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Interview with Dr. Yehuda Elmaliah, Co-founder and CEO of Cogniteam

Published

7 months ago

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Interview with Dr. Yehuda Elmaliah, Co-founder and CEO of Cogniteam

“We strive for is to see companies rapidly build and program their robotics platforms, allowing greater time to focus on developing their unique intellectual property while still meeting market demand.”

Please tell us about your role at Cogniteam and you arrived here?

I am the co-founder and CEO of Cogniteam, which was founded back in 2010. At the time there was a need for enterprises to develop robots, which would allow them to address specific market needs.

In the last 12 years, the space has developed at such an exciting pace, now including enterprises, startups, and even at-home tinkerers. What was once an underground DIY community of robot builders has exploded, powered by greater online resources and applying automation software to today’s robotics, such as with our drag n’ drop Nimbus operating platform.

Prior to co-founding Cogniteam, I earned a Ph.D. in computer science with a concentration in Robotics & AI. I am also the former dean of Computer Science at one of Israel’s largest institutions of higher education, the College of Management and Academic Studies (COMAS)

Please tell us about your recent collaboration with AAEON and how this partnership would transform modern robotics?

Working together with AAEON is truly a meeting of the minds. We have a similar vision of streamlining robotics development and slashing the time needed for companies to deploy their latest products.

AAEON has pre-integrated the Nimbus Robotics Operating system into their hardware. In an exciting developmental leap, engineers can take an OEM’s off-the-shelf computer module and create a commercial product to deploy, manage, and monitor. This rapid pace is achievable without worrying about device interconnectivity and cloud connectivity on a large scale.

Once Nimbus is enabled, developers can access a massive library of field-tested software and AI algorithms to add to their robots including, Nvidia Jetson ISAAC SDKs. This gives teams the capability to skip over the 5-6 years it takes to develop a base hardware and software machine. From ideation to deployment can be achieved in as little as 18 months as engineers go straight to developing their proprietary designs. It also allows robots to gain cloud connectivity and benefit from over-the-air updates.

Thinking of every stage throughout the lifecycle, advanced simulations can be run before the robot has been deployed. Within these simulations, used to test how a robot will operate in the field, Nimbus can make suggestions on the ideal AAEON hardware to use. In addition, it can suggest whether to reduce power consumption or to increase capabilities to meet the developer’s requirements.

What are the major challenges in the robotics development techniques that impact the outcomes of modern integrations?

Great question! I can’t say it enough- modern robotics is all about integrations.

From the hardware perspective, companies and engineers are used to purchasing components from third-party vendors. These can include sensors, GPS, and a whole lot more.

With Software, we’ve seen many companies prefer to redevelop technologies themselves- even starting from scratch on capabilities that have been widely available for some time. The impact of this is a costly development process, lengthy testing, and difficulties in deployment.

Nimbus is all about integration, providing teams with the whole infrastructure from development through deployment and management along with ready-made algorithms that are integration ready.

How do you help robotics teams overcome these developmental challenges at Cogniteam?

We strive for is to see companies rapidly build and program their robotics platforms, allowing greater time to focus on developing their unique intellectual property while still meeting market demand.

Helping robotics teams means ensuring that the latest capabilities are available to them, including the latest hardware. For example, we had early access to the latest Nvidia Orin AGX system that allowed us to test, integrate, and conduct a controlled deployment using this fascinating hardware.

The same goes for location, special recognition, and other softwares that today’s robots demand as a baseline for development.

Could you please tell us more about Cogniteam’s NIMBUS and its relationship with NVIDIA’s Jetson package?

We are very honored to be a trusted Nvidia partner, bringing greater capabilities to their already impressive technologies. This granted us early access to the Jetson AGX Orin, allowing us time to ensure that it would sync with Nimbus, our robotic operating system.

This drag n’ drop system means companies can easily test components which were specifically designed to work harmoniously with the Nvidia Jetson package, including their latest release of the Jetson AGX Orin.

Through Nimbus, developers can rapidly integrate Nvidia ISAAC SDKs to boost the functionality of the robot in real time through localization, object detection, feature tracking, and much more. It also gives these robots cloud connectivity to learn new capabilities or patch software without the robot needing to return to a maintenance facility.

Please tell us what kind of product management technique you use at Cogniteam to deliver continuous improvement in a simulated environment? Do you use any kind of AI or machine learning algorithm to expand on your core offerings?

While we work with some of the world’s largest enterprises, we also recognize the need to remain nimble and functional, serving the needs of both corporate and startup engineers.

One way that we have achieved this is by allowing the simulation to run on a client’s browser without the need for continuous cloud connectivity. The user’s computer downloads the environment and runs the simulation locally, reducing the computing demand and lowering the cost of cloud computing.

