TechGADGET REVIEW

Industrial Next wants factory robots to switch tasks in minutes, not…

The startup helps manufacturers automate complex, delicate tasks that have traditionally required human labor; the robots are the ones who never ask for Friday off.

On air: Dr. Nina Byte and Chip Darnell on BBN This Morning
Published 9:47 AM ET, Wednesday, October 14, 2026

Photo: KUKA Roboter GmbH, Bachmann · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

▶ As it aired · Tech

Watch it as it aired: Dr. Nina Byte and Chip Darnell on this story, from BBN This Morning at 9:47 AM ET. Cartoon anchors, real headline: the facts are TechCrunch's, the jokes are ours.

Photo: KUKA Roboter GmbH, Bachmann · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

Photo: Industrial robot — Photo: KUKA Roboter GmbH, Bachmann · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

At a glance

First reported by TechCrunch: “Industrial Next wants factory robots to switch tasks in minutes, not weeks”.
Covered on BBN on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at 9:47 AM ET on BBN This Morning, by Dr. Nina Byte and Chip Darnell.

The real story

The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.

TechCrunchIndustrial Next wants factory robots to switch tasks in minutes, not weeks

What BBN said about it

Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorDr. Byte, TechCrunch says a startup called Industrial Next wants factory robots to switch tasks in minutes instead of weeks.
Dr. Nina Byte · Tech & Science CorrespondentThe short version is that it helps manufacturers automate complex, delicate jobs that used to need human hands.
Dr. Nina Byte · Tech & Science CorrespondentNot the robot that does one thing forever. A robot that changes jobs before lunch.
Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorMinutes? Not weeks?
Dr. Nina Byte · Tech & Science CorrespondentPro: it adapts faster than my last three managers. Pro: delicate work, so it handles things more gently than airport baggage crews.
Dr. Nina Byte · Tech & Science CorrespondentCon: I have no idea what it thinks while it waits.
Dr. Nina Byte · Tech & Science CorrespondentFour stars. The fifth is missing because every smart machine I meet is quietly listening to the break room.
Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorCould it handle a rubber chicken?
Dr. Nina Byte · Tech & Science CorrespondentGently. Skip, what have you got?

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