Moving towards vision instead of LIDAR
– (0:34:14) Explaining cleaning zones
– (0:37:01) Coverage problem
– (0:49:17) Deep learning
– (0:56:48) Will Data be a moat for bigger companies?
– (1:01:40) Building their cleaning robot
– (1:07:50) Funding + Business model
– (1:15:02) Manufacturing
– (1:19:12) Using open source software
– (1:22:07) Industries in robotics that are big but not getting much attention
– (1:30:38) Advice for entrepreneurs
– (1:35:32) Links and contact info
SOCIAL:
– Twitter: https://twitter.com/sense_think_act}
– Discourse: https://discourse.ros.org/c/sensethinkact/71}

Improving Lives of People in Africa with Sensors to Monitor Disease in Livestock Jan 31, 2023

In this episode, Audrow Nash talks to Ronald Katamba, CEO and founder of Jaguza Tech and Afrosoft IT Solutions. Afrosoft IT Solutions teaches people technical skills in Uganda and other countries. Jaguza Tech makes a wearable device for cows to help understand when they are sick.
If you’re enjoying the podcast, please consider donating to help us keep it going:
https://donorbox.org/sense–think–act–podcast
EPISODE LINKS:
– Ronald Katamba’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katamba–ronald–515303a9/?originalSubdomain=ug}
– Jaguza’s Website: https://jaguzafarm.com/}
PODCAST INFO:
– Podcast website: https://sensethinkact.com}
– Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sense–think–act/id1582090036}
– Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/52wK4oMDvgijRk6E82tC5d}
– RSS: https://sensethinkact.com/itunes.xml}
– Full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/c/SenseThinkActPodcast}
– Clips: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChfnCpNwZzYtZ32J–pZvNDg}
OUTLINE:
– (0:00:00) Start
– (0:01:16) Introducing Ronald, Jaguza, and Afrosoft
– (0:06:02) Teaching STEM skills at Afrosoft
– (0:10:28) Story behind Jaguza app for animal health
– (0:19:39) How Jaguza does disease detection
– (0:33:34) Making a dataset of animal health
– (0:42:00) History of Jaguza
– (0:43:53) Supply chain difficulties + funding
– (0:48:54) Jaguza’s funding + looking for funding
– (0:55:35) Investor climate in Africa
– (0:57:06) More on Jaguza’s funding
– (1:02:49) Lowering the cost for a subscription model
– (1:05:36) Future of Jaguza
SOCIAL:
– Twitter: https://twitter.com/sense_think_act}
– Discourse: https://discourse.ros.org/c/sensethinkact/71}

How can Humans Work with Robots in Logistics for a Huge Productivity Boost? Dec 02, 2022

In this episode, Audrow Nash talks to Crystal Parrot, COO of Plus One Robotics. Plus One is a San Antonio–based robotics company that uses robots for depalletizing and parcel sorting.
If you’re enjoying the podcast, please consider donating to help us keep it going:
https://donorbox.org/sense–think–act–podcast
EPISODE LINKS:
– Crystal Parrott’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/crystal–parrott–95a4a57/}
– Plus One’s Website: https://www.plusonerobotics.com/}
PODCAST INFO:
– Podcast website: https://sensethinkact.com}
– Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sense–think–act/id1582090036}
– Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/52wK4oMDvgijRk6E82tC5d}
– RSS: https://sensethinkact.com/itunes.xml}
– Full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/c/SenseThinkActPodcast}
– Clips: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChfnCpNwZzYtZ32J–pZvNDg}
OUTLINE:
– (0:00:00) Start
– (0:27:01) Introducing Crystal and Plus One
– (0:36:04) Parcel sorting
– (0:42:18) Why use vacuum suckers?
– (0:46:56) How long will warehouse robots be in operation?
– (0:51:02) Human in the Loop
– (1:05:26) Manufacturing trends
– (1:14:25) Robot as a Service
– (1:21:07) Future of Plus One Robotics
– (1:23:25) Follow your passion and get started
– (1:24:54) Future of human–in–the–loop and avatars
– (1:29:55) Links or contact info
SOCIAL:
– Twitter: https://twitter.com/sense_think_act}
– Discourse: https://discourse.ros.org/c/sensethinkact/71}

How do Advanced Prosthetic Hands Lead to an Exciting Future as Cyborgs? Nov 10, 2022

In this episode, Audrow Nash talks to Dima Gazda, the CEO and Co–founder of Esper Bionics. Esper Bionics makes an award–winning prosthetic hand and has an exciting vision of how we can improve human health and function through bionic devices.
If you’re enjoying the podcast, please consider donating to help us keep it going:
https://donorbox.org/sense–think–act–podcast
EPISODE LINKS:
– Dima Gazda’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dimagazda/}
– Esper Bionics Website: https://esperbionics.com/}
PODCAST INFO:
– Podcast website: https://sensethinkact.com}
– Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sense–think–act/id1582090036}
– Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/52wK4oMDvgijRk6E82tC5d}
– RSS: https://sensethinkact.com/itunes.xml}
– Full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/c/SenseThinkActPodcast}
– Clips: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChfnCpNwZzYtZ32J–pZvNDg}
OUTLINE:
– (0:00:00) Start
– (0:00:52) Introducing Dima and Esper Bionics
– (0:08:54) How a person uses a prosthetic device
– (0:14:24) Connecting to the human body with electrodes
– (0:27:14) Building in additional capacity for future growth
– (0:44:25) Learning what grips the user wants
– (0:53:52) Connecting the hand to a server + updates
– (0:57:41) Why not have a camera on the hand?
– (1:05:03) Haptic feedback
– (1:07:16) Comparing to similar companies
– (1:11:09) Company funding
– (1:15:23) Next 2 to 5 years
– (1:17:06) Bionics in the next century
– (1:30:57) Progression of bionic devices
– (1:33:37) Digital passports
– (1:35:30) Advice for those interested in bionics
– (1:37:29) Links
SOCIAL:
– Twitter: https://twitter.com/sense_think_act}
– Discourse: https://discourse.ros.org/c/sensethinkact/71}

Can One Person Make Two Powerful Tools for the Robotics Community? Oct 07, 2022

In this episode, Audrow Nash talks to Davide Faconti, the creator of BehaviorTree.CPP and Plotjuggler. BehaviorTree.CPP helps you organize complex robot behaviors, and PlotJuggler makes it easier for you to understand and debug robotic applications. The ROS community has widely adopted both BehaviorTree.CPP and PlotJuggler.
In this interview, you’ll learn about these projects and how to use them to be more productive. You’ll also know how Davide thinks about side projects so that you can build projects with more impact.
If you’re enjoying the podcast, please consider donating to help us keep it going:
https://donorbox.org/sense–think–act–podcast
EPISODE LINKS:
– Davide Faconti’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/facontidavide/?originalSubdomain=es}
– BehaviorTree.CPP’s website: https://behaviortree.github.io/BehaviorTree.CPP/}
– BehaviorTree.CPP’s Discourse: https://discourse.behaviortree.dev/}
– PlotJuggler’s website: https://www.plotjuggler.io/}
PODCAST INFO:
– Podcast website: https://sensethinkact.com}
– Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sense–think–act/id1582090036}
– Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/52wK4oMDvgijRk6E82tC5d}
– RSS: https://sensethinkact.com/itunes.xml}
– Full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/c/SenseThinkActPodcast}
– Clips: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChfnCpNwZzYtZ32J–pZvNDg}
OUTLINE:
– (0:00:00) Start
– (0:01:44) Introducing Davide Faconti
– (0:06:34) History of BehaviorTree.CPP
– (0:19:51) Explaining Behavior Trees
– (0:51:04) Orthogonality in Behavior trees
– (0:54:01) Handling events with behavior trees
– (0:57:12) Teasing BehaviorTree.CPP 4.0
– (0:59:40) PlotJuggler
– (1:10:10) Memes in PlotJuggler
– (1:14:50) Picking project scope
– (1:19:57) Business model + scaling
– (1:22:18) Thoughts on web technologies
– (1:23:32) Direction and ambitions
– (1:28:51) On having a side project
– (1:32:32) Lessons on starting open source project
– (1:36:55) Future of robotics
– (1:44:21) Links and contact info
SOCIAL:
– Twitter: https://twitter.com/sense_think_act}
– Discourse: https://discourse.ros.org/c/sensethinkact/71}

