Robots aren’t coming “someday“,  they’re already building the world around you. 

In this final episode of our Tech Inspired Physical AI & Robotics series, Andie Zhang joins Priska Burkard for a grounded, eye-opening conversation on the real future of robotics – beyond the viral humanoid headlines. 

From collaborative robots assembling your everyday products to AI-powered automation transforming factories, labs, and logistics, Andie takes us inside the world where physical AI is already driving impact at scale. 

And spoiler – the future of robotics isn’t just about machines, it’s about people. 

In this episode, we unpack: 

– What physical AI actually means beyond the buzzwords 

– Why industrial robots are evolving faster than most people realise 

– The hidden challenges behind “smart” robots – from precision to trust 

– How AI is changing manufacturing, automation, and the future of work 

– Why diversity and human-centred design are critical to building better technology 

And perhaps most importantly: 

👉 Automation is not only about replacing tasks. 

👉 It’s about empowering humans to focus on more meaningful work. 

👉 And building technology that works with people – not against them. 

Andie also shares her own unconventional path into robotics – from engineering to business, product strategy, and global innovation leadership – proving there’s no single way into tech. 

Whether you’re curious about robotics, exploring a future in AI, or wondering how physical AI will reshape industries over the next decade, this episode gives you a sharp, realistic, and surprisingly human perspective on what’s next. 

🎧 Tune in for a conversation that cuts through the hype and gets real about the opportunities, challenges, and responsibilities of building the future. 

🔗 Connect with Andie Zhang on Linkedin and follow her work. 

🤖 This episode closes our focus series on Physical AI & Robotics. 

Over the past weeks, we’ve spoken with leading experts, founders, researchers, and innovators shaping the future of intelligent machines – bringing you the hottest takes, practical insights, and real-world perspectives on what comes next. 

Did you catch the previous episodes?