On the way to Palo Alto, California (KPAO), about 50 miles north-east of Casper, Wyoming before crossing the Rocky Mountains on the way to the Salt Lake City, at an altitude of about 7000 ft in our Cessna 182T, we came across a beautiful lake called the Highland Pit Lake (on the map, with a no so interesting name - the Enlargement Tailings Basin Evaporation Reservoir) in Converse County, Wyoming 82633. This was during our cross-country flying trip for our company Robometrics® Machines’ annual AI Demo Day II in Oshkosh Wisconsin in summer of 2023.

The Enlargement Tailings Basin Evaporation Reservoir, formally called the Highland Pit Lake, in Converse County, Wyoming, is a notable infrastructure project designed to manage and store tailings from mining operations while allowing for water evaporation. Converse County, established in 1888, is steeped in a rich history of pioneer settlement and cattle ranching. It is located in eastern Wyoming, with the county seat in Douglas. As the Exxon’s Highland uranium mill site, tailings deposition took place from the mill startup in October 1972 until June of 1984.

The county's economy has long been driven by agriculture, energy production, and mining, making the reservoir a crucial component in sustainable mining practices. This reservoir aids in the environmental management of mining waste, ensuring that tailings are safely contained and excess water evaporates, thus minimizing environmental impact. A famous quote by Theodore Roosevelt, who emphasized conservation, resonates with the project's ethos: "The nation behaves well if it treats the natural resources as assets which it must turn over to the next generation increased, and not impaired, in value." The Enlargement Tailings Basin Evaporation Reservoir exemplifies modern efforts to balance industrial activity with environmental stewardship in a region historically linked to natural resource extraction.

We flew over Lake Valley Reservoir, California on the way back to the San Francisco Bay Area in  our Cessna 182T.  

Lake Valley Reservoir, nestled in the scenic terrain of Placer County, California, is a picturesque destination located about 150 miles northeast of San Francisco. Overlooking the majestic Black Mountain, this reservoir offers a tranquil retreat from the bustling city life. Historically, Lake Valley Reservoir has played a key role in the regional water management system, supporting both agricultural and recreational needs in the area. Today, it stands as a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Visitors can engage in a variety of activities including fishing, kayaking, and hiking along the trails that offer splendid views of Black Mountain and the surrounding forested landscape. The reservoir's serene environment makes it an ideal location for picnicking and wildlife observation, providing a peaceful escape into nature.

We flew over Watsonville, California on the way to Half Moon Bay Airport (KHAF) from  Palo Alto Airport (KPAO) in Cessna 182.  Watsonville, California, boasts a rich history, deeply intertwined with the life of Judge John H. Watson, its namesake. Born in 1814, Judge Watson had a significant influence on the area after purchasing land in the Pajaro Valley and founding the settlement in 1852. This location, now known as Watsonville, was vital due to its proximity to California Highway 1, making it a key link between the San Francisco Bay Area and the scenic coast.

Judge Watson's early life included a brief stint at West Point, followed by a move to Texas, and eventually to California during the Gold Rush with a slave who later bought his freedom. His legal career began in California where he was appointed as a district judge for an area that included several counties such as Santa Cruz and Monterey. He resigned from the bench in 1851, switching to private practice. His legal career was notable for his work with clients involved in grand larceny cases, though his first case in horse theft ended unfavorably. In addition to his legal work, Judge Watson served in the state senate in 1859 after which he never returned to Watsonville, opting instead to move to Nevada to participate in the mining excitement. The city, growing around the lands he developed, continued to flourish as a significant agricultural hub, especially known for its production of apples and strawberries. This agricultural prominence has shaped the community's identity and economy over the decades.

Watsonville's connection to California Highway 1 not only underscores its accessibility but also enhances its importance in promoting commerce and tourism within California. Through its rich history and agricultural significance, Watsonville remains a vital part of the San Francisco Bay Area's landscape.

Anthony Chabot Regional Park, nestled in the hills above Oakland, California, was established in 1965 and spans over 5,067 acres. The park, named after Anthony Chabot, a 19th-century entrepreneur and pioneer in the development of San Francisco's water system, is a beloved sanctuary offering an extensive network of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails. Adjacent to the park is the Upper San Leandro Reservoir, constructed in 1926 as a critical component of the East Bay's water supply system. This reservoir, encircled by scenic landscapes, not only supports regional water needs but also serves as a vital habitat for local wildlife. Today, Anthony Chabot Regional Park, together with the reservoir, plays a significant role in providing recreational opportunities and preserving natural habitats in the San Francisco Bay Area, maintaining its lush greenery and diverse ecosystems.