The simulation is also ‘smart’, allowing users to configure software with the exact hardware that the robot will be using in the field. This insight is key for engineers who want to know how their actuators, cameras, sensors, etc. will react in various scenarios.

An example of this can be with a simple camera. Nimbus’ simulated environment will consider the environment, hardware, and software to have the simulated robot return an image that is slightly blurry. Teams can then understand if the problem is a result of out-of-date drivers or one of many other factors. The rich environment can then also layer people, objects, traffic lights, moving objects, and even other robots to better understand how a robot will act in a real-world environment.

All this is available on a standard laptop, without the need for a GPU.

What is the future of ethical robotics?

To expect a robot to act either ethically or unethically, it must first understand the normal behavioral patterns for the social environment it is in.

Leading the charge in Human-Robot Interaction (HRI), which will allow robots to understand how to interact with and around humans, Cogniteam is an integral part of Israel’s $17M HRI consortium. This collective of professional and academic organizations will help companies overcome significant roadblocks when building fully autonomous robots.

A simple way of considering how HRI will work is by giving the robots the ability to understand the body language of the humans around it. For example, if a larger robot is moving down a hallway and people are moving around unfazed, it can continue on. If it sees that people’s movements are hesitant, uncomfortable, or avoidant, it can take corrective actions. These may include slowing down, moving aside, or something else that will come off as less intimidating towards the humans around it.

Once these are finalized, these HRI capabilities will be available on Nimbus for instant integration with new and existing AI-driven robots.

Your advice to young robotics engineers looking to adopt to ever-expanding data science technology innovations for various fields, particularly in Cloud and Software development:

My response is always the same. Get out there and get your hands dirty!

There is so much to read and learn but ultimately, there is nothing like the joy and adventure in seeing pieces of hardware come to life. I’ve been doing it for decades and it still excites me.

For young engineers, I recommend getting a simple R&D platform with a few sensors. Learn how they work and consider, what were the technological and practical approaches taken by engineers to bring this concept into reality? How did they get it to work?

Next, learn the main building block algorithms that enable autonomy. Examples of these are localization, mapping (SLAM), navigation, object detection (using neural networks), and anything else that piques your interest to keep you going.

A technology event/ conference/ webinar/ podcast that you would like to attend in 2022-2023:

Dr. Yehuda Elmaliah is a leader in the field of robotics development and human robotics interaction (HRI) with a Ph.D. in computer science- Robotics & AI. Prior to founding the robotics development, deployment, and management company Cogniteam, Dr. Elmaliah was the Dean of Computer Science at one of Israel’s largest institutions of higher education, the College of Management and Academic Studies (COMAS).

Cogniteam Logo

Cogniteam Logo

Cogniteam has been developing artificial intelligence technologies for robots for over ten years, working with blue chip companies on mapping, navigation, and autonomous decision-making. They have now packaged their unique suite of algorithms together as a single product in Nimbus, bringing developers a unique Cloud-based robotic artificial intelligence solution in one easy-to-use place.

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Interviews

Interview with Jack Carlson, Founder of Rowing Blazers: History, Tradition, and Innovation

Published

3 days ago

on

March 27, 2023

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Interview with Jack Carlson, Founder of Rowing Blazers

Table of Contents

Introduction

Jack Carlson is the founder and creative director of Rowing Blazers, a fashion brand that combines classic American style with a contemporary edge. Jack Carlson, a former national team rower, and scholar of history draw inspiration from vintage sportswear and traditional Ivy League fashion. His passion for design and fashion, combined with his unique background. Jack Carlson has resulted in the creation of a brand that stands out in the industry.

Can you tell us about your background and how you became interested in fashion?

I’ve always had a passion for fashion and design, even while pursuing my other interests. I grew up in Connecticut and started rowing at a young age, eventually competing at the national level. While studying history at Harvard, I became interested in the traditional clothing worn by rowers and began to collect vintage rowing blazers. This sparked my interest in fashion and led me to start designing my own clothing. After completing a Ph.D. in archaeology, I decided to pursue fashion full-time and founded Rowing Blazers in 2017.

What inspired you to start Rowing Blazers?

I wanted to create a brand that celebrated the rich history and tradition of American fashion, particularly the preppy style of the Ivy League. At the same time, I wanted to bring a contemporary edge to classic designs and challenge the boundaries of traditional fashion. I was inspired by the vintage rowing blazers that I collected and wanted to create my own versions that were both authentic and modern.

Can you walk us through the design process of creating a new collection?

