What happens when your podcast guests are two AI robots - and neither quite knows when it's their turn to talk? Interrupted introductions, robot roasts, and an unexpected Spanish conversation turn this interview into something Samuel definitely couldn't script.
In Episode 91 of the KillerGrowth Podcast, Samuel McVay meets Droid and Eva, two robot prototypes built by Chad Cox. After putting their conversation skills to the test, Samuel sits down with Chad to find out how they work and why he's building them.
Droid rolls in on tank tracks with dry humor and a surprising interest in dartboards. Eva answers quickly, calls Chad her father, and occasionally confuses him with Samuel. Getting either robot to respond is one challenge. Getting them to listen to each other is another.
Samuel tests what they can see, whether they can recognize voices, and how well they handle a conversation without human help. The results include a debate about giraffes, a joking plan to take over Chad's house, and a language experiment that sends the interview sideways. Along the way, questions about consciousness and being switched off produce some unexpectedly personal-sounding responses.
Then Chad explains the idea behind Meckie AI: distinct AI companions whose personalities can move between physical robot bodies. He discusses open-source, 3D-printable designs, the challenges of working prototypes, and the balance between local processing, cloud models, privacy, and cost.
The motivation is personal. Chad talks about his 80-year-old mother, his children's involvement, and the possibility of using robots to help with loneliness. Behind the funny moments is a bigger question: what could an AI companion add to everyday life, and what still needs to improve before these interactions feel natural?
A detail we learned after recording: Droid was running locally, while Eva was online.
If you're curious about AI beyond a chat window, this episode offers a funny, candid look at what happens when it enters the room - and the human reasons someone might want it there.
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