It is hard to not look down at the Ravenswood Slough, overlooking the Ravenswood Point, next to Interstate 84 in East Palo Alto, CA. It is one of the first scenes that is hard to miss when you take off from the Palo Alto Airport (KPAO). We flew over it in a Cessna 182T a few weeks back. 

Ravenswood Slough, nestled beside Interstate 84 in East Palo Alto, California, holds a unique position both geographically and historically. Its story begins in the mid-19th century, during a time when the area was primarily utilized for agricultural purposes. As the region evolved, the slough's significance shifted from an economic resource to a cherished ecological treasure, marking a transition from exploitation to conservation. By the 20th century, Ravenswood Slough had become an important habitat for local wildlife, especially migratory birds, signifying its ecological importance.

The transformation of the slough reflects broader environmental and urban changes in the San Francisco Bay Area. Efforts to preserve and restore the slough gained momentum towards the end of the 20th century, recognizing its role in biodiversity and as a natural buffer against flooding. Today, the slough is part of a larger network of protected wetlands, contributing to the health of the Bay's ecosystem and offering a natural space for community recreation and education.

Overlooking the slough, Ravenswood Point serves as a poignant landmark, symbolizing the balance between urban development and environmental preservation. It offers visitors a unique vantage point to appreciate the natural beauty of the slough and its surrounding landscapes. The point itself has become a symbol of the community's commitment to preserving its natural history and fostering a sustainable relationship with the environment. Through the concerted efforts of local organizations and government entities, Ravenswood Slough and Ravenswood Point stand as testaments to the importance of protecting natural habitats in urban areas.

We flew over Boca Reservoir in Nevada County, California, fed by the Truckee River just north of Truckee, California near I-80, in a Cessna 182T. 

Boca Reservoir, nestled in Nevada County, California, presents a picturesque blend of natural beauty and historical richness. Fed by the flowing waters of the Truckee River, just north of Truckee, California, and in close proximity to Interstate 80, the reservoir is not only a crucial water source but also a popular recreational destination. Its creation in the late 19th century was driven by the needs of the Central Pacific Railroad, highlighting its significance in supporting railway operations and local agriculture through irrigation. Over time, Boca Reservoir has transformed into a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities such as fishing, boating, and camping. The area surrounding the reservoir is steeped in history, with remnants of the ice harvesting industry and its pivotal role in the development of the American West still visible. Moreover, Boca Reservoir's ecological importance cannot be overstated; it serves as a habitat for various wildlife species and plays a key role in the region's water management strategies. This blend of historical, recreational, and environmental attributes makes Boca Reservoir a fascinating snapshot of California's rich geographical tapestry.

On the way to Palo Alto, California (KPAO), not far after our liftoff from Casper, Wyoming,  we flew near Buffalo Creek Road (CR 105) in Wyoming just northwest of Casper, Wyoming, in our Cessna 182T. This was during our cross-country flying trip for our company Robometrics® Machines’ annual AI Demo Day II in Oshkosh Wisconsin in summer of 2023.

Buffalo Creek Road (CR 105) in Wyoming is a scenic route that offers a glimpse into the state's rugged natural beauty and its rich historical backdrop. Situated northwest of Casper, Wyoming, this area is enveloped by vast expanses of open land, rolling hills, and the picturesque settings that define central Wyoming. Historically, the region around Buffalo Creek Road has been a tapestry of cultural and economic activities, from the indigenous tribes who first inhabited the land, utilizing its resources for sustenance and shelter, to the settlers and pioneers who traversed the Oregon Trail in search of new beginnings. The road itself, winding through such an emblematic landscape, has become a significant passage for those looking to explore the natural and historical richness of Wyoming. It serves not just as a thoroughfare but as a corridor through time, offering insights into the enduring spirit of the West and the continuing story of American expansion. 

Our team flew over Dublin, California, overlooking Mt. Diablo. Nestled in the rolling hills of the San Francisco Bay Area, Dublin, California, offers a picturesque view of the majestic Mt. Diablo, a natural landmark that towers over the landscape. This vibrant city, named after its Irish counterpart due to the significant number of Irish settlers in the early days, has a rich history that dates back to 1772 when Spanish soldiers and missionaries first arrived. Officially incorporated in 1982, Dublin has grown from a quiet crossroads to a bustling suburban city, known for its high quality of life and strong sense of community. It celebrates its heritage with the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade, one of the largest on the West Coast, drawing thousands of visitors. Dublin also boasts a diverse population, excellent schools, and a range of recreational opportunities, making it a dynamic part of the Bay Area’s fabric. Its strategic location at the crossroads of major highways has fueled growth and development, transforming Dublin into a thriving modern city with deep historical roots.

