The ChatGPT moment hasn't arrived yet

Amulya Vishwanath, founder of Techable Ventures, told TechCrunch's Equity podcast that robotics is waiting for its ChatGPT breakthrough moment, but that time has not yet come.

Vishwanath's background in AI and robotics

Vishwanath spent nearly seven years as a product marketer at Nvidia before starting Techable Ventures, a VC firm focused on physical AI. She previously held the same role at a company later bought by Intel.

Physical AI is in its LEGO era

Vishwanath said the industry is in a LEGO era, with foundational software and building blocks for robotics being rethought. Companies are building basics like robotic hands and actuators that will eventually combine into advanced systems.

“There are a lot of foundational software and building blocks for robotics that are being rethought right now as we speak, and it's super important in order for innovation to scale.”

Historical parallels for innovation scaling

Vishwanath compared the current robotics phase to the internet era and the Industrial Revolution, saying foundational work eventually leads to breakthroughs. General and special purpose robots are being built now and will improve over time.

“We've done this during the internet era. We've done this long, long time ago with the Industrial Revolution. I think it's just a matter of time before things fall into place.”

Talent is the key competitive advantage

Vishwanath said talent is critical to the US robotics market and a key competitive moat for her firm. She helps connect founders to top talent as competition from companies like Anthropic and Nvidia intensifies.

“This just makes it a lot easier for me to be the strength or the first call for founders.”