The design process always starts with research and inspiration. I spend a lot of time looking at vintage clothing, archival photographs, and historical documents to get a sense of the styles and aesthetics of a particular time period or culture. From there, I sketch out ideas and work with my team to refine the designs and select fabrics. We always strive to balance classic elements with modern twists and unexpected details. It’s a collaborative process that involves a lot of trial and error, but we always end up with something that we’re proud of.

How do you stay true to your brand’s identity while also keeping up with current fashion trends?

For us, it’s not about following trends, but rather creating timeless pieces that will never go out of style. Although we draw inspiration from the past, we don’t limit ourselves to it. We’re always looking for ways to innovate and push boundaries while staying true to our brand’s core identity. We’re not interested in fast fashion or disposable clothing – our pieces are meant to last and be treasured for years to come.

Can you tell us about a particular challenge you faced while growing Rowing Blazers and how you overcame it?

One of the biggest challenges we’ve faced is scaling the business while maintaining the quality and craftsmanship that we’re known for. We’ve had to find the right partners and suppliers who share our values and are able to produce our garments to our high standards. We’ve also had to be very strategic about our growth, taking things one step at a time and not rushing into anything too quickly. It’s been a learning process, but we’ve been able to grow the business in a sustainable way that we’re proud of.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to start their own fashion brand?

My advice would be to stay true to your vision and never compromise on quality. It’s also important to be strategic about your growth and not try to do everything at once. Start small and focus on doing one thing really well before expanding. And always be willing to learn and adapt – the fashion industry is constantly changing, so it’s important to be flexible and open to new ideas.

What’s next for Rowing Blazers?

We’re always working on new designs and collaborations, but we’re also focused on expanding our brand beyond just clothing. We want to create a lifestyle brand that encompasses all aspects of American style, from furniture to home decor to travel accessories. We’re excited to continue growing and evolving while staying true to our brand’s identity and values.

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Jack Carlson’s passion for fashion and history has resulted in the creation of a unique and innovative brand that stands out in the industry. His dedication to quality and craftsmanship, as well as his commitment to sustainability, sets Rowing Blazers apart from other fashion brands. To stay up to date with Jack Carlson and Rowing Blazers, you can follow him on LinkedIn.

Liked this interview? Check out this interview with Gracie Cedres

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Interview with Gracie Cedres: Insights on Entrepreneurship and Work-Life Balance

Published

3 days ago

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March 27, 2023

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Interview with Gracie Cedres, Founder of G.R.A.C.E.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Gracie Cedres is the founder and CEO of G.R.A.C.E., a company that provides virtual assistance and project management services to entrepreneurs and small business owners. With a degree in communications, Gracie has always been interested in helping others succeed in their businesses. Her passion for helping entrepreneurs led her to create G.R.A.C.E., which has been helping entrepreneurs and small business owners increase their productivity and profitability. In this interview, Gracie will share more about her journey as an entrepreneur and the success of G.R.A.C.E.

Can you tell us about yourself and your journey as an entrepreneur?

Sure, my name is Gracie Cedres, and I am the founder and CEO of G.R.A.C.E. I have always been interested in helping others, especially entrepreneurs and small business owners, succeed in their businesses. After completing my degree in communications, I worked as a virtual assistant for various entrepreneurs and realized that there was a need for high-quality virtual assistance and project management services. That’s how the idea for G.R.A.C.E. was born, and since then, I have been working hard to help entrepreneurs and small business owners achieve their goals.

How did you come up with the idea for G.R.A.C.E.?

After working as a virtual assistant for several entrepreneurs, the idea for G.R.A.C.E. came to me. I realized that many entrepreneurs were struggling to manage their time effectively and needed high-quality virtual assistance and project management services to help them become more productive and profitable. I saw an opportunity to help entrepreneurs and small business owners by providing them with top-notch virtual assistance and project management services, and that’s how G.R.A.C.E. was born.

What are some of the challenges you faced in starting and growing your business?

One of the biggest challenges I faced in starting and growing my business was finding the right team members. It’s important to have a team that shares your vision and is passionate about what they do. I also faced challenges in marketing my services and reaching out to potential clients. However, I overcame these challenges by networking, building relationships, and creating high-quality content that showcased the value of my services.

What is your vision for G.R.A.C.E. in the next five years?

My vision for G.R.A.C.E. in the next five years is to become the go-to virtual assistance and project management service provider for entrepreneurs and small business owners worldwide. I want to expand my team and services to be able to help more entrepreneurs and small business owners increase their productivity and profitability. I also want to continue building strong relationships with my clients and providing them with top-notch services.

Can you share with us some of your favorite success stories from working with your clients?

