Robotics in "Lego Era," Says NVIDIA Alumna

Amulya Vishwanath, who previously spent seven years leading product marketing for NVIDIA's robotics platforms, views the current state of robotics as being in its "Lego era." This perspective suggests that the fundamental building blocks, such as actuators, robotic hands, software, and safety standards, are still under development and need to be re-established. This contrasts with the belief that robotics, powered by a single general foundation model, is on the cusp of a "ChatGPT moment."

Vishwanath, now the founder and managing partner of Techable VC, is actively investing in early-stage firms focused on physical AI. She defines physical AI broadly, extending beyond robots to include "a molecule, a material, a medicine," or industrial machinery. Her firm targets opportunities that solve major challenges, such as labor shortages in family-run factories or surgeon burnout.

Techable VC focuses on investments in robotics, materials science, and life sciences. Vishwanath leverages her extensive network, built during her tenure at NVIDIA, for due diligence and customer introductions, encouraging founders to view their venture capital as a competitive advantage. She also shared insights on the strengths of the U.S. and China in the tech landscape, asserting that humanoid robots should serve practical purposes beyond mere entertainment.