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Robin Cowie: AI and Industrial Learning
Source: wral.com
Published on June 7, 2025
AI and Industrial Training: Insights from Robin Cowie at Grep-a-Palooza
Grep-a-Palooza 2025 featured a live podcast session with Jenn Summe from Primordial Ventures and Melissa Crosby from Colopy Ventures. The highlight of the event was an interview with Robin Cowie, CEO and Founder of Skillmaker.AI, who shared his insights on artificial intelligence, extended reality, and their impact on industrial training.
Cowie, known for his contributions to The Blair Witch Project and Madden Football video games, has shifted his focus to innovative learning solutions. His company, Skillmaker.AI, leverages AI and extended reality (XR) to revolutionize technician training in the industrial sector.
Skillmaker.AI and NAPA Auto Parts Collaboration
One of Skillmaker.AI's notable projects involves a partnership with NAPA Auto Parts, which serves over one million technicians. The initiative aims to accelerate training through the use of smart glasses, providing technicians with instant access to information and a comprehensive product knowledge database. This collaboration underscores the potential of AI to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in industrial training.
The Role of AI in the Workplace
Cowie emphasized the transformative potential of AI in the workplace, stating, "The robots are not coming; the robots are already here." However, he stressed the importance of human involvement, noting that "You can't leave humans out of the AI equation. Humans lead innovation." He envisions a future where AI automates 70% of tasks, while humans validate and refine the work.
"Our company is about storytelling," Cowie said. "We bring the human element to industrial learning." This approach highlights the need for engaging and effective training methods that combine technological advancements with human expertise.
Technological Advancements and Community Spirit
The discussion at Grep-a-Palooza showcased the technological advancements in industrial training and the collaborative spirit within North Carolina's tech community. Cowie shared his reasons for moving to the region, citing the incredible talent pool, robust technology infrastructure, and vibrant startup community in both Raleigh and Wilmington.
Cowie's insights reflect a growing trend of integrating AI and human creativity to develop better learning solutions. The session at Grep-a-Palooza underscored the potential for transformative changes in how training is approached in the modern workforce.