Robots, Humans, and the Future We Build Together

A Conversation with Guy Altagar, CEO and Co-Founder of Unlimited Robotics

I've always been obsessed with physical robots and machines. Back in the day, I dabbled a bit in embedded coding and soldering, but my career ultimately took me in a different direction. Still, the fascination never left me, especially with robots like R2D2 and C3PO. One is a humanoid communicator, the other a utilitarian workhorse, each designed for a distinct role. It makes me wonder: What does the future hold for real-world robots? Will they specialize like in Star Wars, or will we have truly versatile machines that can adapt to multiple tasks?

The world of robotics has long promised futuristic helpers to take the burden off humans. Industrial robots have transformed manufacturing, but truly adaptable robots for everyday environments, especially dynamic places like hospitals, have remained elusive. Until now.

Unlimited Robotics, an Israeli startup, is tackling one of healthcare’s biggest challenges: staff shortages and burnout. Their robot, Gary, is a multi-functional AI-powered machine capable of handling various hospital tasks, from transporting medical supplies to interacting with patients.

With a recent $5 million seed round and successful deployments in some of Israel’s largest medical centers, Unlimited Robotics believes that intelligent, adaptable robots are no longer just science fiction.

To explore where this revolution is headed, I spoke with Guy Altagar, CEO and Co-Founder of Unlimited Robotics.

Aron: Guy, what experiences led you to venture into the field of robotics ?

Guy: My journey into robotics was born out of a blend of curiosity and a firsthand encounter with inefficiencies in critical industries like healthcare. While my academic and professional background in law and economics taught me to scrutinize systems for gaps and bottlenecks, it was my entrepreneurial drive that pushed me to explore technology as a means of resolving these issues. I saw a tremendous opportunity to leverage robotics to address real-world challenges, especially in hospitals, where every saved minute translates into better patient care.

Along the way, I realized that traditional systems weren’t keeping up with the demands of modern healthcare. So, instead of waiting for someone else to bridge that gap, I decided to roll up my sleeves and dive into robotics. And yes, while the idea of a robot that could fetch coffee was amusing at first, it quickly evolved into a serious mission: creating Gary, a versatile assistant that can ease the daily pressures faced by healthcare professionals.

Aron: What makes Gary different from other robots?

Guy: Gary is engineered with flexibility at its core. Rather than being pigeonholed into one task, he’s designed as a modular system, equipped with a suite of advanced sensors and adaptive AI that allow him to tackle everything from transporting medical supplies to engaging with patients. This integration of hardware and smart software sets him apart from single-purpose devices, enabling him to navigate complex, dynamic environments like hospitals with ease.

The technical challenges, however, are significant. Balancing a broad range of functionalities without sacrificing reliability demands innovations in sensor fusion and real-time decision-making. Essentially, it’s like teaching a robot to juggle multiple balls at once, except these “balls” are critical tasks in a fast-paced healthcare setting. We’re continuously refining Gary’s systems to ensure he remains both dependable and versatile, even under the pressure of a bustling hospital floor.

Aron: In AI, there’s been a debate following Richard Sutton’s idea of The Bitter Lesson, which suggests that brute-force learning from massive datasets outperforms hand-crafted solutions. Do you believe the future of robotics lies in large, generalist AI models that learn from mountains of data, or do you see more potential in specialized, task-focused AI for robotics? And on the hardware front, do you see general purpose humanoid robots replacing task specific robots?

Guy: ?I see enormous value in both approaches, and the optimal path likely lies in a hybrid strategy. Large, generalist AI models offer scalability and adaptability by processing vast amounts of data to recognize complex patterns, which is invaluable for tasks that evolve over time. At the same time, specialized, task-focused AI can be finely tuned to perform specific functions with exceptional precision, exactly what’s needed for healthcare.

As for hardware, while the allure of general-purpose humanoid robots is strong (and they do make for great movie stars), the reality is that task-specific robots currently deliver unmatched reliability and efficiency. Our focus is on complementing human capabilities rather than mimicking them entirely. In other words, while a humanoid might be a hit at a sci-fi convention, the practicality of a purpose-driven assistant like Gary is what will continue to drive real-world impact.

Aron: How is Gary changing the role of nurses and healthcare staff?

Guy: From our experience, Gary acts as a force multiplier rather than a job replacer. He handles routine, time-consuming tasks, like transporting supplies or running errands, allowing nurses and healthcare professionals to devote more energy to patient care and critical decision-making. This not only boosts productivity but also helps alleviate some of the burnout associated with high-stress environments.

Moreover, our philosophy is to enhance, not replace, human expertise. Many hospital staff have expressed relief at having a dependable "robot colleague" who never calls in sick and can operate 24/7. And while Gary might not share in the hospital’s coffee breaks, he certainly keeps the workflow smooth and efficient, letting humans focus on the compassionate side of care that no machine can replicate.

Aron: Where do you see robotic assistants making the biggest impact in the coming decade?

Guy: Our long-term vision is to transform the way robotics integrate into everyday life, moving from a niche technology to an indispensable tool across multiple sectors. While our initial focus has been healthcare, addressing staff shortages and operational inefficiencies, the core technology behind Gary is highly adaptable. We foresee applications expanding into areas like logistics, manufacturing, hospitality, and even home assistance.

In the coming decade, I anticipate robotic assistants will become ubiquitous, seamlessly blending into our daily routines and enhancing productivity and quality of life. I Imagine a future where each industry has a tailored robotic solution, one that not only takes care of mundane tasks but also collaborates intelligently with human teams.

And, if nothing else, it might mean that your house will eventually have a helpful assistant who never forgets to water your plants or tell you a good joke when you need a pick-me-up.

Aron: If we were to look ten years into the future, how do you envision the role of robots in society??

Guy: I envision personal robots becoming a familiar part of both our homes and workplaces. While we might not all have a Gary exactly replicating today’s model, the ecosystem of robotic assistants is poised to diversify, each tailored to specific needs and environments. The technology will continue to evolve, driven by advancements in AI, sensors, and human-machine interaction.

Mass adoption will hinge on factors such as affordability, reliability, and clear demonstrations of value. As these hurdles are overcome, we can expect robotic helpers to transition from futuristic novelties to practical, everyday tools.??

Final Note

Looking back at my early fascination with machines and robots, I was captivated by the idea of machines that could work alongside us, making life easier. Star Wars painted that vision vividly: C3PO, the humanoid communicator, and R2D2, the adaptable workhorse, each with a distinct role, not replacing humans but complementing them.

That same balance is at the heart of real-world robotics today. Gary is here to assist, to relieve the burden of mundane tasks so that nurses, doctors, and caregivers can focus on what they do best - caring for people.?

So, the question isn’t just about specialization versus versatility. It’s about how they fit into the human experience, how they enhance, not replace, the qualities that make us human.

The future of robotics, according to Guy, isn’t just about smarter machines; it’s about creating technology that understands and supports us - and that, to me, is an exciting future to look forward to.