Sense Think Act Podcast

Hosted by Open Robotics

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Latest episode

Jan 2025

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EN-US

About the show

An accessible, long-form podcast about all areas of robotics that is hosted by Audrow Nash and sponsored by Open Robotics.

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41 recent

January 7, 20251 hr 15 min

ROSCon 2024 Highlights: Conversations with Dexory, Asimovo, and ZettaScale

Join us for three conversations from ROSCon 2024 in Denmark with leaders building the future of robotics. We talk with Marcus Scheunemann from Dexory about scaling warehouse robotics, Christine Fraser from Asimovo about their developer collaboration platform, and Angelo Corsaro from ZettaScale about Zenoh – the future middleware for ROS 2. You’ll like these interviews if you’re interested in scaling robotics companies, developer tools, ROS 2 middleware, and building successful robotics businesses.If you’re enjoying the podcast, please consider donating to help us keep it going:https://donorbox.org/sense–think–act–podcastEPISODE LINKS:– ROSCon 2024: https://roscon.ros.org/2024/}– Dexory: https://www.dexory.com/}– Asimovo: https://asimovo.com/}– ZettaScale: https://www.zettascale.tech/}– Episode Transcript: https://audrownashpodcast.com/posts/16–roscon/transcript}PODCAST INFO:– Podcast website: https://sensethinkact.com}– Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sense–think–act/id1582090036}– Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/52wK4oMDvgijRk6E82tC5d}– RSS: https://sensethinkact.com/itunes.xml}– Full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/c/SenseThinkActPodcast}– Clips: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChfnCpNwZzYtZ32J–pZvNDg}SOCIAL:– Twitter: https://twitter.com/sense_think_act}– Discourse: https://discourse.ros.org/c/sensethinkact/71}

March 19, 20241 hr 58 min

OSRA: Pioneering a Sustainable Open Source Ecosystem for Robotics

What is the Open Source Robotics Alliance (OSRA) and how is it pioneering a sustainable open source ecosystem for robotics? You’ll like this interview if you’re interested in the open source robotics ecosystem and how it’s evolving. With Geoff Biggs from Open Robotics and Tully Foote from Open Robotics and Intrinsic.If you’re enjoying the podcast, please consider donating to help us keep it going:https://donorbox.org/sense–think–act–podcastEPISODE LINKS:– OSRA’s website: https://osralliance.org/}– Open Robotics’ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/open–source–robotics–foundation/}– Open Robotics’ website: https://www.openrobotics.org/}– Geoff Biggs’ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geoffrey–biggs/}– Tully Foote’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tullyfoote/}PODCAST INFO:– Podcast website: https://sensethinkact.com}– Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sense–think–act/id1582090036}– Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/52wK4oMDvgijRk6E82tC5d}– RSS: https://sensethinkact.com/itunes.xml}– Full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/c/SenseThinkActPodcast}– Clips: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChfnCpNwZzYtZ32J–pZvNDg}SOCIAL:– Twitter: https://twitter.com/sense_think_act}– Discourse: https://discourse.ros.org/c/sensethinkact/71}

November 14, 20232 min

Audrow Steps Down from STA

Audrow will be stepping down from hosting the Sense Think Act Podcast and starting a new podcast called the Audrow Nash Podcast.If you’re enjoying the podcast, please consider donating to help us keep it going:https://donorbox.org/sense–think–act–podcastEPISODE LINKS:– Audrow Nash Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/audrow1}– Audrow Nash Podcast on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@audrow}– Audrow’s X: https://twitter.com/audrow}– Audrow’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/audrow/}PODCAST INFO:– Podcast website: https://sensethinkact.com}– Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sense–think–act/id1582090036}– Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/52wK4oMDvgijRk6E82tC5d}– RSS: https://sensethinkact.com/itunes.xml}– Full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/c/SenseThinkActPodcast}– Clips: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChfnCpNwZzYtZ32J–pZvNDg}SOCIAL:– Twitter: https://twitter.com/sense_think_act}– Discourse: https://discourse.ros.org/c/sensethinkact/71}

