Intel exec to detail open edge-first foundation for real-world AI at RoboBusiness
Intel's Nagesh Puppala will present at RoboBusiness 2026 on moving physical AI from prototypes to production, emphasizing open, edge-first architectures for perception, control, and real-time AI. The talk will argue that scaling robotics innovation requires practical deployment infrastructure, not just larger models or simulations. Puppala leads Intel's physical AI and robotics segment, focusing on open platforms and ecosystem collaboration.
Puppala brings over 25 years of platform-building experience to his current role, having previously scaled Intel's media business from an early-stage effort into a mature operation. His academic background spans mechanical engineering, computer science, and an MBA from NYU Stern, reflecting the cross-disciplinary demands of physical AI work. The company's Robotics AI Suite, built for Intel Core and Core Ultra processors, serves as the open development foundation referenced in his session.
RoboBusiness 2026 marks the event's 20th anniversary, with the conference scheduled for October 20-21 in Santa Clara. Puppala's presentation sits within a broader program covering manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and agriculture applications, alongside networking opportunities for commercial robotics developers.
This focus on deployment infrastructure could shape how quickly robotics moves from research labs into factories, warehouses, and public spaces. If open, edge-first architectures gain traction, smaller developers may gain access to production-ready tools that were previously limited to large enterprises. The emphasis on real-time reliability and safety could influence public trust in autonomous systems, particularly as humanoids and field robots become more common in workplaces and communities.