On March 21 2024, we attended the “Trusted Innovation: The Future of AI” dinner at The Lighthouse in San Francisco. It was co-hosted by Markkula Center for Applied Ethics and Tom Preston-Werner, the co-founder of GitHub. The venue, The Lighthouse, has a fascinating history of its own, situated next to the well known Dolores Park in San Francisco, California. It is a 100-year-old neoclassical church - Second Church of Christ, Scientist. Built in 1916, it was designed by San Francisco architect William H. Crim in the Beaux Arts style. The building was sold in 2012 and in 2016 converted into four condominiums. The dinner discussion with a great group of tech entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, researchers and corporations, revolved around the need and responsibility for ethics in the AI value chain that includes LPs, VCs, startups, large companies and government agencies.

On March 20 2024, we attended the Sidebar Summit at the 8VC office at Pier 5 in San Francisco. The event boasted a sophisticated blend of professional networking and artistic appreciation. Situated in a historic pier along the San Francisco waterfront, the office combines contemporary luxury with creative flair, featuring comfortable, stylish furnishings and bold art pieces that spark conversation. The expansive windows flood the space with natural light and offer inspiring views, complementing the lively and engaging atmosphere where professionals gather, converse, and exchange ideas. Enjoyed enriching conversations, rekindling connections with long-lost friends, and forging new, meaningful friendships.

Each year, our annual retreat unfolds in the city of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, serving as the stage for  Robometrics® Machines AI Demo Day. This hallmark retreat stands as a tradition within our company, epitomizing our dedication to pushing the boundaries of adventure and innovation. It is a place to brainstorm new ideas and set priorities for the year. Robometrics® Machines AI Demo Day also overlaps with the biggest aviation celebration in the world, EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. One of the highlights during our AI Demo Day is flamping where we camp under our aircraft’s wing at the airfield in Oshkosh as part of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh.   

Nestled in the embrace of nature, flamping brings the novel experience of camping under the protective wing of an aircraft, blending the realms of aviation and outdoor adventure seamlessly. Waking up to the gentle touch of the morning sun, you start your day enveloped in the vastness of the skies above. The adventure is as varied as the weather itself, with days oscillating between the warmth of the sun and the excitement of Midwest thunderstorms.  

We will be back at Oshkosh this year for our AI Demo Day III. If you like to support and sponsor us, please reach out. Details on our presentations and adventures at our company's AI Demo Day last July at Oshkosh, WI can be found here.

We attended the San Francisco π Day Happy Hour for MIT Alum organized by the MIT Alumni Startup Network and E14, and hosted at Pebblebed. The concept of π dates back to ancient civilizations, including the Babylonians and Egyptians, around 2000 BCE. These early estimations recognized the constant relationship between the circumference of a circle and its diameter, although they lacked the precision of later calculations. For instance, the Babylonians used an approximation of 3 1/8 (3.125), and the Egyptians used a rough approximation of (16/9)^2 ≈ 3.16.

During one of our team outings, we flew over the decommissioned Dumbarton Rail Bridge, not far from Palo Alto Airport (KPAO). The Dumbarton Rail Bridge, inaugurated in 1910, marked the San Francisco Bay Area's earliest bay crossing, predating even the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Celebrated for its engineering marvel over challenging marshlands, it served as a crucial rail link between Newark and Redwood City, fostering regional development and connectivity. However, by the early 1980s, the bridge ceased operations and has since remained a striking yet dormant testament to early 20th-century infrastructure, symbolizing the shifts in transportation needs and urban planning over the decades. Its presence continues to spark discussions about preservation and the potential for adaptive reuse in the face of changing landscapes and urban needs.