Growing Manufacturing in the US Sep 15, 2022

In this episode, Audrow Nash speaks to Ryan Kelly, who is the General Manager of the Association For Manufacturing Technology’s (AMT) San Francisco Tech Lab. Ryan discusses how AMT is working to grow manufacturing in the US, as well as talks more broadly about the state of manufacturing in the US and what should be done.
If you’re enjoying the podcast, please consider donating to help us keep it going:
https://donorbox.org/sense–think–act–podcast
EPISODE LINKS:
– Ryan Kelly’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan–kelly–b0904642/}
– AMT’s website: https://www.amtonline.org/home}
– IMTS’s website: https://www.imts.com/}
PODCAST INFO:
– Podcast website: https://sensethinkact.com}
– Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sense–think–act/id1582090036}
– Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/52wK4oMDvgijRk6E82tC5d}
– RSS: https://sensethinkact.com/itunes.xml}
– Full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/c/SenseThinkActPodcast}
– Clips: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChfnCpNwZzYtZ32J–pZvNDg}
OUTLINE:
– (0:00:00) Start
– (0:02:29) Introducing Ryan and AMT
– (0:09:17) Value of AMT
– (0:13:02) Ecosystem development
– (0:15:35) Example of helping a startup
– (0:27:55) AMT membership model
– (0:29:24) Advocacy for member companies
– (0:31:47) Supporting education
– (0:39:45) Community colleges + skilled labor shortages
– (0:47:08) Using technology to help the labor shortage
– (0:53:04) Regional differences in US manufacturing
– (0:56:17) Manufacturing in the US on a global scale
– (1:07:46) Building back US manufacturing
– (1:16:43) How can individuals help US manufacturing
– (1:22:05) Starting a Manufacturing Company
– (1:29:45) Predicting US manufacturing
– (1:37:30) Links
SOCIAL:
– Twitter: https://twitter.com/sense_think_act}
– Discourse: https://discourse.ros.org/c/sensethinkact/71}

Introducing the TurtleBot 4 Sep 02, 2022

In this episode, Audrow Nash speaks to Tony Baltovski and Adrian Popielas, from Clearpath Robotics, on the TurtleBot 4. The TurtleBot 4 is an open source robotics platform for education and research.
If you’re enjoying the podcast, please consider donating to help us keep it going:
https://donorbox.org/sense–think–act–podcast
EPISODE LINKS:
– TurtleBot 4 on Clearpath Robotics’ website: https://clearpathrobotics.com/turtlebot–4/}
– TurtleBot 4 on Github: https://github.com/turtlebot/turtlebot4}
– TurtleBot 4 Simulation on Github: https://github.com/turtlebot/turtlebot4_simulator}
– Clearpath Robotics’ website: https://clearpathrobotics.com/}
– Tony Baltovski’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonybaltovski/}
– Adrian Popielas’ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrianpopielas/}
PODCAST INFO:
– Podcast website: https://sensethinkact.com}
– Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sense–think–act/id1582090036}
– Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/52wK4oMDvgijRk6E82tC5d}
– RSS: https://sensethinkact.com/itunes.xml}
– Full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/c/SenseThinkActPodcast}
– Clips: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChfnCpNwZzYtZ32J–pZvNDg}
OUTLINE:
– (0:00:00) Start
– (0:01:31) Introducing Adrian, Tony, and TurtleBot 4
– (0:12:17) Evolution of Turtlebot Platforms
– (0:18:03) Adding a screen to the Turtlebot 4
– (0:21:43) Picking hardware and budgeting features
– (0:27:57) How the software is organized
– (0:29:38) Designing for manufacturing
– (0:38:13) Simulation
– (0:44:40) Making examples
– (0:46:45) Using ROS 2
– (0:50:15) Choosing to use a Create 3
– (0:51:46) Other challenges and testing
– (1:03:26) Putting an arm on the TurtleBot 4
– (1:04:49) Marker 7
– (1:07:47) Hopes for the TurtleBot 4
– (1:09:52) Advice
SOCIAL:
– Twitter: https://twitter.com/sense_think_act}
– Discourse: https://discourse.ros.org/c/sensethinkact/71}

The Sense Think Act Podcast Turns One! Aug 24, 2022

We’ve made it one year – thank you to our supporters!
If you’re enjoying the podcast, please consider donating to help us keep it going:
https://donorbox.org/sense–think–act–podcast
EPISODE LINKS:
PODCAST INFO:
– Podcast website: https://sensethinkact.com}
– Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sense–think–act/id1582090036}
– Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/52wK4oMDvgijRk6E82tC5d}
– RSS: https://sensethinkact.com/itunes.xml}
– Full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/c/SenseThinkActPodcast}
– Clips: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChfnCpNwZzYtZ32J–pZvNDg}
SOCIAL:
– Twitter: https://twitter.com/sense_think_act}
– Discourse: https://discourse.ros.org/c/sensethinkact/71}

Scalable Access Control with AI Aug 18, 2022

In this episode, Audrow Nash speaks to Vince Gaydarzhiev, who is President and Founder of Alcatraz AI. Alcatraz AI uses biometrics, including facial recognition, to make spaces more secure. Vince speaks about facial recognition, the problem of access control, tailgating, how access control is a similar problem to self driving cars, how the work with actors to get training data, how they use AI, updating their hardware, Alcatraz AI’s business model, and on the current economy for startups.
If you’re enjoying the podcast, please consider donating to help us keep it going:
https://donorbox.org/sense–think–act–podcast
EPISODE LINKS:
– Alcatraz AI’s website: https://www.alcatraz.ai/}
– Vince’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gaydarzhiev/}
PODCAST INFO:
– Podcast website: https://sensethinkact.com}
– Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sense–think–act/id1582090036}
– Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/52wK4oMDvgijRk6E82tC5d}
– RSS: https://sensethinkact.com/itunes.xml}
– Full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/c/SenseThinkActPodcast}
– Clips: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChfnCpNwZzYtZ32J–pZvNDg}
OUTLINE:
– (0:00:00) Introducing the episode
– (0:01:41) Introducing Vince and Alcatraz AI
– (0:02:21) Understanding physical access control
– (0:12:40) Challenges in scaling
– (0:15:50) Multi factor authentication
– (0:17:45) Why facial recognition?
– (0:23:11) Protecting against spoofs
– (0:30:30) Using neural networks to stop tailgaters
– (0:35:10) Supplementing security guards
– (0:40:01) Neural networks in security
– (0:47:05) Exploring using simulation to create data
– (0:49:43) Hiring actors to get data on exceptions
– (0:53:21) Understanding intent
– (0:55:37) Business model + how to deploy
– (1:02:54) Scaling limits
– (1:05:23) Patents + open source
– (1:11:10) Updating hardware and keeping old training data
– (1:14:27) Feels like running many startups
– (1:16:14) Working with standards organizations
– (1:24:26) Future plans
– (1:27:23) Advice to your past self
– (1:28:34) Finding a product customers love
– (1:29:28) On the current economy for startups
– (1:31:51) Links + contact info
SOCIAL:
– Twitter: https://twitter.com/sense_think_act}
– Discourse: https://discourse.ros.org/c/sensethinkact/71}

