Live at Grep-a-Palooza 2025: Robin Cowie Talks AI and Industrial Learning
Grep-a-Palooza 2025 featured a live podcast with Robin Cowie of Skillmaker.AI, discussing the impact of AI and XR on industrial training. Cowie emphasized the essential role of human involvement in tech solutions, highlighting a partnership between innovation and expertise. The event showcased advancements in training and the collaborative tech ecosystem in North Carolina.
Grep-a-Palooza 2025 kicked off with a striking live podcast discussion featuring Jenn Summe from Primordial Ventures and Melissa Crosby with Colopy Ventures. Their guest? None other than Robin Cowie, the CEO and Founder of Skillmaker.AI. The talk dove right into where artificial intelligence (AI), extended reality (XR), and industrial training converge. Quite a topic for the event!
Robin Cowie, who previously produced the iconic Blair Witch Project and lent his talents to various Madden Football video games, is now leading a venture that’s all about transformative learning. Skillmaker.AI aims to redefine industrial training processes, applying cutting-edge AI and XR technology to enhance how technicians are educated.
In an exciting partnership, Skillmaker.AI’s inaugural project teams up with NAPA Auto Parts, a giant with over a million technicians worldwide. Their goal? To speed up training programs by utilizing smart glasses that give technicians swift access to essential product info and databases. It’s an ambitious step forward.
Cowie didn’t shy away from emphasizing AI’s potential impact in the workplace. “The robots are not coming, the robots are already here,” he quipped, pointing out how crucial human roles remain in this tech-driven future. He asserted, “You can’t leave humans out of the AI equation. Humans lead innovation.” That’s quite a compelling perspective delivered right there!
As the discussion continued, Cowie laid out a forward-looking vision where AI automates many tasks but relies heavily on human input. “AI can do 70% of the automated work; humans are needed to validate the work,” he noted, which shines a light on the vital relationship between tech capabilities and human oversight. Sounds like a partnership that can work—if executed well!
Cowie’s belief in fusing storytelling with tech was poignant too. He stated, “Our company is about storytelling. We bring the human element to industrial learning.” It’s not just about machines; it’s about creating training experiences that truly resonate with technicians. And that’s powerful!
The energy at Grep-a-Palooza was palpable as the conversation underscored the importance of collaboration within North Carolina’s thriving tech scene. Cowie’s ideas align with a wider trend in the industry, embracing how AI can work hand-in-hand with human ingenuity, leading to better educational solutions.
Originally from South Africa, Cowie’s journey brought him to North Carolina’s Coast, drawn by the area’s talent and tech infrastructure. “I was attracted to the area for three reasons: the incredible talent pool, the technology infrastructure, and a robust startup community – both in Raleigh and the Wilmington area,” he shared. It seems the Triangle could be his happy place!
The session at Grep-a-Palooza not only showcased Cowie’s insights but highlighted exciting innovations taking shape in training for the modern workforce. There’s a clear opportunity for transformative change on the horizon. One can only wonder how this will shape the future!
To sum it up, Grep-a-Palooza 2025 highlighted Robin Cowie’s groundbreaking ideas on how AI and XR can reshape industrial training. Skillmaker.AI’s partnership with NAPA Auto Parts aims to revolutionize technician education, proving that human insight remains vital in this tech-centric era. Cowie’s vision of storytelling in learning adds a rich, engaging layer to technical training, reinforcing the collaborative spirit driving progress in the tech community of North Carolina.
Original Source: www.wral.com