On March 2, 2024 we attended the 46th Annual Stanford Viennese Ball at Hyatt Regency San Francisco. The Stanford Viennese Ball is an annual event that emerged from a student initiative at Stanford University in 1978, inspired by the tradition-rich Viennese balls in Austria. It epitomizes a unique fusion of cultural heritage and educational enrichment, allowing attendees to experience the elegance and sophistication of European ballroom dancing. As we navigate through an era dominated by digital interactions, the significance of such cultural gatherings becomes increasingly paramount. They serve as vital reminders of the importance of preserving and engaging with our cultural roots. In a world where digital platforms often dictate the terms of communication and socialization, events like the Stanford Viennese Ball offer a tangible connection to history and tradition. They provide a space for physical presence and human connection, fostering a sense of community and shared cultural appreciation that is often lost in the digital realm.

We flew around the snow capped peaks of Mount Lincoln, north west of Lake Tahoe.  Mount Lincoln is a prominent peak located in the Sierra Nevada range in California, standing at an elevation of 8,383 feet. It is part of the Tahoe National Forest and is renowned for its scenic beauty and the variety of recreational activities it offers, including hiking, skiing, and mountain biking. The mountain's rugged terrain and panoramic views make it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

John Muir, with his deep spiritual connection to the wilderness, once said, “The mountains are calling and I must go, and I will work on while I can, studying incessantly.” This statement encapsulates the pull that natural landscapes have on our spirit, a sentiment that one might experience when gazing upon the rolling contours from above.

This captures the essence of what it feels like to encounter the beauty of the natural world from an extraordinary perspective, here around 7500 feet from a Cessna 182T.

On the way to Brookings, South Dakota (KBKX - Brookings Regional Airport), not far after our liftoff from Oshkosh, Wisconsin,  we flew near Tuttle Lake in Crystal Lake, Wisconsin in our Cessna 182T. This was during our cross-country flying trip for our company Robometrics® Machines’ annual AI Demo Day II in Oshkosh Wisconsin in summer of 2023. 

Tuttle Lake, nestled in the serene landscapes of Crystal Lake, Wisconsin, holds a rich history and significance. Initially recognized in the early 19th century, the lake became an important location for local communities, serving as a crucial source of water and a hub for recreational activities. Over the years, Tuttle Lake has transformed from a mere natural resource to a cherished recreational site, attracting visitors with its tranquil waters and picturesque surroundings. Notably, in 1956, the area around Tuttle Lake was designated as a state wildlife area, emphasizing its importance in local conservation efforts and its role in preserving Wisconsin's natural beauty. Today, the lake continues to be a popular destination for fishing, boating, and nature observation, celebrated for its contribution to local biodiversity and as a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Interesting facts about Tuttle Lake include its status as a habitat for a diverse range of wildlife, including several species of rare birds and fish, underscoring its ecological significance.

The Palo Alto Duck Pond, nestled within the expansive Baylands Preserve, stands as a serene testament to conservation efforts in the heart of Silicon Valley. Spanning 1,940 acres, the Baylands Preserve is recognized as one of the most significant expanses of unspoiled marshland in the San Francisco Bay area, providing a critical habitat for a diverse array of wildlife, particularly migratory birds. This cherished natural reserve has a rich history dating back to efforts in the late 20th century aimed at preserving and protecting the unique ecosystems of the San Francisco Bay from urban development pressures. Located in close proximity to the Palo Alto Airport (KPAO), the Duck Pond offers a peaceful escape for both locals and visitors, juxtaposing the tranquility of nature against the backdrop of technological innovation and aviation activity. 

The Palo Alto Duck Pond is so named for its popularity as a habitat for ducks and other waterfowl. Situated within the broader Palo Alto Baylands Nature Preserve, this specific area has become a haven for a variety of bird species, making it an ideal spot for bird watching and nature enthusiasts. The name "Duck Pond" reflects its status as a gathering place for ducks, including both resident and migratory species that thrive in the marshy and aquatic environments provided by the pond and its surrounding wetlands. These conditions are conducive to the needs of ducks for feeding, nesting, and social interaction, thereby earning the pond its straightforward and descriptive name.

Today, the Duck Pond and its surrounding preserve stand as a vibrant example of successful environmental stewardship, attracting nature enthusiasts, bird watchers, and families seeking to connect with the natural world amidst the hustle and bustle of the surrounding urban landscape.

We flew over Fremont, California near Quarry Lakes Regional Recreation Area in our Cessna 182. Fremont, California, nestled in the southeast section of the San Francisco Bay Area, boasts a rich history stretching back to its original inhabitants, the Ohlone Native Americans. The city's modern history began in the mid-19th century, influenced by its namesake, explorer John C. Frémont. Fremont was incorporated on January 23, 1956, when five small communities - Centerville, Niles, Irvington, Mission San Jose, and Warm Springs - merged into one city. This unification was a strategic move during California's rapid post-World War II growth. Today, Fremont is much more known for its high-tech industry, including a major Tesla factory, reflecting its evolution from an agricultural hub to a cornerstone of Silicon Valley. Its diverse population and rich cultural heritage continue to shape its identity, making Fremont a vibrant and significant city in California's landscape.