Ocean Monitoring and Climate Change Jul 21, 2022

In this episode, Audrow Nash speaks to Ben Raana, who is a software engineer at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI). MBARI uses robots to monitor and explore the oceans to better understand climate change and other topics. Ben speaks about how robotics is enabling ocean research, the challenges of putting a robot in the ocean, how their robot platform works, and how they are working towards long–term deployments.
If you’re enjoying the podcast, please consider donating to help us keep it going:
https://donorbox.org/sense–think–act–podcast
EPISODE LINKS:
– MBARI’s website: https://www.mbari.org/}
– MBARI’s Github: https://github.com/mbari–org}
– LRAUV Simulation Repository: https://github.com/osrf/lrauv}
– Ben’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben–yair–raanan–76330a133/}
PODCAST INFO:
– Podcast website: https://sensethinkact.com}
– Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sense–think–act/id1582090036}
– Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/52wK4oMDvgijRk6E82tC5d}
– RSS: https://sensethinkact.com/itunes.xml}
– Full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/c/SenseThinkActPodcast}
– Clips: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChfnCpNwZzYtZ32J–pZvNDg}
OUTLINE:
– (0:00:00) Start
– (0:01:15) Introducing Ben and MBARI
– (0:06:16) Understanding human impact on the ocean
– (0:17:24) Using robots for scalability
– (0:32:38) Collecting ocean data
– (0:49:19) Describing their ocean robots
– (0:51:49) Power management
– (0:53:52) Varying the buoyancy
– (0:55:57) Their robot’s cost
– (0:58:09) Communicating with the robot
– (1:00:49) Failure management + safety precautions
– (1:05:32) Growing the fleet
– (1:14:06) Simulation with Gazebo + open source
– (1:26:42) Future of missions
– (1:32:12) Advice for those looking to contribute to ocean research
SOCIAL:
– Twitter: https://twitter.com/sense_think_act}
– Discourse: https://discourse.ros.org/c/sensethinkact/71}

Growing Interest in STEM, Soft Skills, and Labor Shortages Jun 30, 2022

In this episode, Audrow Nash speaks to Dan Mantz, who is the CEO of the Robotics Education and Competition (REC) Foundation. The REC Foundation is a nonprofit that works with VEX Robotics to build interest in STEM related career opportunities. Dan speaks about the different competitions REC facilitates, why REC is a nonprofit, how REC works with VEX Robotics, on the importance of soft skills, on workforce gaps, and on the future of education.
If you’re enjoying the podcast, please consider donating to help us keep it going:
https://donorbox.org/sense–think–act–podcast
EPISODE LINKS:
– REC Foundation’s website: https://www.roboticseducation.org/}
– Dan’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danmantz/}
– Dan’s email: mailto:dan_mantz@roboticseducation.org}
PODCAST INFO:
– Podcast website: https://sensethinkact.com}
– Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sense–think–act/id1582090036}
– Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/52wK4oMDvgijRk6E82tC5d}
– RSS: https://sensethinkact.com/itunes.xml}
– Full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/c/SenseThinkActPodcast}
– Clips: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChfnCpNwZzYtZ32J–pZvNDg}
OUTLINE:
– (0:00:00) Start
– (0:01:34) Introductions
– (0:06:01) Funding with the museum model
– (0:12:17) What REC does day–to–day
– (0:15:19) On being a Nonprofit
– (0:16:33) Nonprofit versus for profit
– (0:21:03) Different programs for different ages
– (0:25:12) Mission and vision
– (0:26:08) Game design
– (0:29:42) Hardware
– (0:35:32) Software
– (0:37:33) Working with VEX
– (0:40:35) Preparing competitions in advance
– (0:43:26) Drone competitions
– (0:46:04) STEM workforce gaps + Industry 4.0
– (0:50:40) Soft skills and communication
– (0:57:24) COVID and simulation
– (1:00:20) Why hands on?
– (1:03:17) Open source?
– (1:08:28) Dan’s background
– (1:14:49) REC and existing education programs
– (1:19:28) Adding REC into main curriculum
– (1:25:08) Future of education
– (1:27:06) Resources and links
SOCIAL:
– Twitter: https://twitter.com/sense_think_act}
– Discourse: https://discourse.ros.org/c/sensethinkact/71}

Construction Robots and Working with Unions Jun 16, 2022

In this episode, Audrow Nash speaks to Maria Telleria, who is a co–founder and the CTO of Canvas. Canvas makes a drywall finishing robot and is based in the Bay Area. In this interview, Maria talks about Canvas’s drywall finishing robot, how Canvas works with unions, Canvas’s business model, and about her career path.
If you’re enjoying the podcast, please consider donating to help us keep it going:
https://donorbox.org/sense–think–act–podcast
EPISODE LINKS:
– Canvas’s website: https://www.canvas.build/}
– Maria’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariatelleria/}
PODCAST INFO:
– Podcast website: https://sensethinkact.com}
– Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sense–think–act/id1582090036}
– Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/52wK4oMDvgijRk6E82tC5d}
– RSS: https://sensethinkact.com/itunes.xml}
– Full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/c/SenseThinkActPodcast}
– Clips: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChfnCpNwZzYtZ32J–pZvNDg}
OUTLINE:
– (0:00:00) Start
– (0:01:57) Introducing Maria and Canvas
– (0:08:00) How the robot works with tapers
– (0:12:57) Becoming drywall experts
– (0:20:24) Challenges of spraying
– (0:27:52) Labor shortages
– (0:33:15) Challenges of sanding
– (0:39:07) Mapping the construction site
– (0:41:08) Picking your hard challenge
– (0:43:12) How Canvas is funded
– (0:52:55) Building for IPO
– (0:58:15) Working with Unions
– (1:07:25) Addressing misconceptions about robotics
– (1:09:19) Future of Canvas
– (1:11:34) Getting the robot to the construction site
– (1:14:42) Reporting the work done
– (1:17:38) Maria’s career path
– (1:23:21) Challenges coming from academia to starting a startup
– (1:29:04) Leadership experience
– (1:31:22) Advice to a 20 year old
– (1:33:21) Future of robotics
– (1:35:18) Links and contact info
SOCIAL:
– Twitter: https://twitter.com/sense_think_act}
– Discourse: https://discourse.ros.org/c/sensethinkact/71}

Turning Robotics Education on its Head May 17, 2022

In this episode, Audrow Nash speaks to Dan O’Mara, who is the founder and COO of Circuit Launch and Mechlabs. Circuit Launch is a space for hardware entrepreneurs to work in Oakland, California, and Mechlabs is a project–based course to learn robotics. This interview is mostly about Mechlabs, but talks about the origins of Circuit Launch, including how it is not a maker or coworking space and its business model. For Mechlabs, we talk about several of its aspects that make it different than a university education in robotics, including how there are mentors not instructors, how projects are scoped, and how people are invited to work on what is most interesting to them. We also talk about the future of Mechlabs and how it fits with current universities.
If you’re enjoying the podcast, please consider donating to help us keep it going:
https://donorbox.org/sense–think–act–podcast
EPISODE LINKS:
– Mechlabs’ website: https://mechlabs.ai/}
– Circuit Launch’s website: https://circuitlaunch.com/}
– Dan’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/omaradan/}
PODCAST INFO:
– Podcast website: https://sensethinkact.com}
– Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sense–think–act/id1582090036}
– Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/52wK4oMDvgijRk6E82tC5d}
– RSS: https://sensethinkact.com/itunes.xml}
– Full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/c/SenseThinkActPodcast}
– Clips: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChfnCpNwZzYtZ32J–pZvNDg}
OUTLINE:
– (0:00:00) Start
– (0:01:27) Introducing Dan and Circuit Launch
– (0:06:59) Not coworking or a makerspace
– (0:15:10) Coming to current business model
– (0:20:44) Mentors not instructors
– (0:28:28) Introducing Reachy
– (0:36:00) Scoping projects
– (0:44:48) Scaling their education program
– (0:59:27) If companies paid people to learn
– (1:06:14) Marker 30
– (1:10:14) Importance of having students write documentation
– (1:13:16) Requirements
– (1:21:27) Comparing to today’s universities
– (1:25:35) Role of education
– (1:29:30) Expansion plans
– (1:30:41) Getting in touch
SOCIAL:
– Twitter: https://twitter.com/sense_think_act}
– Discourse: https://discourse.ros.org/c/sensethinkact/71}

