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 and follow her work.

🤖 This episode closes our April 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?