Robotics has yet to reach a breakthrough comparable to ChatGPT’s arrival in 2022, according to Amulya Vishwanath, founder and managing partner of venture capital firm Techable Ventures. The former Nvidia executive believes the industry remains focused on developing essential hardware and software components before more advanced general-purpose robots can become widely available.
Speaking on TechCrunch’s Equity podcast, Vishwanath described the current stage of robotics development as the “LEGO era.” She explained that companies are still redesigning foundational technologies needed to build increasingly capable autonomous machines.
Robotics Companies Focus on Building Essential Components
Vishwanath said developers are working on robotic hands, actuators, control software, and other components that will eventually support more advanced systems. Actuators are mechanical devices that convert energy into movement, allowing robots to manipulate objects and perform physical tasks.
These components are being developed for both general-purpose and specialized robots, which require different combinations of hardware and software. Vishwanath believes improving these building blocks is necessary before robotic systems can perform a wider range of tasks reliably.
She compared the development process with earlier periods of technological progress, including the expansion of the internet and the Industrial Revolution. Both involved years of foundational development before their technologies became more widely adopted.
The discussion comes as robotics companies pursue physical AI, which combines artificial intelligence with machines capable of interacting with their surroundings. Unlike conventional AI applications that process digital information, physical AI systems must also account for movement, mechanical limitations, and changing environmental conditions.
Techable Ventures Focuses on Physical AI Startups
Vishwanath founded Techable Ventures after spending nearly seven years at Nvidia, where she worked in product marketing for robotics and AI technologies. Before joining Nvidia, she held a similar position at a company later acquired by Intel and worked as a digital signal processing engineer at Interconnect Systems, which was subsequently acquired by Molex.
Her venture capital firm focuses on early-stage companies developing physical AI and related technologies. According to its official website, Techable Ventures invests in startups at the pre-seed, seed, and selected Series A stages, including companies working in robotics, materials science, and life sciences.
Competition for AI Talent Remains a Challenge
Vishwanath also identified access to specialized talent as an important factor affecting robotics startups. She said smaller companies face competition for experienced researchers and engineers from established technology businesses, including Anthropic and Nvidia.
She believes the United States continues to benefit from its concentration of technical talent, although attracting experienced professionals remains difficult for emerging companies. Vishwanath said her professional network, developed through years in engineering and AI, helps Techable Ventures connect founders with potential employees and industry specialists.
The firm uses those relationships to support its portfolio companies as they develop and commercialize their technologies. Vishwanath described that access to talent as one of the main advantages she offers startup founders.
Featured image credits: Magnific.com
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