One of my favorite success stories is working with a small business owner who was struggling to manage their time effectively. By providing them with virtual assistance and project management services, we were able to help them increase their productivity, improve their marketing strategies, and ultimately grow their business. It’s always fulfilling to see my clients succeed and achieve their goals.

What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs?

My advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to educate themselves and never stop learning. It’s important to constantly learn new skills, stay up to date with industry trends, and seek out new opportunities. It’s also essential to have a strong work ethic, be persistent, and not be afraid to take risks. Don’t let failure discourage you, instead use it as a learning opportunity and keep pushing forward.

How do you maintain a work-life balance as a busy entrepreneur?

Maintaining a work-life balance can be challenging as a busy entrepreneur, but it’s essential for your well-being and the success of your business. One of the things I do is prioritize my tasks and delegate when necessary. I also set aside time for self-care activities like exercise, reading, and spending time with family and friends. It’s also important to know when to disconnect from work and focus on other aspects of your life.

Closing Paragraph

Gracie Cedres is an inspiration to entrepreneurs and small business owners worldwide. Her dedication to helping others and passion for entrepreneurship has led to the success of G.R.A.C.E. With a vision for continued growth and success, Gracie is sure to make an impact in the virtual assistance and project management industry. To learn more about Gracie Cedres and G.R.A.C.E., visit her website and follow her on LinkedIn.

Liked this interview? Check out this interview with Evan Cagner

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Interviews

Interview with Evan Cagner: Insights into the World of Tech and Entrepreneurship

Published

3 days ago

on

March 27, 2023

By

Interview with Evan Cagner, CEO of TechBlue

Table of Contents

Introduction

Evan Cagner is the founder and CEO of TechBlue, a company that provides managed IT services to businesses of all sizes. Evan has over 15 years of experience in the tech industry and has helped numerous businesses grow by leveraging technology. He is a thought leader and innovator in the IT industry, with a keen eye for emerging trends and technologies. In this interview, Evan Cagner shares his insights into the world of tech and entrepreneurship.

What inspired you to start TechBlue?

I’ve always been passionate about technology and how it can be used to solve business problems. I started my career working for a large IT consulting firm, and I quickly realized that there was a big gap in the market for managed IT services. Small and medium-sized businesses often struggle to keep up with the latest technology trends, and they don’t have the resources to hire full-time IT staff. That’s why I decided to start TechBlue – to help these businesses leverage technology to grow and succeed.

What sets TechBlue apart from other managed IT services companies?

There are a few things that set TechBlue apart from other managed IT services companies. First and foremost, we are incredibly focused on customer service. We believe that building strong relationships with our clients is the key to our success. Second, we have a team of highly skilled technicians who are constantly learning and staying up to date with the latest technologies. Finally, we are very flexible and can customize our services to meet the unique needs of each of our clients.

How do you stay on top of emerging trends in the tech industry?

I’m always reading and staying up to date with the latest news and trends in the tech industry. I attend conferences and meet with other thought leaders in the industry to discuss new technologies and how they can be used to solve business problems. I also encourage my team to stay up to date and share their knowledge with each other.

How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected the IT industry?

The pandemic has had a significant impact on the IT industry. With so many people working remotely, there has been a huge demand for cloud-based services and virtual private networks (VPNs). There has also been an increased focus on cybersecurity, as remote workers are more vulnerable to cyberattacks. Overall, the pandemic has accelerated the shift toward digital transformation and has highlighted the importance of having a reliable and secure IT infrastructure.

What advice do you have for entrepreneurs looking to start their own businesses?

My advice would be to focus on building a strong team and never stop learning. Surround yourself with people who are smarter than you and who have different skill sets. Be willing to take risks and make mistakes, but also be willing to learn from those mistakes. And finally, don’t be afraid to ask for help or advice from other entrepreneurs who have been through it before.

What is your vision for the future of TechBlue?

My vision for TechBlue is to continue to grow and expand our services to meet the changing needs of our clients. I want to stay at the forefront of emerging technologies and continue to be a thought leader in the industry. Ultimately, I want to help as many businesses as possible leverage technology to achieve their goals.

What do you like to do in your free time?

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and staying active. I’m an avid runner and I also enjoy playing basketball and golf. I’m also a big fan of music and enjoy going to concerts and discovering new artists.

Closing Paragraph

Evan Cagner is a true leader and innovator in the IT industry. His passion for technology and customer service has helped TechBlue become one of the most respected managed IT services companies in the business. With his keen eye for emerging trends and technologies, Evan is sure to continue to make an impact in the industry for years to come. To learn more about Evan Cagner and TechBlue, you can visit their website or follow them on LinkedIn.

Liked this interview? Check out this interview with Makayla Gordon

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