Are Ultra-Realistic Robots the Answer to Loneliness?
And just how close to sci-fi like Westworld or Terminator are we, really?
The world is changing quicker than we can keep up. Luckily, I’m speaking to the people at the very bleeding edge of this change, making it happen.
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In this episode, I’m joined by Andrew Kiguel, CEO of Realbotix, the company building what might be the most realistic humanoid robots in the world.
Andrew explains why Realbotix isn’t focused on robots that walk, cook, or do backflips, but on something far more human: connection, companionship, and emotional wellbeing.
We explore:
- Why companionship may be the biggest market in AI
- Whether AI relationships can be “real”
- The ethics of human-like robots and emotional attachment
- Loneliness, mental health, and ageing populations
- Why ultra-realistic design matters more than raw intelligence
- The difference between assistive technology and replacement
- Where the line is between innovation, discomfort, and progress
Andrew also shares his journey from investment banking and Bitcoin mining to humanoid robotics, and why he believes we’re still years away from a true Westworld, but much closer than people think to robots becoming part of everyday life.
This isn’t just a conversation about sci-fi fantasies.
It’s about what it really means to be human in an age of intelligent machines.
And I hope you enjoy it!
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Have a great week - and feel free to pop your thoughts and guest suggestions into the comments below!
Rich Leigh xo