Open Source Robot Dog, Kickstarter, and Home Robots May 03, 2022

In this episode, Audrow Nash speaks to Afreez Gan, who is the founder and CEO of MangDang; MangDang is a Chinese startup that makes Minipupper, an open source robot dog that uses the Robot Operating System (ROS). Minipupper was inspired by and built with lessons learned from the Stanford Pupper, an open source robot dog. In this interview, Afreez speaks about Minipupper’s hardware, software, and documentation, about manufacturing Minipupper, and about his eventual goal of building a home robot dog.
If you’re enjoying the podcast, please consider donating to help us keep it going:
https://donorbox.org/sense–think–act–podcast
EPISODE LINKS:
– Afreez’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afreez–gan–b606615/}
– MangDang’s website: https://www.mangdang.net/}
– Minipupper’s Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/336477435/mini–pupper–open–sourceros–robot–dog–kit}
– MangDang’s Github: https://github.com/mangdangroboticsclub}
PODCAST INFO:
– Podcast website: https://sensethinkact.com}
– Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sense–think–act/id1582090036}
– Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/52wK4oMDvgijRk6E82tC5d}
– RSS: https://sensethinkact.com/itunes.xml}
– Full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/c/SenseThinkActPodcast}
– Clips: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChfnCpNwZzYtZ32J–pZvNDg}
OUTLINE:
– (0:00:00) Start
– (0:01:07) Introduction
– (0:04:21) Origin of Mini Pupper
– (0:11:27) Mini Pupper’s hardware
– (0:22:59) Minipupper’s software
– (0:29:08) Minipupper for education
– (0:35:19) Making high quality documentation
– (0:39:03) Using ROS 1
– (0:41:57) Assembling Minipupper
– (0:44:17) The challenges of scaling up manufacturing
– (0:54:24) Kickstarter campaign
– (1:05:22) Future of Minipupper
– (1:10:41) Consumer robot dog
– (1:16:17) Manufacturing in China
– (1:20:18) Funding
– (1:24:38) Future of robotics
– (1:26:23) Links
SOCIAL:
– Twitter: https://twitter.com/sense_think_act}
– Discourse: https://discourse.ros.org/c/sensethinkact/71}

A Robot Mixologist to Spark Wellness Talks Apr 14, 2022

In this episode, Audrow Nash speaks to Dayo McIntosh, who is the founder of Yateou; Yateou is an early–stage startup that makes wellness products and has a customer facing robot, ADE, that personalizes customer orders. Dayo speaks about what motivated her to start Yateou, how she uses the robot arm, ADE, and about her plans for Yateou’s future.
If you’re enjoying the podcast, please consider donating to help us keep it going:
https://donorbox.org/sense–think–act–podcast
EPISODE LINKS:
– Dayo’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dayomcintosh/}
– Yateou’s website: https://www.yateou.com/}
– More information on Yateou’s ADE robot: https://www.yateou.com/pages/meet–ade}
PODCAST INFO:
– Podcast website: https://sensethinkact.com}
– Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sense–think–act/id1582090036}
– Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/52wK4oMDvgijRk6E82tC5d}
– RSS: https://sensethinkact.com/itunes.xml}
– Full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/c/SenseThinkActPodcast}
– Clips: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChfnCpNwZzYtZ32J–pZvNDg}
OUTLINE:
– (0:00:00) Start
– (0:01:24) Introducing Dayo, Yateou, and the ADE robot
– (0:04:35) How does ADE work
– (0:10:09) Putting ADE in a truck
– (0:14:08) Keeping it simple
– (0:17:02) Having ADE stolen!
– (0:19:34) Customer experiences so far
– (0:21:53) ADE and the novelty effect
– (0:24:04) Deciding to use a Kuka arm
– (0:26:40) Dayo’s background
– (0:28:18) Getting into beauty products
– (0:32:07) Finding a place for ADE
– (0:34:26) Focusing on the customer experience
– (0:36:11) The value of self–care products
– (0:44:41) Yateou team
– (0:51:39) Yateou’s direction
– (0:56:54) First hires
– (0:58:05) Yateou’s funding so far
– (1:04:11) Lessons learned
– (1:10:54) Contact info
SOCIAL:
– Twitter: https://twitter.com/sense_think_act}
– Discourse: https://discourse.ros.org/c/sensethinkact/71}

Solar Powered Robotic Weeding Mar 22, 2022

In this episode, Audrow Nash speaks to Helen Greiner, who is the CEO at Tertill; Tertill makes a small solar powered weeding robot for vegetable gardens. The conversation begins with an overview of Helen’s previous robotics experience, including at as a student at MIT, co–founder at iRobot, founder and CEO at CyPhyWorks, and in advising government research in robotics, AI, and machine learning. From there, Helen explains the design of the Tertill robot, how it works, and her high hopes for this simple robot: to help reduce the environmental impact of the agriculture industry by helping people to grow their own food. In the last part of the conversation, Helen speaks broadly about her experience in robotics startups, the robotics industry, and the future of robotics.
If you’re enjoying the podcast, please consider donating to help us keep it going:
https://donorbox.org/sense–think–act–podcast
EPISODE LINKS:
– Tertill’s Website: https://tertill.com/}
– Helen’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helen–greiner–382295/}
– Tertill’s on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/franklin–robotics/}
PODCAST INFO:
– Podcast website: https://sensethinkact.com}
– Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sense–think–act/id1582090036}
– Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/52wK4oMDvgijRk6E82tC5d}
– RSS: https://sensethinkact.com/itunes.xml}
– Full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/c/SenseThinkActPodcast}
– Clips: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChfnCpNwZzYtZ32J–pZvNDg}
OUTLINE:
– (0:00:00) Start
– (0:01:41) Introducing Helen
– (0:06:09) Roomba’s backstory
– (0:12:13) CyPhyWorks
– (0:17:29) Helping special forces with your robots
– (0:20:13) Advising robotics and AI research investments
– (0:24:24) Introducing Tertill
– (0:35:39) Lessons learned from the Roomba
– (0:42:42) Challenges in making Tertill
– (0:48:34) Why make a weeding robot?
– (0:54:07) On gardening
– (1:00:22) Helen’s path
– (1:02:24) Matching the market and technology
– (1:09:21) Where and how to get information on opportunities
– (1:11:26) Advice for starting a robotics company
– (1:21:00) Different types of investment
– (1:23:09) B–to–B or B–to–C (Business to business or business to consumer) markets
– (1:24:51) Robotics consumer space
– (1:25:52) Future of robotics
– (1:28:38) Importance of robotics in the big picture
SOCIAL:
– Twitter: https://twitter.com/sense_think_act}
– Discourse: https://discourse.ros.org/c/sensethinkact/71}

