TechFirst with John Koetsier

John Koetsier
TechFirst with John Koetsier

Tech that is changing the world. Innovators who are shaping the future. Deep discussions with diverse leaders from Silicon Valley giants and scrappy global startups. Plus some short monologues based on my Forbes columns.

  1. JUN 10

    IBM's Starling quantum computer: 20,000X faster than today's quantum computers

    IBM has just unveiled its boldest quantum computing roadmap yet: Starling, the first large-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computer—coming in 2029. Capable of running 20,000X more operations than today’s quantum machines, Starling could unlock breakthroughs in chemistry, materials science, and optimization. According to IBM, this is not just a pie-in-the-sky roadmap: they actually have the ability to make Starling happen. In this exclusive conversation, I speak with Jerry Chow, IBM Fellow and Director of Quantum Systems, about the engineering breakthroughs that are making this possible ... especially a radically more efficient error correction code and new multi-layered qubit architectures. We cover: - The shift from millions of physical qubits to manageable logical qubits - Why IBM is using quantum low-density parity check (qLDPC) codes - How modular quantum systems (like Kookaburra and Cockatoo) will scale the technology - Real-world quantum-classical hybrid applications already happening today - Why now is the time for developers to start building quantum-native algorithms 00:00 Introduction to the Future of Computing 01:04 IBM's Jerry Chow 01:49 Quantum Supremacy 02:47 IBM's Quantum Roadmap 04:03 Technological Innovations in Quantum Computing 05:59 Challenges and Solutions in Quantum Computing 09:40 Quantum Processor Development 14:04 Quantum Computing Applications and Future Prospects 20:41 Personal Journey in Quantum Computing 24:03 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    24 min
  2. APR 22

    Inside the race to build humanoid robots with Apptronik CEO Jeff Cardenas

    How will we scale humanoid robot product to hundreds of thousands and millions of units? In this TechFirst we do a deep dive with Apptronik CEO Jeff Cardenas. We chat about Apptronik's Apollo, his recent $400M+ funding round, the partnership with manufacturing giant Jabil, and much more. We also talk about innovations in AI that have accelerated robot learning and dexterous manipulation, the challenge of scaling manufacturing, and Apptronik's future vision. 🎙️ Podcast Summary: Topic: The future of humanoid robotics, funding, manufacturing, and the global AI arms race Guest: Jeff Cardenas, CEO of Apptronik 🦾 Apollo Robot Updates • Apollo 1 debuted in 2023; new versions are coming in 2025 with major upgrades. • Focus areas: larger batteries, swappable parts, improved actuators, and system robustness. • Push toward dexterous manipulation, not just lifting boxes—real industrial work. 💰 $403 Million Funding Round • Grew from $350M with new investments from Mercedes, Google (DeepMind), B Capital, Capital Factory, and others. • Mercedes’ legacy of precision and design deeply inspires Cardenas. • Funding will fuel scaling, robustness, and manufacturing partnerships. 🏭 Manufacturing Strategy • New partnership with global manufacturing giant Jabil. • Learning from Jabil to avoid premature scaling pitfalls. • Long-term plan includes building out their own capability in Texas and Mexico. • Manufacturing flexibility is key amid tariff and geopolitical uncertainty. 🌍 The Global Race: US vs. China • Over 100 humanoid robotics companies worldwide; US and China dominate. • China has invested $138B+ into domestic robotics, outpacing the rest of the world in deployment. • Cardenas calls it the “Space Race of Our Time”, emphasizing urgency and national strategy. 📅 Roadmap for Humanoids • 2025: Proving commercial viability in industrial/logistics environments. • 2026+: Volume manufacturing begins for industrial use. • Phase 2: Retail, healthcare, hospitality. • Phase 3 (5+ years): Elder care and home robots — Cardenas’ personal North Star. 🧠 Vision & Ethics • “Robots for Humans” isn’t just branding—it’s a human-centered design philosophy. • Deep partnership with Google DeepMind ensures AI is developed responsibly. • Apptronik’s mission: build robots that people want around, not fear. 💡 Soundbites • “You don’t just build the robot. You build the machine that builds the machine.” • “We want to be the Apple of robots—designed for people.” • “This is the 1980s of humanoid robots—but innovation is 10x faster.” 00:00 Introduction to Humanoid Robot Innovation 00:31 Apron's Recent Achievements and Funding 01:23 Interview with Apptronik CEO, Jeff Cardenas 01:46 Advancements in Apollo Humanoid Robot 03:47 Challenges in Scaling Robotics 07:56 Future Plans and Human-Centered Robotics 10:35 Global Race and Investment in Robotics 20:03 Meeting Howard Morgan and B Capital 20:41 Inspiration from Mercedes-Benz and Steve Jobs 22:02 Global Investors and Supporters 23:37 Manufacturing Challenges and Strategies 29:36 The Global Race in Humanoid Robotics 35:39 Timetable for Humanoid Robots 39:57 The Future of Humanoid Robots in Elder Care 42:22 Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts

