Physical AI is more than robots, says the Nvidia veteran now investing in it
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Amulya Vishwanath, a former NVIDIA executive now leading Techable VC, argues that physical AI extends far beyond robotics into materials science and life sciences. She characterizes the current state of robotics as its "Lego era," where foundational components like actuators and software are still being developed rather than fully mature. This perspective challenges the notion that general foundation models will immediately trigger a "ChatGPT moment" for robotic systems. Vishwanath emphasizes that the most promising investment opportunities address critical labor shortages in sectors ranging from family-run factories to healthcare. She defines her approach through "conscious automation," aiming to solve substantial human problems such as surgeon burnout and manufacturing workforce gaps. Drawing on her seven years at NVIDIA, she leverages her extensive network for due diligence and customer introductions while advising founders to view their investors as strategic moats. The discussion also covers the competitive edges of the U.S. and China in hardware development and the practical applications of humanoid robots.
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