October 10, 20231 hr 32 min

Going Vertical: Robotic Vision Hardware to an Education Robot and Cloud Platform

Luxonis has a grand vision, and they’re doing it in a smart way. CEO Bradly Dillon from Luxonis speaks on depth cameras, a robot for education, and a robot app store. Those interested in sensors and robotics business models will especially enjoy this interview.If you’re enjoying the podcast, please consider donating to help us keep it going:https://donorbox.org/sense–think–act–podcastEPISODE LINKS:– Luxonis’ website: https://www.luxonis.com/}– Luxonis’ X: https://twitter.com/luxonis}– Luxonis’ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/luxonis/}– Luxonis on Crunchbase: https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/luxonis}– Bradley Dillon’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradley–dillon/}– RobotHub: https://www.luxonis.com/robothub}– RAE robot Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/opencv/rae–0}PODCAST INFO:– Podcast website: https://sensethinkact.com}– Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sense–think–act/id1582090036}– Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/52wK4oMDvgijRk6E82tC5d}– RSS: https://sensethinkact.com/itunes.xml}– Full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/c/SenseThinkActPodcast}– Clips: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChfnCpNwZzYtZ32J–pZvNDg}OUTLINE:– (0:00:00) Start– (0:01:10) Introducing Bradley and Luxonis– (0:08:24) Luxonis’s cameras– (0:15:20) New Kickstarter– (0:17:24) Introducing Rae robot– (0:23:09) Price point + education robots– (0:30:27) How they get 3D info: Active stereo– (0:36:36) Programming Rae + RobotHub– (0:53:44) How RobotHub works– (1:04:13) Security on RobotHub– (1:10:13) Future of Luxonis– (1:14:19) Funding– (1:17:44) Manufacturing + supply chain issues– (1:22:11) Having a global team– (1:28:47) Future of robotics– (1:31:59) Links to shareSOCIAL:– Twitter: https://twitter.com/sense_think_act}– Discourse: https://discourse.ros.org/c/sensethinkact/71}

September 5, 20231 hr 29 min

How Can Robots Revolutionize Farming with See-and-Spray Technology?

In this episode you’ll learn about robotics in agriculture. We talk to Jim Ostrowski, CTO of Blue River Technology, about their See–and–Spray technology, Blue River’s partnership with John Deere, deep learning, and the future of robotics in agriculture. Don’t miss this episode if you want to see a great example of a high impact problem that robots are well suited for.If you’re enjoying the podcast, please consider donating to help us keep it going:https://donorbox.org/sense–think–act–podcastEPISODE LINKS:– Blue River Technology’s Website: https://bluerivertechnology.com/}– Blue River Technology’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bluerivertech/}– Jim Ostrowski’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim–ostrowski–9a8112/}PODCAST INFO:– Podcast website: https://sensethinkact.com}– Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sense–think–act/id1582090036}– Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/52wK4oMDvgijRk6E82tC5d}– RSS: https://sensethinkact.com/itunes.xml}– Full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/c/SenseThinkActPodcast}– Clips: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChfnCpNwZzYtZ32J–pZvNDg}OUTLINE:– (0:00:00) Start– (0:03:02) How does their system work?– (0:10:09) Image processing to spray weeds– (0:17:27) Discussion on labor– (0:21:48) Herbicide resistance– (0:26:31) Genetically modified crops– (0:27:50) Monocrop cultures– (0:32:43) Regenerative agriculture– (0:35:17) Partnering with John Deere– (0:36:02) Jim’s background in Blue River– (0:37:37) Deep learning technology– (0:38:31) Risks of deep learning– (0:41:29) Labeling for deep learning– (0:41:54) Autonomous tillage– (0:43:50) Challenges in tillage– (0:45:10) Why tillage is a nice problem– (0:46:55) Mentions monitoring the job– (0:47:40) Using cameras to determine normal function– (0:48:58) How to use deep learning in tilling– (0:50:42) Getting into other areas like construction at John Deere– (0:51:41) Fully automated farms?– (0:55:36) Harvesting will be the last task to be automated– (0:57:45) What’s the progression of automating tasks on the farm?– (0:59:32) Hydroponic farming?– (1:05:07) Future at Blue River– (1:09:01) Integrating with John Deere– (1:17:57) Allocating space in new designs– (1:22:38) Advice for a new graduate– (1:27:46) Wrapping upSOCIAL:– Twitter: https://twitter.com/sense_think_act}– Discourse: https://discourse.ros.org/c/sensethinkact/71}