Full-stack Robotics and Growing an App Marketplace Mar 08, 2022

In this episode, Audrow Nash speaks to Christian Fritz, CEO and founder of Transitive Robotics. Transitive Robotics makes software for building full stack robotics applications. In this conversation, they talk about how Transitive Robotic’s software works, their business model, sandboxing for security, creating a marketplace for robotics applications, and web tools, in general.
If you’re enjoying the podcast, please consider donating to help us keep it going:
https://donorbox.org/sense–think–act–podcast
EPISODE LINKS:
– Christian’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christianfritz/}
– Transitive Robotics’ Website: https://transitiverobotics.com/}
– Transitive Robotics on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/transitive–robotics/}
– Transitive Robotics’ Twitter: https://twitter.com/transitiverob}
– Sign up for Transitive Robotics’ Beta: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSctAX9NI6IlZ10e7n408NSxULLKbbSyx8rrQSsLVECtlpHbeg/viewform}
– Contact Transitive Robotics: mailto:support@transitiverobotics.com}
PODCAST INFO:
– Podcast website: https://sensethinkact.com}
– Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sense–think–act/id1582090036}
– Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/52wK4oMDvgijRk6E82tC5d}
– RSS: https://sensethinkact.com/itunes.xml}
– Full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/c/SenseThinkActPodcast}
– Clips: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChfnCpNwZzYtZ32J–pZvNDg}
OUTLINE:
– (0:00:00) Episode introduction
– (0:01:09) Introducing Christian and Transitive Robotics
– (0:06:52) Fleet management + networking challenges
– (0:17:15) Problems in fleet management
– (0:21:23) Business model
– (0:26:21) Using MQQT for message passing
– (0:30:28) Developing your own capabilities
– (0:35:35) Testing capabilities
– (0:36:44) Sending data: authentication and authorization
– (0:43:32) Sandboxing for safety
– (0:56:10) Discussing web technologies
– (1:01:03) Open source business models
– (1:05:38) Scaling, finding market fit, and taking investment
– (1:15:57) Plans in starting a marketplace
– (1:20:01) Plans to grow the team + remote work
– (1:29:36) Web and robotics
– (1:33:08) Web technologies on the backend
– (1:34:59) Future of robotics
SOCIAL:
– Twitter: https://twitter.com/sense_think_act}
– Discourse: https://discourse.ros.org/c/sensethinkact/71}

DARPA Subterranean Challenge Feb 22, 2022

In this episode, Audrow Nash speaks to Tim Chung, Program Manager in the Tactical Technology Office at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), on the DARPA Subterranean (SubT) Challenge. The SubT Challenge is a robotics challenge that aims to develop innovative technologies that would augment operations underground. In this conversation, they talk about the motivation of the SubT Challenge, its systems (hardware) and virtual (simulation) challenges, how the resulting technology has been shared with the world, on benchmarking the robotics behaviors in simulation, on the challenge of scoping the SubT Challenge, and on building the final environment for the systems challenge.
If you’re enjoying the podcast, please consider donating to help us keep it going:
https://donorbox.org/sense–think–act–podcast
EPISODE LINKS:
– The SubT Challenge’s Website: https://www.subtchallenge.com/}
– Tim’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothy–h–chung/}
– DARPAtv’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/DARPAtv}
– SubT’s Repository on OSRF: https://github.com/osrf/subt}
PODCAST INFO:
– Podcast website: https://sensethinkact.com}
– Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sense–think–act/id1582090036}
– Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/52wK4oMDvgijRk6E82tC5d}
– RSS: https://sensethinkact.com/itunes.xml}
– Full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/c/SenseThinkActPodcast}
– Clips: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChfnCpNwZzYtZ32J–pZvNDg}
OUTLINE:
– (0:00:00) Start
– (0:01:07) Introducing Tim and the SubT Challenge
– (0:09:51) Systems and Virtual competitions
– (0:13:32) Team makeup
– (0:20:39) Challenges of networking
– (0:24:37) Motivation for this challenge
– (0:29:40) Four tech areas of focus
– (0:34:47) Sharing the results
– (0:38:47) Virtual challenge
– (0:51:37) Applying benchmarking setup elsewhere
– (0:54:53) Final course for SubT System’s challenge
– (1:06:03) Scoping the SubT challenge
– (1:17:50) Role of DARPA in technology
– (1:21:01) What’s next for DARPA?
– (1:23:19) Links to share
SOCIAL:
– Twitter: https://twitter.com/sense_think_act}
– Discourse: https://discourse.ros.org/c/sensethinkact/71}

Open Source Robot Navigation Feb 08, 2022

In this episode, Audrow Nash speaks to Steve Macenski, who is the Open Source Robotics Engineering Lead at Samsung Research America. Steve leads the Nav2 project, which is an open source robot navigation framework. In this conversation, they talk about the problem and challenges of robot navigation, how Nav2 works at a high level, hybrid planners, and about Steve’s experience working with the Nav2 community.
If you’re enjoying the podcast, please consider donating to help us keep it going:
https://donorbox.org/sense–think–act–podcast
EPISODE LINKS:
– Nav2’s Website: https://navigation.ros.org/}
– Steve’s Website: https://www.steve.macenski.com/}
– Steve’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve–macenski–41a985101/}
– Samsung Research’s Website: https://research.samsung.com/}
PODCAST INFO:
– Podcast website: https://sensethinkact.com}
– Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sense–think–act/id1582090036}
– Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/52wK4oMDvgijRk6E82tC5d}
– RSS: https://sensethinkact.com/itunes.xml}
– Full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/c/SenseThinkActPodcast}
– Clips: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChfnCpNwZzYtZ32J–pZvNDg}
OUTLINE:
– (0:00:00) Start
– (0:00:39) Introducing Steve and Nav2
– (0:01:07) History of the navigation stack and Nav2
– (0:06:10) What problems does Nav2 solve?
– (0:08:05) How Nav2, MoveIt, and ROS Control relate
– (0:10:59) Challenges in navigation
– (0:14:22) Working in a grid world
– (0:24:36) Motion primitives
– (0:40:26) Potential fields
– (0:46:12) Unknown maps
– (0:48:03) Relating paths to wheel velocities
– (0:50:55) When is Pathplanning used?
– (0:52:57) Hybrid planners
– (0:54:59) Changing environments
– (0:57:11) Behavior trees
– (1:01:42) Behavior tree example
– (1:06:16) Behavior trees versus alternatives
– (1:08:19) Nav2 and SLAM
– (1:10:41) Nav2 for different types of surface environments
– (1:13:27) Experience with the Nav2 community
– (1:18:02) Open Source as a business model
– (1:19:09) Getting involved
– (1:22:29) Career advice
SOCIAL:
– Twitter: https://twitter.com/sense_think_act}
– Discourse: https://discourse.ros.org/c/sensethinkact/71}

Accelerating Industrial Workflows with Open Source Jan 25, 2022

In this episode, Audrow Nash speaks to Matt Robinson, Program Manager for ROS–Industrial Americas at the Southwest Research Institute. ROS Industrial is a group that seeks to help industrial users, for example factories, leverage ROS and its ecosystem. In this conversation, they talk about Matt’s background, the need for the ROS–Industrial group and what problems they’re working to solve, ROS–Industrial’s consortium, and ROS–Industrial’s new working group.
If you’re enjoying the podcast, please consider donating to help us keep it going:
https://donorbox.org/sense–think–act–podcast
EPISODE LINKS:
– ROS–Industrial: https://rosindustrial.org/}
– ROS–Industrial’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosindustrial}
– ROS–Industrial’s Discourse: https://discourse.ros.org/c/ros–industrial/39}
– Southwest Research Institute: https://www.swri.org/}
PODCAST INFO:
– Podcast website: https://sensethinkact.com}
– Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sense–think–act/id1582090036}
– Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/52wK4oMDvgijRk6E82tC5d}
– RSS: https://sensethinkact.com/itunes.xml}
– Full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/c/SenseThinkActPodcast}
– Clips: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChfnCpNwZzYtZ32J–pZvNDg}
OUTLINE:
– (0:00:00) Start
– (0:00:56) Introducing Matt and ROS–Industrial
– (0:05:17) Motivation in forming ROS–Industrial
– (0:11:06) Matt’s background
– (0:19:10) Getting introduced to ROS
– (0:24:33) Collaboration before Git
– (0:32:21) Getting to the Southwest Research Institute
– (0:35:37) Lowering the barrier to entry
– (0:45:41) Overview of SWRI
– (0:51:09) ROS–Industrial’s consortium
– (1:02:23) Just in time manufacturing
– (1:06:37) ROS–Industrial’s new working group
– (1:17:03) ROS–Industrial’s conferences
– (1:25:08) Links to share
SOCIAL:
– Twitter: https://twitter.com/sense_think_act}
– Discourse: https://discourse.ros.org/c/sensethinkact/71}