California State Route 84 (SR 84) is a significant thoroughfare that traverses through various landscapes in California, including urban areas, agricultural lands, and scenic coastlines. Its history is deeply rooted in the state's development, serving as a crucial link for transportation and commerce. Over the years, SR 84 has undergone numerous transformations to accommodate the growing traffic demands and to improve safety. Today, it remains an essential route, connecting the San Francisco Bay Area to the Central Valley, and featuring notable sections such as the Dumbarton Bridge, which facilitates a critical passage over the bay waters.

Newark Slough, positioned within the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge, presents a contrasting natural backdrop to the bustling state route. This tidal slough's history is intertwined with the ecological and cultural evolution of the Bay Area. Historically, the area around Newark Slough was inhabited by Native American tribes, who utilized the rich marshlands for hunting and fishing. In the 19th and 20th centuries, the region saw significant industrial and agricultural development, leading to environmental changes. Nowadays, Newark Slough plays a vital role in conservation efforts, serving as a habitat for migratory birds and a living laboratory for studying wetland restoration and preservation techniques. Together, California State Route 84 and Newark Slough embody the diverse tapestry of California's human and natural history, illustrating the balance between development and conservation in the Golden State.

During a quick ice cream outing flight with our team to Nut Tree Airport (VCB), we flew over Interstate 880 Near Union City, California for some time.  

Interstate 880 (I-880) in California, boasts a rich history and has played a pivotal role in the region's development. The highway was initially constructed as part of the 1956 Federal Aid Highway Act's implementation, designed to enhance America's interstate transportation network. Historically significant for connecting the San Francisco Bay Area's industrial heartlands and ports, I-880 facilitated the swift movement of goods and people, fueling economic growth and urban expansion. The creation of I-880 near Union City not only transformed local landscapes but also revolutionized travel and trade patterns in Northern California, embedding itself as a critical artery in the region's transportation infrastructure.

Over the years, I-880 has undergone numerous upgrades and expansions to accommodate increasing traffic volumes and improve safety standards, reflecting its enduring importance. Today, its significance extends beyond mere logistics and commerce; it serves as a vital link for communities, enabling access to employment, education, and recreational opportunities throughout the Bay Area. The highway's ability to adapt and remain relevant amid evolving transportation needs underscores its ongoing significance in supporting the region's dynamic economy and vibrant communities.

As our aircraft lifted off the ground, soaring into the blue expanse above, a sense of mystic adventure enveloped us. Below, the formidable silhouettes of one F-22 Raptor and two F-35 Lightning fighters sat in silent testament to human ingenuity and the spirit of exploration. Parked side by side, they faced the verdant embrace of the surrounding trees, their sleek forms a stark contrast to the natural landscape. In the distance, a handful of houses nestled beside the road offered a glimpse of the mundane world we were leaving behind. This moment, a blend of technological prowess and the timeless quest for discovery, seemed to echo the words of aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart: "Adventure is worthwhile in itself." Here, suspended between the earth and the heavens, we were not just witnesses to the legacy of aviation; we were part of its ongoing journey, propelled by the same relentless curiosity that has always driven humankind to push beyond the visible horizon.

On the way to Rapid City Regional Airport (KRAP),  South Dakota we flew over the Greyhound Gulch Road near Mt Rushmore, South Dakota in our Cessna 182T. This was during our cross-country flying trip for our company Robometrics® Machines’ annual AI Demo Day II in Oshkosh Wisconsin in summer of 2023. 

Greyhound Gulch Road, nestled in the rugged landscapes near Mount Rushmore in South Dakota, holds a unique position in the region's rich history and natural beauty. This scenic route, winding through the Black Hills, offers a less traveled path for visitors seeking to explore the area's hidden treasures beyond the monumental faces of Mount Rushmore. Historically, the area around Greyhound Gulch Road has been significant for its mining operations, dating back to the 19th century when the Black Hills Gold Rush brought prospectors and settlers to the region, transforming it economically and socially. Today, Greyhound Gulch Road is celebrated not just for its historical importance but also for providing access to breathtaking vistas, local wildlife, and a serene escape into nature. Its significance lies in its ability to connect visitors with the area's past while offering a gateway to the natural splendor that defines the Black Hills of South Dakota.