July 14, 20231 hr 36 min

Drones on the Ceiling: An Exciting New Era in Indoor Security?

In this episode of the Sense Think Act Podcast, we chat with Amit Moran and Doron Ben David from Indoor Robotics. We discuss their unique approach to indoor drones, exploring topics like ceiling docking, indoor navigation, and the role of drones in indoor security and maintenance. We also touch on the challenges they’ve faced, their business model, and their vision for the future. It’s a thoughtful conversation that offers a peek into the world of indoor robotics.If you’re enjoying the podcast, please consider donating to help us keep it going:https://donorbox.org/sense–think–act–podcastEPISODE LINKS:– Indoor Robotics’ website: https://www.indoor–robotics.com/}– Doron Ben David’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doronbd/}– Amit Moran’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amitmoran/}– Indoor Robotics’ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/indoorrobotics/}PODCAST INFO:– Podcast website: https://sensethinkact.com}– Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sense–think–act/id1582090036}– Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/52wK4oMDvgijRk6E82tC5d}– RSS: https://sensethinkact.com/itunes.xml}– Full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/c/SenseThinkActPodcast}– Clips: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChfnCpNwZzYtZ32J–pZvNDg}OUTLINE:– (0:00:00) Start– (0:00:44) Introducing Doron, Amit, and Indoor Robotics– (0:04:00) Docking on the ceiling– (0:08:04) Why on the ceiling?– (0:11:21) Charging and data– (0:15:51) Why bring a drone inside?– (0:20:46) Downsides of using a drone– (0:23:55) Networking challenges– (0:25:44) Dealing with changing environments– (0:29:08) Dealing with doors– (0:30:17) Price– (0:35:26) Business model– (0:38:32) Company size– (0:39:00) Growing into different markets– (0:45:30) Tech stack– (0:48:20) Customers– (0:50:43) More about the pricing model– (0:54:28) Part shortages– (0:57:17) Manufacturing– (1:00:47) Choosing a manufacturer– (1:04:14) Manufacturing in Israel– (1:08:53) Funding– (1:14:07) Deployments– (1:15:16) Managing a growing team– (1:23:05) Future plans– (1:29:32) Advice for entrepreneurs– (1:34:52) Links or contact infoSOCIAL:– Twitter: https://twitter.com/sense_think_act}– Discourse: https://discourse.ros.org/c/sensethinkact/71}

