[RISE OF THE AUTOMATA] WHAT HAPPENS WHEN ROBOTS PERFECT PHYSICAL INTELLIGENCE?

The discussion centers on the advancements and commercialization of humanoid robots, particularly those developed by Boston Dynamics. Robert Player, CEO of Boston Dynamics, explains how the company is transitioning from pure R&D to creating commercially viable robots like Spot and Atlas. He notes Hyundai's role in supporting both research and commercialization efforts. The advent of AI, especially reinforcement learning, has revolutionized robot programming, enabling faster training for diverse tasks. They are focusing on applications in manufacturing and logistics, with plans to deploy humanoids in Hyundai factories by 2028. Player addresses competition from Chinese robot companies and the importance of building a US-based robotics supply chain. The conversation touches on the potential for robots to become more accessible and integrated into everyday life, with a focus on industrial applications first. Spot, the robot dog, makes an appearance, demonstrating its capabilities and expressing behavior. The discussion also covers the challenges of scaling manufacturing and reducing costs to make robots more affordable.