In the heart of Apple's Matrix, at Studio 45 hardware accelerator in San Francisco, California, amidst the echoes of a world not yet fully born, we wander through an enchanted orchard. Here, technology whispers ancient secrets, and apples, gilded with knowledge, hold the keys to other realms. Each bite, each glance through the lens of innovation, reveals layers of mystery and magic. The fabric of reality weaves itself anew in this space, where the digital and the ethereal merge, creating a tapestry rich with possibility. The veil between worlds thins, inviting us into a dance of mystic wonders and digital dreams, a place where every detail hints at deeper truths waiting to be discovered. Welcome to the threshold of the unknown, where the future is an orchard of infinite possibilities, seasoned with a dash of tech magic and a sprinkle of cosmic wonder. 🚀

During our team’s flying trip in the San Francisco Bay Area, we flew over Newark, California near the Newark Slough in our Cessna 182T before crossing the bay to land at Palo Alto Airport (KPAO). 

Newark, located in the San Francisco Bay Area, is a city with a rich history intertwined with the development of the Newark Slough. Historically, this region was significant for its natural resources and played a crucial role in the early economic activities of the area. One of the notable industries that thrived here was salt production. For many years, the process of salt harvesting from the bay waters was a major economic activity, utilizing the natural evaporation method to extract salt. This practice was not only vital for local economic growth but also contributed significantly to the broader market, supplying salt to various regions.

In modern times, the area around Newark and the Newark Slough has seen a transformation. While industrial activities have diversified, the legacy of salt production still lingers, marking an important chapter in the area's industrial history. Today, Newark is a vibrant community that balances its historical heritage with contemporary developments. It hosts a variety of activities, ranging from commercial operations to recreational opportunities, reflecting a dynamic urban environment that has evolved over time. The Newark Slough, once central to salt production, now also serves as an important ecological habitat, showcasing the region's commitment to preserving its natural landscapes amidst ongoing development.

During our recent team’s flying outing to Watsonville Municipal Airport (KWVI), we encountered the distinctive setting of an unattended airport, where the absence of an Air Traffic Control tower necessitates a different approach to flying. Without on-site staff for fueling, maintenance, or ground control, pilots are required to rely more heavily on their skills and communication with each other, which adds a unique layer to the flying experience. This setting brought to mind the words of Leonardo da Vinci: 

"Once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return." 

This quote, though not specifically about the hustle of busy airports, captures the essence of the thrill of flight. The excitement at KWVI comes from the self-reliance and heightened awareness needed when operating in such an environment. It's this blend of autonomy, responsibility, and the sheer joy of ascent that makes the experience uniquely exhilarating, linking modern pilots with the timeless human fascination with flight.

Soaring high above the San Francisco Bay, we are treated to a unique vantage point tucked beneath the wing of a small aircraft, a Cessna 182T. The world beneath unfolds as a masterpiece of nature, with the water morphing into a vast expanse of shimmering silver tones, its surface almost resembling metal as it catches the sunlight. Occasional patches of land interrupt the watery tableau, like abstract shapes tossed onto a liquid mural. The aircraft's wing, studded with rivets and gleaming in the sunlight, frames this splendid scene, a testament to human ingenuity that allows us to witness such beauty from an eagle's perspective. Up here, the worries of the world seem as distant as the ground below, and the heart races with the thrill of flight and the privilege of seeing the earth from this rare and exhilarating angle.

Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, a pioneering aviator and author of "The Little Prince." said, 

"I fly because it releases my mind from the tyranny of petty things."

This captures the essence of flight as an adventurous but liberating experience.

We flew over the salt flats called Cargill Salt in Fremont, California in a Cessna 182T right before crossing the bay to land at Palo Alto Airport (KPAO). Cargill Salt's operation in Fremont, California, is part of a longstanding tradition of salt production in the San Francisco Bay Area, dating back to the 19th century. These salt flats have played a crucial role in the development and economy of the region, initially harvested by Native Americans and later industrialized in the 1850s to meet the burgeoning demand for salt in food preservation and processing. Over the years, Cargill has become one of the largest private producers of salt in the country, utilizing the natural evaporation method facilitated by the area's climate to produce millions of tons of salt annually. Historically significant, these flats have not only contributed to local economic growth but have also been integral in supporting wildlife habitats and environmental conservation efforts. In recent years, there's been a focus on balancing industrial activities with ecological restoration and public access, reflecting the evolving understanding of the importance of sustainable environmental practices.

