Andrew Kiguel Of Realbotix On The Future Of Robotics Over The Next Few Years
An Interview With David Leichner
Success in robotics follows the same principles as success in any industry — vision, resilience, adaptability, networking, and execution. But because robotics is such a new field, there isn’t a clear blueprint or well-trodden career path–it may be more challenging in that there are no highly successful identifiable people yet. The industry is still defining itself. I’ll have a more concrete answer once we see what true success in this space looks like.
With the shortage of labor, companies are now looking at how robots can replace some of the lost labor force. See for example. The truth is that this is not really a novel idea, as companies like Amazon have been using robots for a while now. What can we expect to see in the robotics industry over the next few years? How will robots be used? What kinds of robots are being produced? To what extent can robots help address the shortage of labor? Which jobs can robots replace, and which jobs need humans? In our series called “The Future Of Robotics Over The Next Few Years” we are talking to leaders of Robotics companies, AI companies, and Hi-Tech Manufacturing companies who can address these questions and share insights from their experience. As a part of this series, I had the pleasure of interviewing Andrew Kiguel.
Andrew Kiguel brings strategic vision and entrepreneurial expertise to Realbotix as CEO, with a proven track record of scaling innovative technology companies. Previously, he co-founded and served as CEO of Tokens.com, a publicly-traded Web3 company, and executed over $30 billion in transactions during his investment banking career.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Before we dive in, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your ‘backstory’ and how you got started in robotics?
I spent 20 years as an investment banker, but always craved innovation and entrepreneurship. In 2017, I left a successful career in I-banking to become a tech entrepreneur. My interest in robots evolved more recently from seeing robots as more than a replacement for physical labor. As AI and physical robots began to converge in the last few years, I envisioned a different use case — that robots can enhance social interactions, entertainment and provide companionship. That vision led me to becoming the CEO of Realbotix, a company that specializes in highly realistic AI robots for social interactions.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?
One of the most defining moments of my career was launching a crypto startup while still working as an investment banker. The company gained traction much faster than expected, and I found myself at a crossroads. I made the decision to quit my banking job on a Friday and step in as CEO of my own company the following Monday. That leap was both nervewracking and exhilarating — but it reinforced my belief in trusting your instincts which I continue to apply to this day.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
“Delayed gratification.” It’s a simple but profound principle. Success — whether in business, personal growth, or innovation — requires sacrifice today for uncertain rewards in the future. It’s easy to chase quick wins, but real breakthroughs come from persistence and long-term thinking.
Ok wonderful. Let’s now shift to the main focus of our interview. Can you tell our readers about the most interesting projects you are working on now?
Making the most realistic robots on this planet. Our social robots can act as friends, retail assistants, mentors, or even therapists. Robots have the ability to transform all existing industries and will usher in another industrial revolution.
How do you think this might change the world?
One of the biggest threats to humankind today is loneliness. It’s a global epidemic. Loneliness is far more than just a bad feeling, it harms both individual and societal health. It is associated with a greater risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, stroke, depression, anxiety, and premature death. Given the profound consequences of loneliness and isolation, should society be making the same investments in addressing social connection that we have made in addressing tobacco use, obesity, and the addiction crisis? And how do we build more connected lives and a more connected society? Our robots have the ability now to address this problem with intelligent AI and eye pleasing robots.
Keeping “” in mind, can you see any potential drawbacks about this technology that people should think more deeply about?
Like any uncharted technology, robotics brings both challenges and opportunities. Some worry about AI surpassing human control, but a more immediate question is how these advancements will reshape human interaction. Robots could enhance companionship in a number of ways–we should think of it as complementary rather than a replacement for human relationships. We’ve already seen how other technologies have transformed communication — this could be another significant evolution, with the potential to enrich our connections rather than diminish them.
What are the three things that most excite you about the robotics industry? Why?
We’re at the ground floor of an industry with huge potential — similar to the early days of the internet and computing. We are pioneers embarking on new territory.
What are the three things that concern you about the robotics industry? Why?
Unrealistic expectations. People imagine robots that can seamlessly integrate into their homes, cook meals, and fold laundry. The reality is we’re still perfecting basic mobility. Most robots today serve a single purpose — like pouring a drink or vacuuming a floor. The all-in-one humanoid assistant is still a long way off.
As you know, there is an ongoing debate between prominent scientists, (personified as a debate between,) about whether advanced AI has the potential to pose a danger to humanity in the future. What is your position about this?
It’s inevitable that robots and AI will take on an increasing role in society. The real question isn’t if it will happen, but how we manage it. Thoughtful regulation, ethical considerations, and responsible development will be crucial to ensuring AI remains a tool that benefits humanity rather than a force that overtakes it. Like all technology, it will have positive and negative consequences.
My expertise is in product security, so I’m particularly interested in this question. In today’s environment, hackers break into the software running the robotics, for ransomware, to damage brands or for other malicious purposes. Based on your experience, what should manufacturing companies do to uncover vulnerabilities in the development process to safeguard their robotics?
The same cybersecurity principles that apply to software and connected devices apply to robotics. We focus heavily on securing software from external interference, implementing encryption, and ensuring that remote access is protected. Cybersecurity isn’t an afterthought — it has to be baked into the development process from day one.
Given the cost and resources that it takes to develop robotics, how do you safeguard your intellectual property during development and also once the robot is deployed in industry?
Patents and well-guarded intellectual property strategies are key. Beyond that, maintaining confidentiality around core technologies and ensuring that proprietary developments are protected from leaks or replication is a top priority.
What are your “5 Things You Need To Create A Highly Successful Career In The Robotics Industry?
Success in robotics follows the same principles as success in any industry — vision, resilience, adaptability, networking, and execution. But because robotics is such a new field, there isn’t a clear blueprint or well-trodden career path–it may be more challenging in that there are no highly successful identifiable people yet. The industry is still defining itself. I’ll have a more concrete answer once we see what true success in this space looks like.
As you know, there are not that many women in this industry. Can you advise what is needed to engage more women in the robotics industry?
Rather than just looking at robotics, we need to address the broader issue — why do fewer women pursue STEM fields like engineering and mathematics? The gender gap in robotics isn’t unique; it’s part of a larger societal trend. Encouraging early education, mentorship programs, and reshaping how we present technical careers to young women will have a much bigger impact than focusing solely on robotics.
You are a person of great influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. :-)
A movement centered around minimalism and conscious consumption. Western culture is obsessed with accumulation — bigger houses, more possessions, endless consumerism. But at the end of the day, we don’t take any of it with us. I’d rather die with a wealth of experiences and love, not a closet full of material trophies.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
You can find me on X (formerly Twitter) @AndrewKiguel.
Thank you so much for the time you spent doing this interview. This was very inspirational, and we wish you continued success.