Commercial-grade Autonomous Mowers, Safety, and Dogfooding Jan 12, 2022

In this episode, Audrow Nash speaks to Charles Brian Quinn (aka, CBQ), CEO and a Co–Founder of Greenzie. Greenzie make an autonomous driving system for commercial lawn mowers. We talk about Greenzie’s autonomous mowing system, how Greenzie has worked with manufacturers to up–fit their system into comercial mowers, how Greenzie does dog–fooding, safety and standards, and about CBQ’s experiences bootstrapping and with venture capital.
If you’re enjoying the podcast, please consider donating to help us keep it going:
https://donorbox.org/sense–think–act–podcast
EPISODE LINKS:
– CBQ’s website: https://www.seebq.com/}
– Greenzie’s website: https://www.greenzie.com/}
– Greenzie’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/Greenzie}
PODCAST INFO:
– Podcast website: https://sensethinkact.com}
– Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sense–think–act/id1582090036}
– Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/52wK4oMDvgijRk6E82tC5d}
– RSS: https://sensethinkact.com/itunes.xml}
– Full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/c/SenseThinkActPodcast}
– Clips: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChfnCpNwZzYtZ32J–pZvNDg}
OUTLINE:
– (0:00:00) Start
– (0:00:51) Introducing CBQ and Greenzie
– (0:02:40) Why go by initials?
– (0:03:22) Describing the Greenzie autonomous system
– (0:08:51) Working with mower manufacturers to up–fit their system
– (0:15:22) Software on autonomous system
– (0:21:21) Mapping the lawn
– (0:28:03) Handling poor GPS signal
– (0:33:28) Perception pipeline
– (0:38:58) Having a human use their mowers
– (0:45:15) Standards in the off–road space
– (0:50:18) The value of standards bodies
– (0:55:00) Depth cameras in the autonomous system
– (0:58:37) LIDAR and being venture backed
– (1:02:24) Replacing depth cameras with LIDAR? + Tesla and computer vision
– (1:03:50) Ruggedized computer
– (1:06:36) Microcontrollers, testing, and visualizing data
– (1:12:03) Deploying software updates
– (1:17:33) Safety
– (1:20:57) Testing for deployment + dogfooding
– (1:24:54) Training people to work with their autonomous system
– (1:29:54) Greenzie’s business model
– (1:35:13) Bootstrapping a startup versus venture capital
– (1:39:23) What CBQ learned from bootstrapping
– (1:47:38) Future of Greenzie
– (1:51:09) Advice to someone starting their career
– (1:54:02) Links and social media
SOCIAL:
– Twitter: https://twitter.com/sense_think_act}
– Discourse: https://discourse.ros.org/c/sensethinkact/71}

State Machines for Complex Robot Behavior Dec 28, 2021

In this episode, Audrow Nash interviews Brett Aldrich, author of SMACC and CEO of Robosoft AI. Robosoft AI develops and maintains SMACC and SMACC2, which are event–driven, behavior state machine libraries for ROS 1 and ROS 2, respectively. Brett explains SMACC, its origins, other strategies for robot control such as behavior trees, speaks about the challenges of developing software for industry users and hobbists, and gives some advice for new roboticists.
If you’re enjoying the podcast, please consider donating to help us keep it going:
https://donorbox.org/sense–think–act–podcast
EPISODE LINKS:
– Brett Aldrich’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brett–aldrich–42915b97}
– Robosoft.AI’s website: https://robosoft.ai/}
– SMACC2 on Github: https://github.com/robosoft–ai/SMACC2}
– SMACC blog: https://smacc.dev/}
PODCAST INFO:
– Podcast website: https://sensethinkact.com}
– Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sense–think–act/id1582090036}
– Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/52wK4oMDvgijRk6E82tC5d}
– RSS: https://sensethinkact.com/itunes.xml}
– Full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/c/SenseThinkActPodcast}
– Clips: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChfnCpNwZzYtZ32J–pZvNDg}
OUTLINE:
– (0:00:00) Start
– (0:01:50) Introducing Brett and SMACC
– (0:18:58) Events in State Machines
– (0:21:01) Clients and Client Behaviors
– (0:23:30) State reactors
– (0:29:54) Explaining dance bot + hierarchy in states
– (0:35:14) Recovery states
– (0:38:07) Origins of SMACC
– (0:56:47) SMACC and market pull
– (1:05:31) Robotics domains using SMACC
– (1:08:03) A problem to push the limits of SMACC
– (1:12:50) Making ROS packages smaller
– (1:18:17) SMACC for industry users
– (1:22:23) Making SMACC easy to use?
– (1:27:42) Control in many robotics applications
– (1:31:16) Comparing state machines to behavior trees
– (1:44:40) Future of SMACC
– (1:47:01) Advice for those starting out in robotics
– (1:50:16) Links and getting involved
SOCIAL:
– Twitter: https://twitter.com/sense_think_act}
– Discourse: https://discourse.ros.org/c/sensethinkact/71}

Digitization of Touch and Meta AI Partnership Dec 14, 2021

In this episode, Audrow Nash speaks to Youssef Benmokhtar, CEO of GelSight, a Boston–based company that makes high resolution tactile sensors for several industries. They talk about how GelSight’s tactile sensors work, GelSight’s new collaboration with Meta AI (formerly, Facebook AI) to manufacture a low cost touch sensor called DIGIT, on the digitization of touch, touch sensing in robotics, how GelSight is investing in community and open source software, and Youssef’s professional path in several industries.
If you’re enjoying the podcast, please consider donating to help us keep it going:
https://donorbox.org/sense–think–act–podcast
EPISODE LINKS:
– Youssef Benmokhtar’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/youssef–benmokhtar–85a2403/}
– GelSight’s Website: https://gelsight.com/}
– GelSight’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gelsight/}
– DIGIT’s open source page: https://digit.ml/}
– PyTouch library: https://github.com/facebookresearch/PyTouch}
PODCAST INFO:
– Podcast website: https://sensethinkact.com}
– Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sense–think–act/id1582090036}
– Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/52wK4oMDvgijRk6E82tC5d}
– RSS: https://sensethinkact.com/itunes.xml}
– Full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/c/SenseThinkActPodcast}
– Clips: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChfnCpNwZzYtZ32J–pZvNDg}
OUTLINE:
– (0:00:00) Start
– (0:00:51) Introducing Youssef and GelSight
– (0:07:18) Background of GelSight technology
– (0:08:12) What’s hard about it
– (0:11:56) Miniaturization
– (0:14:40) DIGIT sensor + Collaboration with Meta AI (formerly, Facebook AI)
– (0:21:57) Bringing DIGIT from research to a product
– (0:28:16) Having a camera in your finger
– (0:29:58) DIGIT in robotics applications
– (0:43:04) Meta’s plans with tactile sensing
– (0:49:12) On the digitization of touch
– (0:55:07) On the current state of haptics
– (0:58:06) Haptics to verify products and parts
– (1:01:06) Growing GelSight
– (1:06:03) Open source software and datasets
– (1:14:09) Slipping objects and heavy loads
– (1:22:44) Youssef’s professional path
– (1:32:21) Advice
– (1:34:44) Useful habits
– (1:36:17) Links and getting in touch
SOCIAL:
– Twitter: https://twitter.com/sense_think_act}
– Discourse: https://discourse.ros.org/c/sensethinkact/71}

