Field Notes

Physical AI is attracting capital. Production is still the test. Why have so many robotics companies historically failed to reach production? AI may unlock new capabilities, but it does not remove the hard work of deployment. Robots still need real-world data, reliable hardware, safe operation, resilient supply chains, and systems that improve after they leave the lab. The winners will build more than impressive robots. They will build the operational infrastructure required to make them work—reliably, repeatedly, and at scale.

A glimpse inside San Francisco’s hardware ecosystem. Stumbled upon the very cool Studio 45 maker space in Noe Valley during its Summertime Hardware Pitch Night. The standout for me was Lit Motors: a self-balancing, enclosed two-wheel electric vehicle designed to carry two people. Think motorcycle efficiency with more of the protection and stability of a car. They’re now collaborating with Audi on a vehicle prototype.