    43 min
  3. FEB 19

    Massive Microsoft quantum computer breakthrough via entirely new state of matter (!!!)

    Microsoft just announced a massive quantum computer breakthrough that uses an entirely new state of matter. The new quantum computer uses topological superconductors to create stable qubits with low error rates. Topological superconductors enable stable qubits by utilizing Majorana zero modes to protect quantum information from decoherence. The result: Microsoft should have a fault-tolerant usable quantum computer this decade. As in, before 2030. In this TechFirst, we talk with Microsoft's head of quantum hardware, Chetan Nayak, who has been working on solving this problem for literally 19 years, and he talks us through the technology and what it means for quantum computer. He explains the methods to measure this new state non-destructively, the novel architecture that leverages it, and Microsoft's ambitious roadmap towards building a fault-tolerant quantum computer within this decade. The conversation delves into potential future applications, the integration of this technology into global data infrastructures, and the transformative possibilities it holds for various fields, including chemistry, materials science, and beyond. 00:00 Introduction to Fault Tolerant Quantum Computing 00:48 Understanding the New Phase of Matter: Topological Superconducto r02:10 Properties and Applications of Superconductors 03:11 Creating and Engineering Topological Superconductors 05:16 The Significance of Topological Superconductors for Qubits 09:54 Measuring Quantum States with Quantum Dots 13:03 Building and Testing Quantum Devices 19:43 Future Roadmap for Quantum Processors 19:53 Unveiling the Quantum Roadmap 20:34 DARPA Collaboration and Engineering Milestones 21:23 Fabrication and Demonstration of the Eight Qubit Processor 21:43 Accelerating Quantum Progress 23:22 Scaling Quantum Computers for Practical Applications 27:04 The Long Journey of Quantum Research at Microsoft 33:24 Future Prospects and Challenges in Quantum Computing 38:10 Quantum Computing's Role in Addressing Global Issues 42:32 Reflections on a 19-Year Journey

    43 min
  4. FEB 15

    Europe's answer to humanoid robots: 'best in world' coming this June

    What humanoid robots is Europe working on? There are maybe 100 humanoid robot companies on the planet, and 16 major ones, but none in Europe according to Peter Diamandis' recent report. That might just have changed. Neura Robotics out of Germany is working on the third generation of its 4NE-1 robot and CEO David Reger says in June they'll be releasing it. And it should be the best humanoid robot on the planet, he says. In this TechFirst we sit down and chat about Europe's answer to humanoid robots, and what Reger sees as a significantly pro-social and pro-human means to bring AI and robotics into the world. We discover how Neuro Robotics is innovating with their upcoming Gen 3 humanoid robot, 4NE-1, learn about their unique approach to robotics, including responsive AI, real-time data streaming, and the development of a sensitive robotic skin. We also explore the future of work, the race against global competitors, and what AI-driven humanoid robots mean for society. 00:00 European Humanoid Robots 01:09 The Concept of 'For Anyone' Robots 01:46 Rapid Innovation and Development 06:29 Challenges in Humanoid Robotics 09:02 Neuro Robotics' Unique Approach 17:53 Collaborative Market Strategy 19:55 Teasing the Third Generation Robot 20:10 Challenges in Robot Sensing and Interaction 20:50 Innovations in Robot Skin and Sensors 22:59 Speed and Agility in Robotics 25:38 The Global Race in Robotics 28:46 The Future of Humanoid Robots 31:45 Balancing Technology and Society 34:03 The Role of AI and Robotics in Human Life 38:27 Concluding Thoughts and Vision

    39 min
4.8
out of 5
5 Ratings

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Tech that is changing the world. Innovators who are shaping the future. Deep discussions with diverse leaders from Silicon Valley giants and scrappy global startups. Plus some short monologues based on my Forbes columns.

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