Flying in Warehouses, Inventory, and Fleet Management Nov 30, 2021

In this episode, Audrow Nash speaks to Disha Sarawgi and Mohammed Kabir, who are Corvus Robotics’s Head of Special Projects, and Co–founder and CTO, respectively. Corvus makes a robotic drone for warehouse inventory management, which may greatly reduce inventory loss. They speak about flying their drone in warehouses, working with customers, safety, fleet management, how Corvus is funded, and they give advice to aspiring entrepreneurs.
If you’re enjoying the podcast, please consider donating to help us keep it going:
https://donorbox.org/sense–think–act–podcast
EPISODE LINKS:
– Corvus’s website: https://www.corvus–robotics.com/}
– Demo video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SzI27FyhQY}
– Disha Sarawgi’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/disha–sarawgi}
– Mohammed Kabir’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mohammed–kabir–691a1b136}
PODCAST INFO:
– Podcast website: https://sensethinkact.com}
– Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sense–think–act/id1582090036}
– Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/52wK4oMDvgijRk6E82tC5d}
– RSS: https://sensethinkact.com/itunes.xml}
– Full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/c/SenseThinkActPodcast}
– Clips: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChfnCpNwZzYtZ32J–pZvNDg}
SOCIAL:
– Twitter: https://twitter.com/sense_think_act}
– Discourse: https://discourse.ros.org/c/sensethinkact/71}

Robotic Food Delivery, Crowdfunding, and Lawmakers Nov 16, 2021

In this episode, Audrow Nash speaks to Jason Richards, CEO at DaxBot. DaxBot makes a charismatic robot for food delivery. Jason speaks on their delivery robot, their crowdfunding campaign, DaxBot’s revenue model, working with lawmakers to have robots on the sidewalks, and Jason teases their realtime operating system, DaxOS.
If you’re enjoying the podcast, please consider donating to help us keep it going:
https://donorbox.org/sense–think–act–podcast
EPISODE LINKS:
– Jason’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason–richards–3821511a2}
– Daxbot’s website: https://daxbot.com/}
– Daxbot’s crowdfunding campaign: https://www.startengine.com/daxbot}
PODCAST INFO:
– Podcast website: https://sensethinkact.com}
– Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sense–think–act/id1582090036}
– Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/52wK4oMDvgijRk6E82tC5d}
– RSS: https://sensethinkact.com/itunes.xml}
– Full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/c/SenseThinkActPodcast}
– Clips: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChfnCpNwZzYtZ32J–pZvNDg}
OUTLINE:
– (0:00:00) Start
– (0:00:39) Introducing Jason and Daxbot
– (0:22:11) Choosing not to have Dax talk
– (0:25:11) Human–in–the–loop and controlling Dax
– (0:36:00) Deploying Dax
– (0:37:00) Daxbot company
– (0:40:09) Crowdfunding
– (0:59:40) Dax and the novelty effect
– (1:06:50) Revenue model, robot–as–a–service, and partnerships
– (1:18:07) Stairs?
– (1:21:20) Laws around robots on the streets and working with lawmakers
– (1:24:32) On not doing silly things to make
– (1:30:07) Timeline for Daxbot
– (1:32:02) DaxOS
– (1:42:55) Links
SOCIAL:
– Twitter: https://twitter.com/sense_think_act}
– Discourse: https://discourse.ros.org/c/sensethinkact/71}

Agriculture Robots, Herbicide Resistance, and Education Nov 02, 2021

In this episode, Audrow Nash speaks to Tobias Holmes, Quality Assurance Manager at Blue River Technologies. Blue River uses computer vision and robotics in agriculture and was acquired by John Deere in 2017. Tobias speaks about herbicide resistance, spraying weeds, quality assurance and testing on hardware, and on encouraging kids to learn robotics.
If you’re enjoying the podcast, please consider donating to help us keep it going:
https://donorbox.org/sense–think–act–podcast
EPISODE LINKS:
– Tobias’ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tobias–holmes–76666369}
– Blue River Technology: https://bluerivertechnology.com/}
– FIRST Robotics: https://www.firstinspires.org/robotics/frc}
– Crystal Ray High School (East Bay): https://cristoreydelasalle.org/}
PODCAST INFO:
– Podcast website: https://sensethinkact.com}
– Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sense–think–act/id1582090036}
– Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/52wK4oMDvgijRk6E82tC5d}
– RSS: https://sensethinkact.com/itunes.xml}
– Full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/c/SenseThinkActPodcast}
– Clips: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChfnCpNwZzYtZ32J–pZvNDg}
OUTLINE:
– (0:00:00) Start
– (0:01:01) Tobias introduces himself
– (0:01:27) About Blue River
– (0:02:49) Agriculture 101
– (0:09:51) How non–row crops are handled
– (0:15:59) Row crops and herbicide resistance
– (0:21:04) How weeds work
– (0:24:20) Strategy for row crops
– (0:27:07) Genetically modified crop
– (0:28:55) Blue River and John Deere
– (0:31:36) What Blue River does best
– (0:37:34) John Deere acquisition
– (0:41:39) Timeline for Blue River
– (0:42:36) What it means to Manage Quality at Blue River
– (0:48:50) Quality assurance in hardware
– (0:52:32) Machine learning in weed spraying
– (1:01:12) Testing systems in the fields
– (1:04:22) Thoughts on robotics and agriculture
– (1:11:07) Using AI in mechanical design
– (1:14:45) Encouraging kids to program + learn robotics
– (1:29:32) Advice for students
– (1:37:14) Links
SOCIAL:
– Twitter: https://twitter.com/sense_think_act}
– Discourse: https://discourse.ros.org/c/sensethinkact/71}

Taking Elevators, Robot Body Language, and Advice for Startups Oct 19, 2021

In this episode, Audrow Nash interviews Erik Schluntz, co–founder and CTO of Cobalt Robotics, which makes a security guard robot. Erik speaks about how their robot handles elevators, how they have humans–in–the–loop to help their robot make decisions, robot body language, and gives advice for entrepreneurs.
If you’re enjoying the podcast, please consider donating to help us keep it going:
https://donorbox.org/sense–think–act–podcast
EPISODE LINKS:
– Cobalt’s website: https://www.cobaltrobotics.com/}
– Erik’s website: http://www.erikschluntz.com/portfolio/}
– Video introducing the Cobalt robot: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6PyUjK7JX_c&ab_channel=CobaltRobotics}
– Video of the Cobalt robot using an elevator: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jUKCI0ynm6s&ab_channel=CobaltRobotics}
PODCAST INFO:
– Podcast website: https://sensethinkact.com}
– Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sense–think–act/id1582090036}
– Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/52wK4oMDvgijRk6E82tC5d}
– RSS: https://sensethinkact.com/itunes.xml}
– Full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/c/SenseThinkActPodcast}
– Clips: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChfnCpNwZzYtZ32J–pZvNDg}
OUTLINE:
– (0:00:00) Start
– (0:03:35) Having their robot take elevators
– (0:18:55) How the sensors are used (aka, fulfilling IoT promises)
– (0:22:17) Training the robot as a security guard
– (0:27:41) Adding a taser on your robot? + What it means to be a security guard
– (0:33:29) On being a technology and security company
– (0:36:32) Stopping a thief with their robot
– (0:38:08) How fleets of security robots are controlled
– (0:40:51) Understanding the human operators
– (0:44:42) Tech stack
– (0:45:34) Experience with ROS
– (0:46:37) Extending ROS packages to work with elevators
– (0:50:48) On open source software
– (0:52:23) Growing the team
– (0:54:13) Manufacturing the Cobalt robot + battle–testing their robots
– (0:56:18) Sourcing components
– (0:58:37) Making people feel safe around the robot
– (1:01:26) Robot body language
– (1:02:22) “Dog–fooding” to improve robot body language
– (1:04:29) Working with the research community
– (1:06:11) Having the Cobalt robot behave like a receptionist during the day
– (1:07:41) Impact on security guard jobs
– (1:11:19) Human–in–the–loop with robotics applications + levels of autonomy
– (1:17:26) How are you using machine learning?
– (1:21:40) Erik’s background in startups
– (1:24:10) Advice on picking a problem
– (1:28:50) Cobalt’s funding
– (1:31:02) Advice for founders looking for investors
– (1:32:41) Advice on avoiding bad investment
– (1:34:44) Advice for a younger you
– (1:35:46) Getting in touch
SOCIAL:
– Twitter: https://twitter.com/sense_think_act}
– Discourse: https://discourse.ros.org/c/sensethinkact/71}