June 9, 20231 hr 36 min

Simulate What You Want and Not What You Don't with Gazebo

In this episode of the Sense Think Act Podcast, host Audrow Nash interviews Louise Poubel, former lead of the Gazebo project and current Simulation Lead of Zipline. The conversation covers a range of topics, including the role of Gazebo, an open–source 3D robotics simulator, its comparison to other simulators, and its efforts to be more accessible to beginners. They also discuss the use of simulation in Machine Learning and Reinforcement Learning, the challenges in the field of simulation, and its application with physical robots. Louise shares her insights on the future of robotics, the importance of open–source projects, and the lessons she’s learned from her experiences.If you’re enjoying the podcast, please consider donating to help us keep it going:https://donorbox.org/sense–think–act–podcastEPISODE LINKS:– Louise’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louise–poubel/}– Gazebo’s website: https://gazebosim.org/home}– Zipline’s website: https://flyzipline.com/}PODCAST INFO:– Podcast website: https://sensethinkact.com}– Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sense–think–act/id1582090036}– Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/52wK4oMDvgijRk6E82tC5d}– RSS: https://sensethinkact.com/itunes.xml}– Full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/c/SenseThinkActPodcast}– Clips: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChfnCpNwZzYtZ32J–pZvNDg}OUTLINE:– (0:00:00) Start– (0:01:29) Introducing Louise Poubel– (0:04:06) Introducing Gazebo– (0:06:11) Clearing up Gazebo naming– (0:10:42) Gazebo’s Garden release– (0:20:24) Prioritizing what goes in a Gazebo release + working with the community– (0:26:17) How does Gazebo compare to other simulators?– (0:30:37) Gazebo’s plugin architecture– (0:36:19) Making Gazebo beginner friendly– (0:40:11) Gazebo as a “Generic simulator”– (0:46:55) Simulation for Machine Learning and Reinforcement Learning– (0:52:42) Gazebo and the web– (0:59:24) Hard Challenges in simulation– (1:08:51) How simulation can be used with physical robots– (1:10:49) Lessons learned from leading Gazebo– (1:14:56) Why Open Source?– (1:16:15) Moving to Zipline– (1:24:21) How to learning Gazebo– (1:31:47) Future of robotics– (1:35:49) Trying GazeboSOCIAL:– Twitter: https://twitter.com/sense_think_act}– Discourse: https://discourse.ros.org/c/sensethinkact/71}

May 8, 20231 hr 9 min

How is Nvidia Betting Big on Reinforcement Learning for Robot Control?

In this episode of the Sense Think Act Podcast, we’re joined by Amit Goel, Head of Embedded Edge AI Product Management and Robotics Ecosystem at Nvidia. Amit shares his insights on the challenges and promise of robotics, Nvidia’s approach to business, and the future of robotics and Nvidia. Tune in to learn about the value of business school, reinforcement learning, and where early adopters should start.If you’re enjoying the podcast, please consider donating to help us keep it going:https://donorbox.org/sense–think–act–podcastEPISODE LINKS:– Amit Goel’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amit–goel–759146a/}– NVIDIA’s website: https://www.nvidia.com/en–us/}PODCAST INFO:– Podcast website: https://sensethinkact.com}– Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sense–think–act/id1582090036}– Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/52wK4oMDvgijRk6E82tC5d}– RSS: https://sensethinkact.com/itunes.xml}– Full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/c/SenseThinkActPodcast}– Clips: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChfnCpNwZzYtZ32J–pZvNDg}OUTLINE:– (0:00:00) Start– (0:08:43) Value of Business School– (0:11:01) Being Leaders in Fundamental Technology– (0:20:19) Nvidia’s Approach to Business– (0:24:26) The Challenges and Promise of Robotics– (0:28:23) Omniverse and Physics Simulation– (0:35:35) Reinforcement Learning– (0:39:43) Making a Bet on Reinforcement Learning for Control– (0:47:14) GPUs– (0:51:40) Working With the ROS 2 Community– (0:56:07) Future of Robotics and Nvidia– (1:01:33) Advice for Person Starting their Career– (1:04:35) Where Should Early Adopters Start?– (1:07:14) Links and Contact InfoSOCIAL:– Twitter: https://twitter.com/sense_think_act}– Discourse: https://discourse.ros.org/c/sensethinkact/71}

