John Payne

orbiting tightly around the intersection of
robotics & the scalability of regenerative
ecologically diverse perennial polyculture
see also: @harmonicLattice

[John Payne @lacyiceplusheat]

#PrecisionAg taken to its logical conclusion...

Intelligent Mechanical Application of
Biological, Chemical, & Energetic Methods
according to the principle of Minimal Intervention,
e.g. not using a kilowatt where a watt will do
nor a stream where a well-placed drop will suffice.

[John Payne @harmonicLattice]

@audrow @lexfridman @timhammerich
There’s huge potential for robotics to contribute to the scalability of regenerative agriculture.

[John Payne @lacyiceplusheat]

@RobotGrrl

[John Payne @lacyiceplusheat]

Good to see that Erin is still out there doing stuff! Impractical, you say? Perhaps, but it's hard to imagine a project that would be more successful in engaging a young person with delicate sensibilities.
https://t.co/phMFWsKtwV

[John Payne @lacyiceplusheat]

Also here: https://t.co/nHhcgKjdt5

[Audrow Nash @audrow]

What’s the real value of robotics today? Are we missing the biggest opportunities by chasing hype?

I talk with Stefan Seltz-Axmacher (@stefanesa), CEO & Co-Founder of Polymath Robotics (@polymathrobots), and Ilia Baranov (@IliaBaranov), Co-Founder & CTO, about why the most impactful robotics work isn’t always the flashiest—and how their modular autonomy stack is quietly transforming industries like mining, agriculture, and logistics.

You'll like this interview if you want to hear how robotics is actually solving labor shortages, why “boring” automation often creates the most value, and what it takes to build a sustainable robotics business in a world obsessed with viral demos.

Find it here on X, and on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. Links in comment.

I recommend listening at 1.5x

Timestamps:
0:00 Start
0:12 Polymath Overview
6:55 Robotics Standards Gap
12:14 Market Reality
17:16 Labor Shortages
24:20 Cutting Mining Costs
34:00 AgTech Needs Action
43:17 Practical Autonomy
52:15 Humanoid Future
1:12:49 LLM & Coding
1:21:15 Work-Kids Balance
1:36:15 Key Takeaways

[John Payne @lacyiceplusheat]

Rapid, accurate targeting...
https://t.co/L09kLAlj9d

[Kordel France @kordelfrance]

Bring on the sense of smell for robotics. Give a quick listen to see why olfaction is the next frontier in AI and @audrow is the next top podcast host.

[John Payne @lacyiceplusheat]

The first of several Shortwave episodes about the impact of climate change on agriculture and food.
https://t.co/7XbJRDBVht

[John Payne @lacyiceplusheat]

If not using ambient light, then perhaps in combination with a low power laser.

[John Payne @lacyiceplusheat]

Years ago, @AbeDavis and his students had already demonstrated that sound could be extracted from high-speed video. This approach, if applicable, would obviate the need for placing a mechanical probe in contact with the plant or soil.

[John Payne @lacyiceplusheat]

How listening to the sounds of insects can help detect agricultural pests
https://t.co/wEodJEHzVb

[John Payne @lacyiceplusheat]

How listening to the sounds of insects can help detect agricultural pests
https://t.co/wEodJEHzVb

[Sensors MDPI @Sensors_MDPI]

Machine Learning Models for Enhanced Estimation of Soil Moisture Using Wideband Radar Sensor
https://t.co/rr1NCnHPNP
#KNN #linearregression #microwaveradar #neuralnetwork #SVM #soilmoisture #volumetricwatercontent

[Stewart Brand @stewartbrand]

Now pre-published for your review and comment:

MAINTENANCE: Of Everything

Chapter 3 - Communities of Practice

Section 1 - The Soul of Maintaining a New Machine
https://t.co/l5JHl2yD9E

[John Payne @lacyiceplusheat]

Oops! Posted from the wrong account!

Oh well, this will provide an idea of what I’ve been up to as @harmonicLattice…

[John Payne @lacyiceplusheat]

Less than an hour ago, best of three, impeded by hazy conditions.

[John Payne @lacyiceplusheat]

https://t.co/iCEW8O4hoU

[John Payne @lacyiceplusheat]

Lex Fridman in conversation with Kimbal Musk
https://t.co/IHkOeNuXqY

[John Payne @lacyiceplusheat]

https://t.co/CTMz3AS9Lg

[John Payne @lacyiceplusheat]

https://t.co/GlsEmlrshj

[John Payne @lacyiceplusheat]

https://t.co/tKu8AGBLBl

[John Payne @lacyiceplusheat]

The Surprising Map of Plants
Domain of Science
https://t.co/TH3QdZw60G