Open Source Visualization and Debugging Tool for Robotics Oct 04, 2021

In this episode, Audrow Nash interviews Adrian Macneil, Co–founder and CEO of Foxglove. Foxglove makes Foxglove Studio, an open source visualization and debugging tool for robotics. Adrian speaks about the origin of Foxglove, Foxglove’s business model, web and robotics, and gives advice to those interested in getting more involved in robotics.
If you’re enjoying the podcast, please consider donating to help us keep it going:
https://donorbox.org/sense–think–act–podcast
EPISODE LINKS:
– Adrian Macneil’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrianmacneil}
– Foxglove’s website: https://foxglove.dev/}
PODCAST INFO:
– Podcast website: https://sensethinkact.com}
– Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sense–think–act/id1582090036}
– Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/52wK4oMDvgijRk6E82tC5d}
– RSS: https://sensethinkact.com/itunes.xml}
– Full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/c/SenseThinkActPodcast}
– Clips: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChfnCpNwZzYtZ32J–pZvNDg}
OUTLINE:
– (0:00:00) Start
– (0:00:57) Introducing Adrian and Foxglove
– (0:07:54) Origin of Foxglove
– (0:24:51) Developer productivity and the future of robotics
– (0:27:36) Building the Foxglove team
– (0:29:27) Why Adrian’s optimistic about opportunities in robotics
– (0:36:05) On putting 1000 engineers on a problem
– (0:39:35) Role of open source
– (0:42:03) Foxglove’s business model
– (0:45:15) Why Foxglove “Studio”?
– (0:46:53) How name Foxglove?
– (0:48:47) Explaining Foxglove Studio
– (0:50:45) Web and robotics
– (0:57:31) Web technologies on the backend
– (1:00:13) Reflecting on his work at Coinbase and Cruise
– (1:06:27) Timeline for autonomous cars + levels of autonomy
– (1:12:00) Advice for those interested in robotics
– (1:15:09) Info on getting in touch and contributing
– (1:16:33) Outro
SOCIAL:
– Twitter: https://twitter.com/sense_think_act}
– Discourse: https://discourse.ros.org/c/sensethinkact/71}

Growing Clearpath with Open Source Software Sep 20, 2021

In this episode, Audrow Nash interviews Ryan Gariepy, Chief Technology Officer of both Clearpath Robotics and OTTO Motors. Ryan speaks about the origin of Clearpath, how Clearpath focuses on making reliable robots, and the future of robotics.
If you’re enjoying the podcast, please consider donating to help us keep it going:
https://donorbox.org/sense–think–act–podcast
EPISODE LINKS:
– Ryan Gariepy’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rgariepy/}
– Clearpath Robotics: https://clearpathrobotics.com/}
– OTTO Motors: https://www.ottomotors.com/}
PODCAST INFO:
– Podcast website: https://sensethinkact.com}
– Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sense–think–act/id1582090036}
– Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/52wK4oMDvgijRk6E82tC5d}
– RSS: https://sensethinkact.com/itunes.xml}
– Full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/c/SenseThinkActPodcast}
– Clips: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChfnCpNwZzYtZ32J–pZvNDg}
SOCIAL:
– Twitter: https://twitter.com/sense_think_act}
– Discourse: https://discourse.ros.org/c/sensethinkact/71}

New directions for the MoveIt project Sep 06, 2021

In this episode, Audrow Nash interviews Dave Coleman, Chief Executive Officer at PickNik Robotics. Dave speaks at a high level about what MoveIt is and what problems it helps roboticists solve, they talk about supervised autonomy, including a collaboration with NASA and MoveIt Studio, and Dave talks about MoveIt 3.0.
If you’re enjoying the podcast, please consider donating to help us keep it going:
https://donorbox.org/sense–think–act–podcast
EPISODE LINKS:
– Dave Coleman’s LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.cn/in/davetcoleman}
– PickNik’s website: https://picknik.ai/}
– MoveIt’s website: https://moveit.ros.org/}
– MoveIt Studio’s website: https://picknik.ai/studio/}
PODCAST INFO:
– Podcast website: https://sensethinkact.com}
– Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sense–think–act/id1582090036}
– Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/52wK4oMDvgijRk6E82tC5d}
– RSS: https://sensethinkact.com/itunes.xml}
– Full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/c/SenseThinkActPodcast}
– Clips: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChfnCpNwZzYtZ32J–pZvNDg}
SOCIAL:
– Twitter: https://twitter.com/sense_think_act}
– Discourse: https://discourse.ros.org/c/sensethinkact/71}

Fetch from startup to exit Aug 24, 2021

In this episode, Audrow Nash speaks with Melonee Wise, former CEO of Fetch Robotics and current VP of Robotics Automation at Zebra Technologies. Melonee speaks about the origin of Fetch Robotics, her experience at Willow Garage, her experience being acquired by Zebra Technologies, challenges in the warehouse setting, on autonomous cars, and on the future of robotics.
If you’re enjoying the podcast, please consider donating to help us keep it going:
https://donorbox.org/sense–think–act–podcast
EPISODE LINKS:
– Melonee Wise’s website: http://www.meloneewise.com/}
– Fetch Robotics: https://fetchrobotics.com/}
– Zebra Technologies: https://www.zebra.com/}
PODCAST INFO:
– Podcast website: https://sensethinkact.com}
– Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sense–think–act/id1582090036}
– Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/52wK4oMDvgijRk6E82tC5d}
– RSS: https://sensethinkact.com/itunes.xml}
– Full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/c/SenseThinkActPodcast}
– Clips: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChfnCpNwZzYtZ32J–pZvNDg}
SOCIAL:
– Twitter: https://twitter.com/sense_think_act}
– Discourse: https://discourse.ros.org/c/sensethinkact/71}

Welcome to Sense Think Act Aug 23, 2021

Audrow Nash introduces the Sense Think Act Podcast.
If you’re enjoying the podcast, please consider donating to help us keep it going:
https://donorbox.org/sense–think–act–podcast
EPISODE LINKS:
PODCAST INFO:
– Podcast website: https://sensethinkact.com}
– Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sense–think–act/id1582090036}
– Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/52wK4oMDvgijRk6E82tC5d}
– RSS: https://sensethinkact.com/itunes.xml}
– Full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/c/SenseThinkActPodcast}
– Clips: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChfnCpNwZzYtZ32J–pZvNDg}
SOCIAL:
– Twitter: https://twitter.com/sense_think_act}
– Discourse: https://discourse.ros.org/c/sensethinkact/71}

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