Osedea portraits: innovation, creativity, and a love for robots with Robin Kurtz

Ever wondered how technology, creativity, and a touch of Star Wars shape the future of robotics? In this edition of Osedea Portraits, Robin Kurtz, Senior Software Developer and Spot Solutions Specialist, shares his unique journey, insights on the future of robots like Spot, and the technical challenges that fuel his passion. An inspiring dive into the world where code meets tangible innovation.

As a Senior Software Developer, what’s the most fulfilling part of bringing code to life?

I’ve always been a hands-on person, I like to create things and see things work. For me, I think I get the most excitement out of seeing my code work. This might be as simple as seeing a beautifully designed UI take shape as I apply CSS, seeing the outputs of my scripts as I work on computer vision-logic. Or and perhaps most excitingly, when I control Spot with some lines of code.

What inspired you to specialize in robotics and become a Spot Solutions Specialist?

Honestly, it found me. I think I was drawn to this niche due to my other interests, being more hands-on as previously mentioned. But ultimately, I was in the right place at the right time. As Osedea opted to go in this direction, I was allowed to take it on, and I was able to add more to the role outside of your typical software developer as I had comfort in the physical side of the role.

What role do you think robotics will play in making workplaces safer or more efficient?

Certainly automating processes with robots or robotic solutions will help stay safe. I’ve been very lucky to have been able to make a career behind a safe desk, but there are a lot of dangerous jobs out there, these, along with the dull & dirty ones, need to be replaced by automation. Following that, it will let us do more innovative work with our time.

How do you see the relationship between robotics and AI evolving in the next 10 years?

This one is difficult. Ultimately, I think AI will provide a lot of benefits for us through robots. Today, a lot of us are exposed to ChatGPT or like services that create content, give advice (maybe don’t listen to it), etc. But I for one want AI to be doing my dishes or folding my laundry, not creating things… Well, maybe the occasional meal when I’m not inspired to cook a nice meal after a long day. On the flip side, I don’t think the speed in which these AI solutions are being developed should be thrown into heavy, clunky and often point-edged machines that walk around our homes and streets.

What’s been the most rewarding moment of your work with Spot so far?

Seeing the positive impact it has around the world is inspiring. Boston Dynamics has showcased amazing use cases where companies quickly see their ROI, and where Spot has even saved lives or reduced the risk of injuries. Knowing that I, along with Osedea, contribute to making the world more efficient and safer makes me truly proud.

What do you think is the biggest misconception about AI in robotics?

This is certainly changed in the last little while, but when we first started working with Spot, people assumed it was controlled by AI. Today, Boston Dynamics leverages reinforced learning to train Spot how to handle scenarios that are outside of its coding. For example, slip detection and self-balancing. Spot is programmed how to step and move through its environment, however, if it finds itself on a slippery surface, it might begin to fall and find itself in situations/positions it’s not expecting, so its AI-trained behaviour kicks in to help it stay upright.

In your opinion, how can AI and robotics work together to solve global challenges?

For robots to work reliably, we need to anticipate situations/problems they will encounter and develop them to handle them. With AI, we can simulate these situations to create more robust learning environments (reinforced learning), or we can allow robots to think for themselves in well-defined constraints to handle these scenarios we did not previously anticipate. This of course comes with some warning flags, and thus we need to progress with caution.

If you could invite three famous people (dead or alive) to dinner, who would they be and why?

Adam Savage (everyone should know him, if you don’t, look him up!) because he’s always been an inspiration to me and I’d love to learn from and work with him.
Dieter Rams, a consumer designer for over 30 years at Braun, influenced many since with his “less, but better” approach to design. In another life, before becoming a software developer, I was a graphic designer, and while I never was able to do much actual product design, I was always inspired by his work. Finally, George Lucas or Dave Filoni (cheating with a two-for-one) the creator of Star Wars and a key figure in the creation of Star Wars content. Why? Cause I sort of like Star Wars.

If you had to create a robot inspired by a movie character, who would it be and what would it do?

R2D2 probably, though Star Wars has had so many wonderful characters come to life in the form of a droid. One thing I do know is, that they would be sassy… and of course, they would make my life easier by doing all of those dull, dirty & dangerous jobs.

What’s one invention you wish you had created and why?

Lego, does that count? Why because I love Lego, and the idea of being part of its inception is cool. It’s had such a massive impact on myself and others well outside of my generation. I think it’s a great toy that promotes creativity and a certain level of problem-solving and engineering.

If you could time travel, would you go to the past or the future? Why?

I think I’d go into the future, I don’t believe there is much in going to the past without the ability to change it… and let’s not open up that book of worms. I’d go 42,000 years in the future but for no particular reason.

If someone were to make a movie about your work, which actor would play you?

Jack Black because I like to think I’m funny, and I feel like he plays everyone.

If you could host a dinner party anywhere in the world, where would it be, and what would you serve?

I think I would collapse from the stress, it’s not for me… I love to cook but I’m anxious to cook for others. Though at the time of writing this, I’ve just finished watching a season of a reality TV show called My Kitchen Rules Australia. In this show, several teams (comprised of 2 people) host the other teams for a dinner party where they need to serve three courses. Lots of drama, it’s fantastic, but also traumatizing.

What’s a renovation project you’re most proud of and why?

I semi-recently renovated my kitchen which was a lot of fun (along with a lot of stress and too much money). I was constrained to the layout for the most part, but I was able to design the look & feel of it as well as do much of the work myself which was rather rewarding. Not that I needed it, but it gave me the additional desire to do more renovations.

What’s one DIY skill you’d love to master and why?

I’m OK being a jack of all trades, master of none so to speak. However, in my retirement, I would like to master a skill that can allow me to continue to create and possibly profit from it as well. What that is, I’m not sure… perhaps robots will be making everything by that point, who knows?