Why humanoid robots, and why now
For decades a robot was mostly an arm in a cage doing one task. Humanoids are different: their body resembles ours, so they can work in a world built for humans, with stairs, doors, shelves and tools. At the same time AI is getting better at understanding what we mean. Put those two together and AI literally gets a body. The future is coming faster than you think.
What I have seen myself
In June 2025 I gave a keynote at the Vision, Robotics & Motion trade fair in ’s-Hertogenbosch, right after the first live demonstration of a Unitree G1 there. Its title: The human as the measure in a world full of machines.
Before that I worked with robots for years. In 2009 I founded RobotXperience, followed later by robotverhuur.nl, robotzorg.nl and robots.nu. I shared the stage with the robot Pepper at a conference on artificial intelligence. That experience runs through every keynote: what robots do well, where they still fall short and what people need to work alongside them.
What your audience takes home
What is possible today, without glossy demos out of context. Why it moves so fast: we think linearly, technology grows exponentially. What it means for work: robots can take over heavy, dull and dangerous tasks, so people get more time for contact, creativity and craftsmanship. What you can do tomorrow, translated to manufacturing, logistics, care or services.
Why me
Since 2017 I have given more than 500 keynotes across Europe, in English and Dutch, 45 to 90 minutes, tailored to your event. I am an expert on exponential technology for BNR Nieuwsradio and was a guest lecturer at Nyenrode Business University. My book Meer Mens Met AI (More Human With AI), co-written with Jeroen Krouwels, is published on 19 January 2027. Clients include Toyota, Rabobank, ING, Air France-KLM and Atradius. Dutch-speaking? Read the Dutch page on humanoid robots or robots and AI.