The Rise and Fall of Robots

03/06/19 • 45 min

Summary: Can companion robots change how society interacts? How did iRobot become a success in the robot field? Will we see lawn mowing robots in the not-too-distant future? Brian and Malinda host Jon Morgan, product manager at Google, to discuss all things robot-related. In this episode, we take a closer look into robot fails, the statistics, and why the surgical board still considers these “fails” as a success. Jon and Brian discuss the numbers on autonomous driving and how insurance companies factor in risk with cost. Will people embrace robots more once they understand their true value? Find out on this episode of Data Myths.

What We Covered:

1:00 - Introducing Jon Morgan, a product manager at Google in the hardware division. - Powered by Zencastr

2:00 - Podcast 1: All Things CES 2019 - Looking at relevance in robotics and in the consumer robotics industry.

5:00 - People are buying services, not just robots.

13:00 - Cute robots are changing the way people perceive robots in a positive way:

Aibo - Sony robot dog
Pleo - Robot Dinosaur
Paro - Therapy Robot
Lovot - Japanese companion robot
HRI - Human Robot Interaction

18:00 - What makes something a robot?

22:00 - Why are robotics companies dying off?

28:00 - How iRobot thrived in the robot marketplace.

33:00 - Robots in the European market.

36:00 - Robot Fails:

Robots used in the medical field
Autonomous car fails
Security robot fail
Podcast 3: Considering Autonomous Driving Things

43:00 - Curiosity Rover - NASA

What We Covered:

1:00 - Introducing Jon Morgan, a product manager at Google in the hardware division. - Powered by Zencastr

2:00 - Podcast 1: All Things CES 2019 - Looking at relevance in robotics and in the consumer robotics industry.

5:00 - People are buying services, not just robots.

13:00 - Cute robots are changing the way people perceive robots in a positive way:

Aibo - Sony robot dog
Pleo - Robot Dinosaur
Paro - Therapy Robot
Lovot - Japanese companion robot
HRI - Human Robot Interaction

18:00 - What makes something a robot?

22:00 - Why are robotics companies dying off?

28:00 - How iRobot thrived in the robot marketplace.

33:00 - Robots in the European market.

36:00 - Robot Fails:

Robots used in the medical field
Autonomous car fails
Security robot fail
Podcast 3: Considering Autonomous Driving Things

43:00 - Curiosity Rover - NASA

Previous Episode

Don't Get Left Behind by The Network Effect

Summary: What will it take for companies to show value to their users through their network? Why do some companies die out while others continue to thrive? In this episode, Brian and Malinda consider the network effect and the challenges companies face when trying to create continued value on their platform. While Malinda takes listeners on the value barrier journey, explaining what companies need to build up their network and provide value to the customer, Brian explores the turning point where devices can begin choosing their own network without human input. Is this a positive or a negative? The next big companies will be building devices that automatically connect with the networks of their choosing—these networks will bring value. If they don’t, they won’t exist.

What We Covered:

1:00 - Tech company development trends and the value they bring.

3:00 - The network effect, more users create more value in the network.

6:00 - History of networks - Friendster, Myspace, and what made them die out?

12:00 - Definition between internal and external network effect

14:00 - How Microsoft added value to their platform

15:00 - Android vs. Apple Apps

20:00 - VMWare built a powerful ecosystem

26:00 - The hardware to software evolution and where it is going.

29:00 - IoT - Western Digital and more - creating risc processors, storage devices, to help reduce burden on the network.

38:00 - The barrier to entry for a new company - Domo and Tableau

41:00 - Will machines start choosing their own network without your input?

Next Episode

How to Win at Pitching: A SXSW Recap

Summary: How do you make the most of your pitch time? What are the most important things to mention, and what are the most important things to avoid mentioning? Brian and Malinda serve up a SXSW recap and share their personal startup pitch strategies. From what to wear and how to speak, to being a present pitch audience participant, Brian and Malinda reflect on how they made the most of SXSW’s concentration of innovative go-getters.

What We Covered:

1:00 - What we look for in startups, how to stand out!

6:00 - Uprise Partners and how to reach your company's goals and the right audience.

7:00 - What is a Pitch competition?

9:00 - Tips and tricks for pitch competitions.

11:00 - A great 1 minute pitch and why it matters.

24:00 - The Pitch - What does your pitch need to include?

26:00 - I’d like a PhD with a side of AI

29:00 - How does AI, data analytics, and technology fit into your growth strategy plan?

31:00 - What do you need to do in order to differentiate yourself from other companies?

35:00 - Statistics on funding and what the risk factor is for investors

41:00 - Pledge 1 Percent