The Drop 2025 - Ripple summaries

Physical AI for Automation - reliable, adaptable automation for the real world


The Ripple explored the future of physical AI and industrial tech, focusing on how new tools, software, and robots can make factories and logistics smarter and greener.

There was a lot of back and forth about challenges with old systems, slow tech adoption, and how rising competition—especially from China—pressures the industry to update.

Main conclusions:

- Keeping up means blending software, AI, and existing infrastructure.

- Success is all about proving clear value and real ROI—easy wins are rare.

- Working with established companies can help new tech get off the ground.

- Humans aren’t going anywhere soon—any big shift will happen step by step.

- Humanoid robots have promise, but right now, their best uses are still limited.

- For startups, building useful solutions together with real partners is the best way forward.

Big picture? Change is coming, but it’ll take teamwork, patience, and creative problem-solving to really transform the space.

HOSTS

Jan Christoph Gras
Planet A Ventures

Shinichi Nikkuni
NordicNinja VC

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