As part of our weekend team outing, we flew over Day Valley, California, departing from San Jose International Airport (KSJC) in a Cessna 182. Day Valley, California, is a charming unincorporated community nestled in the scenic Santa Cruz County. Its history, though not widely documented like larger cities, is richly intertwined with the broader narratives of California's development. The area around Day Valley was originally inhabited by the Ohlone people, and it became part of the Spanish Mission lands in the 18th century. Post-Mexican independence, it transformed into an agricultural hub, contributing to the region's booming fruit and vegetable farming industry.

Geographically, Day Valley is situated in a picturesque and strategically significant location. It lies close to the city of Aptos and is just a short drive from the Pacific Coast, making it an ideal spot for those looking to explore the natural beauty of California's coastline. The nearby Forest of Nisene Marks State Park is a notable attraction, offering a plethora of outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and bird watching. This park is historically significant as it was once the epicenter of a major logging operation, and now stands as a testament to natural regeneration and conservation efforts.

In Day Valley itself, visitors can enjoy a tranquil, small-town atmosphere. The community is characterized by its lush landscapes, rolling hills, and a generally slower pace of life that is distinct from the more urbanized parts of Santa Cruz County. Local farms and vineyards are common sights, and some of these offer tours and tastings, providing a glimpse into the region's agricultural heritage. The blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and a peaceful lifestyle makes Day Valley an intriguing destination for those looking to experience a different facet of California.

At Robometrics® Machines, during our annual AI Demo Day II in Oshkosh, Wisconsin in 2023, we showcased our advancements in aircraft AI to the global community of aviators, reveling in the spirit of innovation and camaraderie. The Wednesday night Aerobatic show emerged as the highlight of the event, perfectly encapsulating our ethos of "work hard, play hard." This spectacle not only highlighted our technological prowess but also celebrated our collective joy and passion for pushing the boundaries of possibility. It was a vivid testament to our dedication and the vibrant culture that thrives within our company.

Aerobatic flying in the night sky, with the aircraft illuminated by the dazzling glow of fireworks, is a spectacle that transcends the bounds of ordinary flight, transforming the dark canvas above into a mesmerizing dance of light and motion. As pilots execute precision maneuvers, the surrounding fireworks add an ethereal quality, making the aircraft appear as shooting stars in a celestial ballet. This unique experience, where skill meets spectacle, echoes the words of famous aviator Antoine de Saint-Exupéry: "I fly because it releases my mind from the tyranny of petty things." In this context, the quote speaks to the freedom and exhilaration of aerobatic flying, particularly in such an awe-inspiring setting, reminding us that in the embrace of the sky, enveloped by the burst of fireworks, pilots find a profound sense of liberation and beauty.

We flew over a few islands in the San Joaquin County just east of San Francisco Bay Area, a few days back on the way to Vacaville (Nut Tree Airport - VCB) in Solano County, California. Little Venice Island and Mandeville Island are two notable islands located in the San Joaquin River, a major waterway that flows through the Central Valley of California. These islands hold a unique place in the region's history and geography.

Little Venice Island, located in the San Joaquin Delta, is known for its lush, agricultural land. Historically, this island, like many in the Delta, was transformed from a marshy wetland to arable land through a series of reclamation projects that began in the late 19th century. These projects involved constructing levees and draining the land, which made it suitable for agriculture. Today, Little Venice Island is a hub for farming activities, particularly for crops like asparagus, and it offers a serene, pastoral landscape that contrasts with the nearby urban areas.

Mandeville Island, on the other hand, has a different allure. This island is more recreational in nature, attracting visitors for its water-related activities. Known for its scenic beauty and tranquil environment, Mandeville Island is a popular destination for boating, fishing, and water sports. The island's location within the Delta makes it a prime spot for these activities, offering an escape for those looking to enjoy the natural beauty and calm waters of the San Joaquin River.

Both islands are significant for their ecological importance as well. The San Joaquin Delta is a critical habitat for many species of birds and fish, making these islands vital for conservation efforts. Bird watching is a popular activity, especially during migration seasons when numerous species can be observed. For those interested in exploring the history and natural beauty of California's river delta, Little Venice and Mandeville Islands offer a glimpse into the region's agricultural heritage, recreational opportunities, and ecological significance. These islands, with their unique characteristics, contribute to the diverse tapestry of landscapes and experiences available along the San Joaquin River.