April 14, 20231 hr 48 min

Production-ready Robotics: How to Move Fast and Not Destroy Your Robot

In this episode of the Sense Think Act Podcast, we are joined by Andreas Bihlmaier, Head of Robotics Software Architecture at Intrinsic, for an in–depth discussion on the future of robotics. We explore a range of topics, including the development of adaptive robotics software, the potential of cloud robotics, the concept of robot app stores, and the challenges of testing robots in real–world production environments. Throughout the conversation, Andreas shares his expert insights and sheds light on the innovative technologies that are shaping the next generation of robotics. Tune in to gain valuable knowledge from one of the industry’s foremost thought leaders.If you’re enjoying the podcast, please consider donating to help us keep it going:https://donorbox.org/sense–think–act–podcastEPISODE LINKS:– Andreas Bihlmaier’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreas–bihlmaier/}– Andreas Bihlmaier’s new book: Robotics for Programmers: https://www.manning.com/books/robotics–for–programmers}– Intrinsic’s website: https://intrinsic.ai/}– ABB’s website (Andreas’ previous employer): https://new.abb.com/products/robotics}PODCAST INFO:– Podcast website: https://sensethinkact.com}– Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sense–think–act/id1582090036}– Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/52wK4oMDvgijRk6E82tC5d}– RSS: https://sensethinkact.com/itunes.xml}– Full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/c/SenseThinkActPodcast}– Clips: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChfnCpNwZzYtZ32J–pZvNDg}OUTLINE:– (0:00:00) Start– (0:01:19) Introducing Andreas– (0:07:39) What does a Chief Software Architect do?– (0:14:05) Coming to ABB– (0:22:12) Planning for new technology to advance– (0:30:10) Serverless Robots?– (0:43:42) Robotics and other technologies– (0:50:21) Growth of the Robotics Community– (0:54:18) Robot App store?– (1:01:43) Tesla bot?– (1:06:45) Human in the loop for startups?– (1:13:55) Reinforcement Learning in Robotics– (1:22:56) Testing Robots and how it’s different than other software– (1:43:22) Learning about testing– (1:45:34) Advice for those early in their career– (1:47:10) Getting in touchSOCIAL:– Twitter: https://twitter.com/sense_think_act}– Discourse: https://discourse.ros.org/c/sensethinkact/71}

March 24, 20231 hr 36 min

How to Have a Strong ROI for Customers: Lessons From a Floor Scrubbing Robot

In this insightful episode, we chat with Pablo Molina from Avidbots about their floor scrubbing robot, which is making a notable impact on the cleaning industry. Discover how this autonomous machine offers enhanced efficiencies by navigating tight spaces without a human driver, while also providing an impressive 6–month ROI. Pablo shares the thoughtful design approach that went into creating this advanced robot and explains the error–checking software that helps minimize failure time. Join us for this engaging conversation as we explore how Avidbots is contributing to the evolution of cleaning operations with their floor scrubbing robot, offering a blend of cost–effectiveness and efficiency in facility maintenance.If you’re enjoying the podcast, please consider donating to help us keep it going:https://donorbox.org/sense–think–act–podcastEPISODE LINKS:– Avidbots’ website: https://avidbots.com/}– Pablo Molina’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pablomolinacabrera/}– Pablo Molina’s email: mailto:pablo@avidbots.com}PODCAST INFO:– Podcast website: https://sensethinkact.com}– Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sense–think–act/id1582090036}– Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/52wK4oMDvgijRk6E82tC5d}– RSS: https://sensethinkact.com/itunes.xml}– Full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/c/SenseThinkActPodcast}– Clips: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChfnCpNwZzYtZ32J–pZvNDg}OUTLINE:– (0:00:00) Start– (0:00:38) Introducing Pablo and Avidbots– (0:01:48) Introducing Neo– (0:06:22) Why not build a device humans can comfortably use?– (0:10:37) Major challenges– (0:17:20) Handling connectivity issues– (0:19:23) Evil edge cases– (0:22:07) Choosing the Intel Realsense depth camera– (0:26:48) Moving towards vision instead of LIDAR– (0:34:14) Explaining cleaning zones– (0:37:01) Coverage problem– (0:49:17) Deep learning– (0:56:48) Will Data be a moat for bigger companies?– (1:01:40) Building their cleaning robot– (1:07:50) Funding + Business model– (1:15:02) Manufacturing– (1:19:12) Using open source software– (1:22:07) Industries in robotics that are big but not getting much attention– (1:30:38) Advice for entrepreneurs– (1:35:32) Links and contact infoSOCIAL:– Twitter: https://twitter.com/sense_think_act}– Discourse: https://discourse.ros.org/c/sensethinkact/71}