Amulya Vishwanath, former product marketing lead for NVIDIA’s robotics platforms, has launched Techable VC to invest in physical AI startups. She focuses on companies working beyond traditional robotics, including materials science, life sciences, and factory automation. Vishwanath shared her views on the evolving physical AI landscape in a recent TechCrunch Equity podcast episode.
Vishwanath described robotics as being in its “Lego era,” where fundamental components like actuators, robotic hands, and safety standards are still being rebuilt. She challenges the notion that robotics will soon experience a "ChatGPT moment" driven by a general foundation model, emphasizing instead the broader scope of physical AI. Her firm targets startups addressing significant challenges such as labor shortages in family-run factories and surgeon burnout through what she calls “conscious automation.”
Physical AI, according to Vishwanath, encompasses more than robots; it includes molecules, materials, medicines, and machines on factory lines. This perspective expands the traditional robotics market, highlighting opportunities in diverse sectors. Vishwanath’s approach contrasts with others who expect a single foundation model to dominate robotics, underscoring the complexity and specialization still required in the field.
Techable VC represents one of the first early-stage firms led by a woman executive spun out of NVIDIA, with Vishwanath encouraging founders to view their venture capital partners as strategic moats. The full discussion on physical AI and investment strategies is available on TechCrunch’s Equity podcast.