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

Welcome to Episode 18 of The Robo Success Podcast, where robotics meets real-world impact.

In this episode, we explore how social robotics and AI are creating new opportunities for human-facing work, from education and tutoring to customer service and companionship.

Our guest, Andrew Kiguel, CEO and Chairman of Realbotix, shares his journey from investment banking and founding Hut 8 to building human-centered robots designed to interact naturally with people. He also discusses the market opportunity for social robotics, the role of AI in education, and why safety and practical design matter as humanoid robots move into real-world environments.

🎙️ Guest: Andrew Kiguel, CEO and Chairman of Realbotix

🎙️ Host: Jesica Chavez

🎙️ Co-host: Andy Diepen

🔍 What you'll hear:

• Why social companion robots could open new markets beyond traditional industrial automation.

• How Realbotix is developing AI-powered educational robots to support students and teachers.

• Why curriculum-based, closed-loop AI systems matter for safety, accuracy, and responsible educational deployment.

• How facial expressions, eye-gaze tracking, and emotional cues can make human-robot interactions more natural.

• Why stationary, human-facing robot designs may offer practical advantages in safety, runtime, and deployment.

From personalized learning to human-centered service, the next chapter of robotics may depend on more than mechanical capability. It may depend on how effectively robots communicate, build trust, and fit into the environments where people live and work.

More at: ⁠www.robo-success.com

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