Dr. Tessa Lau is an experienced entrepreneur with expertise in AI, machine learning, and robotics. She is currently Founder/CEO at Dusty Robotics, whose mission is to create robot-powered tools for the modern construction workforce. Prior to Dusty, she was CTO/co-founder at Savioke, where she orchestrated the deployment of 75+ delivery robots into hotels and high-rises. Previously, Dr. Lau was a Research Scientist at Willow Garage, where she developed simple interfaces for personal robots. She also spent 11 years at IBM Research working in business process automation and knowledge capture. More generally, Dr. Lau is interested in developing technology that gives people super-powers, and building businesses that bring that technology into people’s lives. Dr. Lau holds a PhD in Computer Science from the University of Washington.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:23 First Wow Moment in Robotics

01:24 Willow Garage and Robots for Humanity

03:34 Lessons from Savio Robotics

05:24 Founding Dusty Robotics

06:39 Challenges in Construction Layout

10:31 Early Successes and Failures

22:06 AI and Robotics

36:20 Leadership and Company Culture

42:22 Hiring Challenges in Construction Tech

43:33 Teaching Resiliency in Startups

45:45 Fundraising and Venture Capital Insights

47:22 The Pace of Robotics and AI

50:25 Universal Basic Income and AI's Impact on Jobs

52:33 The Importance of Business in Robotics

55:07 The Future of Robotics and Industry

01:02:14 Founding Dusty Robotics and Early Challenges

01:15:29 Learning from Field Workers and Customers

01:29:03 Exciting Future of AI and Robotics