Nvidia GTC After Hours - Robotics & Physical AI
Join robotics researchers, founders, and industry leaders for an evening exploring how Physical AI and robotics are evolving from cutting-edge research into real-world applications.
This event brings together voices from research institutions, robotics startups, industrial leaders, and the open-source robotics ecosystem to discuss the next wave of intelligent machines.
The evening will feature two focused panel discussions, a robot demonstration showcase, and an open networking session with founders, engineers, investors, and operators working at the forefront of robotics innovation.
Thank you to our venue sponsor Circuit Launch!!
Circuit Launch is a center and partner for electronic hardware development and robotics education in the Bay Area. They are a coworking (Cofacturing) space for Robotics and Electronic Hardware companies. Private offices, shared electronic and prototype labs for startups, growing companies, and inventors.
Please make sure you have a completed Circuit Launch waiver prior to joining us as well!
Waiver here
Event Schedule
5:30 – 5:45 PM
Arrival & Welcome
5:45 – 6:45 PM
Panel Discussion #1
Frontiers of Physical AI & Robotics Research
6:45 – 7:00 PM
Robot Demonstration Showcase
7:00 – 8:00 PM
Panel Discussion #2
From Research to Real-World Deployment
8:00 – 8:30 PM
Open Networking
Tours are available for Circuit Launch led by a Circuit Launch member and Solo Tech will also be providing a demo at the Robotics Gym. 🦾
Meet the Speakers
We’re bringing together leaders across physical AI, robotics, industrial automation, sensing, and open-source infrastructure to explore how intelligent machines are moving from research into real-world deployment.
Panel #1
Frontiers of Physical AI & Robotics Research
Community Builder & Sales Engineer | Beckhoff Automation
Shermie works at Beckhoff Automation, a global leader in PC-based all things automation. She focuses on driving high-impact methodologies in automation implementation and building communities to help founders and professionals to get excited in all things hardware.
Founding Engineer | Dexterity
Robert Sun works at Dexterity, where he helps build AI-powered robotic systems designed for complex warehouse and logistics operations. His work focuses on translating advanced robotics and physical AI into real-world industrial environments.
Staff Systems Engineer | Analog Devices
(formerly Stanford Robotics Center)
Matt VanCleave brings experience across robotics research, sensing, and semiconductor technologies. At Analog Devices, his work supports the hardware and embedded systems that power intelligent machines and next-generation robotics platforms.
Founder & CEO | Mantis Robotics
Gerry Vannuffelen works with Mantis Robotics, a company developing safe collaborative robots designed to operate directly alongside humans in industrial environments. His work focuses on bringing human-centered robotics technology into manufacturing and automation applications.
Staff Scientist | Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
Aldair Gongora is a Staff Scientist at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory working at the intersection of robotics, machine learning, and advanced computational systems. His work explores how intelligent machines can solve complex scientific and engineering challenges.
Panel #2
From Research to Real-World Deployment
Data Center Account Manager | Siemens
Simon Loo works at Siemens, a global leader in industrial automation and smart manufacturing technologies. His work focuses on integrating robotics, digital systems, and automation to enable Industry 4.0 transformation in large-scale manufacturing environments.
AI & Robotics Systems Architect | SuperTech FT
Dr. Albert Hu is a robotics and AI technology leader with deep expertise in automation systems and intelligent robotics platforms. At SuperTech FT, he works on integrating advanced robotics and AI technologies into real-world industrial applications.
Developer Relations | ROS Ecosystem
Kat Scott is active in the global ROS (Robot Operating System) ecosystem, the open-source framework used by robotics developers worldwide. She works on supporting robotics innovation through open-source software infrastructure that enables researchers and companies to build intelligent robotic systems.
Product Strategist | Wikimedia
Chia Hwu is a product strategist, AI/ML dataset consultant, and fractional go-to-market leader based in Silicon Valley. With more than two decades of experience spanning hardware, software, and data-driven products, he specializes in helping companies identify human-centered problems and translate them into scalable, revenue-generating products.
Assistant Professor | San José State University
Dr. Gaojian Huang is an Assistant Professor at San José State University, where he leads research in human factors and human-automation interaction. His work focuses on designing safer and more inclusive interactions between humans and intelligent systems, with particular emphasis on automated driving, adaptive automation, multimodal interfaces, and human behavior modeling.
Senior Vice President | Sunstone
Jasmine Jiang is Senior Vice President at Sunstone Management and a venture investor focused on emerging technologies and founder ecosystems. She leads initiatives including the Sunstone Venture & Innovation Center connecting founders, researchers, corporates, and investors across AI, robotics, and advanced hardware.
Robot Demo Show
Business Development Director | Agibot
Peng Chen works at Agibot, focusing on building and scaling robotics technologies for commercial and industrial applications. His background combines robotics innovation with business leadership, helping bring intelligent robotic systems from concept to global markets.
Founder | Solo Tech
Dhruv Diddi is the founder of Solo Tech, where he focuses on advancing Robotics through Physical AI Skill Training and Deployment. He is responsible for building and operating the world's largest collection of open-source robots and humanoids (50+), enabling developers to train, test, and scale embodied intelligence systems from prototype to production.
About Sunstone Venture and Innovation Center
\We bring together capital, resources, and opportunity in Southern California's innovation ecosystem. From capital access to public-private partnerships, we're here to help founders build scalable, durable companies.