Beyond the Bot

Walking the floor of Automate 2025, the energy was undeniable. The future of automation unfolding in real time, with cutting edge...

In this episode of Beyond the Bot, host Tony speaks with Alan from Schneider Electric about how one of the industry’s legacy leaders is reinventing itself through cutting-edge technologies like generative AI and digital twins. From their pioneering role in creating the first PLC in 1968 to their latest GenAI Copilot embedded within the EcoStruxure Automation Expert platform, Schneider is enabling engineers to securely generate, test, and deploy real-world automation code offl

In this episode of Beyond the Bot, Tony speaks with Jacob from IGUS at Automate 2025. They explore how IGUS, traditionally known for plastic components, is revolutionizing the automation space with scalable, low-cost solutions and platforms like RBTX and Axis. From the challenges facing small-to-midsize businesses to the myth of the skills gap in manufacturing, Jacob offers an unfiltered view of where the industry is headed.

In this Beyond the Bot live session, Anthony DeHart and Steven King dive deep into the practical realities of AI-powered automation—from robotic arms on factory floors to AI agents making strategic decisions. Speaking candidly with an audience of technologists, entrepreneurs, and students, the duo shares not just what’s possible, but what’s actually working—and what still needs careful human oversight.

In this compelling episode of Beyond the Bot, hosts Tony DeHart and Steven King step away from the Blue Sky Lab and go live from 79 Degrees West. Their conversation, streamed across LinkedIn, YouTube, and beyond, dives deep into the evolving landscape of AI and automation in both physical and digital spaces.

In this episode of Beyond the Bot, Tony DeHart and Steven King dive deep into the most persistent myths surrounding automation and its role in modern business. From fears about job loss to misconceptions about cost, customization, and control, they bring clarity, nuance, and plenty of practical insight.

For Beyond the Bot this week, host Anthony DeHart sits down with Blue Sky Robotics' Computer Vision and Robotics Engineer Bhargav Bompalli inside the Blue Sky Lab to explore the cutting-edge world of computer vision and its transformative applications across industries. From basic image filters to advanced AI models like YOLO and generative adversarial networks (GANs), they unpack how machines are being trained to see, understand, and even simulate the world around them.

In the second part of this Beyond the Bot interview, hosts Tony and Steven are joined by Marissa Porto, the Knight Chair in Local News, to explore the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence. The conversation zeroes in on the intersection of AI with creativity, business ethics, environmental impact, and workforce transformation.

In this thought-provoking episode of Beyond the Bot, hosts Tony and Steven sit down with Marissa, the Knight Chair for Local News and Sustainability at UNC Chapel Hill, to explore the intersection of artificial intelligence, art, and copyright law. As generative AI tools become increasingly embedded in creative industries—from graphic design and journalism to music and video production—the conversation probes into pressing ethical questions and legal uncertainties.

In this episode of Beyond the Bot, hosts Tony DeHart and Steven King dive into the fascinating and fast-evolving world of collaborative robots, or "cobots." From differences between cobots and traditional industrial robots to the latest advancements in AI, machine vision, and usability, Tony and Steven explore how cobots are reshaping industries.

Tony DeHart talks with Justin Lorenzo, President of L&M Architectural Signs, about how a multi-generational, family-run signage business is transforming with automation. Justin shares how his team embraced robotic painting technology not only to boost efficiency but to elevate quality—meeting the intense demands of modern manufacturing without compromising on craftsmanship. From early challenges to impressive ROI, they explore what it really means to merge tradition and innov

In this compelling episode of Beyond the Bot, Tony DeHart and Steven King take us inside the Restaurant Franchising and Innovation Summit in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. As restaurants face labor shortages, rising operational costs, and a rapidly changing customer experience landscape, artificial intelligence and robotics are stepping in as key enablers of change.

In this episode of Beyond the Bot, hosts Tony DeHart and Steven King dive into one of the most exciting AI developments of the year: the introduction of OpenAI's GPT-4.5. Broadcasting from the Blue Sky Lab, they unpack not only the technical nuances of this new model, but also its real-world implications for businesses, developers, and everyday users navigating an increasingly AI-integrated world.

In this episode of Beyond the Bot, Tony DeHart and Steven King sit down with Bhargav Bompalli, the senior Computer Vision and Robotics Engineer at Blue Sky Robotics, to analyze the recent unveiling of Figure's humanoid robot powered by the Helix AI model.

In this episode of Beyond the Bot, hosts Tony DeHart and Steven King unpack the future of generative AI with a focus on OpenAI's roadmap for GPT-5. The discussion explores how new features—like automated model selection, tiered intelligence access, and expanded API capabilities—will shape the next wave of AI adoption.