The tech world is evolving rapidly and the next frontier seems to be Physical AI or Embodied AI. Intelligence is not just software-based in the new frontier. Intelligence is in fact embedded in physical robots. California-based Startup Vayu Robotics is working in the same director. It was founded in 2022 by a team of ex-Apple engineers from India: Mahesh Krishnamurthi, Anand Gopalan, and Nitish Srivastava.
The mission of Vayu Robotics is captured in its name. Vayu means intelligence behind all motion and energy in Sanskrit. It is backed by a couple of corporate investors such as Khosla Ventures, Lockheed Martin Ventures and ReMY Investors.
Krishnamurthi is the Chief Product Officer of the company and is equipped with years of experience. He has a background in deep tech and includes stints at Intel Labs, Apple and Lyft. He has spent years working on autonomous systems and optoelectronics. He has experience in LiDAR technology.
One of the key areas where Vayu Robotics is making a difference is in safety. Krishnamurthi pointed out that if autonomy is ever to make it into the world and gain trust and credibility among the people, then it has to start at a very safe spot. He added that their approach involves reducing the mass and speed of its robots to result in lowering kinetic energy levels. The reduction in kinetic energy inherently enhances safety and makes the robots a more trustworthy addition to public spaces.
Safety is not the only focus. Vayu Robotics is simultaneously handling cost challenge of sensors and other accessories. However, the innovation is crucial because it makes advanced robotic systems more accessible and scalable.