Our team embarked on a swift aerial journey across Solano County aboard a Cessna 182, taking off from Palo Alto Airport (KPAO). Among the towns we soared over, Fairfield stood out, captivating us with its picturesque allure. The panoramic views from above offered a unique perspective on its beauty, highlighting the town's scenic charm in a way that left us utterly mesmerized.

Fairfield, California, is a vibrant city nestled in the heart of Solano County, roughly midway between San Francisco and Sacramento, making it a strategic location in the northern part of the San Francisco Bay Area. Established in 1856, Fairfield boasts a rich history that includes serving as a home to Native American tribes before Spanish colonization and later becoming part of the Mexican land grant. It was named by clipper ship captain Robert H. Waterman, who was gifted the land by the state legislature, and chose the name in honor of his hometown of Fairfield, Connecticut. Today, Fairfield is renowned for being the home of the Jelly Belly Candy Company, offering tours that attract visitors from all around. It's also the site of the Travis Air Force Base, highlighting its strategic military importance. Surrounded by rolling hills and a mild, Mediterranean climate, Fairfield offers a blend of suburban and rural charm, with its location approximately 45 miles from San Francisco enabling easy access to the urban amenities of the Bay Area while maintaining its unique identity and historical heritage.

On the way from Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA), Idaho to Rapid City Regional Airport (KRAP),  South Dakota we did a flyby of Mt. Rushmore in our Cessna 182T. This was during our cross-country flying trip for our company Robometrics® Machines’ annual AI Demo Day II in Oshkosh Wisconsin in summer of 2023. 

Mount Rushmore, located in the Black Hills region of South Dakota, is one of the most iconic monuments in the United States. Its creation began in 1927 and was completed in 1941. The monument features the colossal carved faces of four U.S. presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln, chosen to represent the nation's birth, growth, development, and preservation, respectively. The project was conceived by South Dakota historian Doane Robinson and brought to life by sculptor Gutzon Borglum. The selection of the presidents and the monumental scale of the sculpture were intended to reflect the grandeur and scope of American history and ideals. Carving the 60-foot high faces into the granite face of Mount Rushmore involved the efforts of over 400 workers and was an incredible feat of engineering and artistry. Mount Rushmore has become a symbol of American democracy and heritage, attracting millions of visitors each year. 

Here is our Founder & CEO’s perspective on flying over Highway 17: “The first time I found myself steering along Highway 17 many years ago, the experience was nothing short of terrifying. Being new to California's driving scene, the narrow, curve-laden road threading through the undulating Santa Cruz Hills presented a formidable challenge. However, my first experience flying over this route was a stark contrast. Soaring above Highway 17, with the Lexington Hills stretching below on my way to Santa Cruz, was an exhilarating adventure. The fears and trepidations of road travel gave way to awe and freedom, as the landscape unfolded beneath me in a serene and majestic charm of seeing the world from 3500ft. Today, cruising at 50mph on Highway 17 or flying over it at 110 knots in a Cessna 182 (127 mph ground speed) is equally thrilling, exhilarating, and enthralling.”

Highway 17, a vital artery in California's transportation network, has a rich and evolving history. Originally, the route was a collection of smaller roads and trails, which were gradually connected and improved upon in the early 20th century. The highway, as it is known today, was officially designated in the 1930s, linking San Jose to Santa Cruz. Over the years, Highway 17 has undergone numerous transformations to accommodate increasing traffic and improve safety. Notoriously winding and treacherous, particularly through the Santa Cruz Mountains, the road has been the focus of ongoing efforts to enhance driving conditions. These include widening projects, the addition of safety barriers, and constant maintenance to address the challenges posed by its hilly terrain and frequent inclement weather. Highway 17 not only serves as a crucial commuter route but also as a scenic journey, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscapes and connecting the bustling Silicon Valley with the serene beauty of the California coast.

Aditya Mohan, our esteemed Founder and CEO of Robometrics Machines, made a significant contribution to the dialogue at the intersection of AI and law during his speech at The Bar Association of San Francisco as part of a panel in In-House Counsel Conference 2024. He covered the importance of understanding this evolving field of AI, by both lawyers and non-lawyers. Science helps us to understand the laws of nature, and law guides our use of nature and how to play. 

This panel covered critical topics such as recent AI-related legal cases, executive orders, and regulations, as well as new legal considerations surrounding privacy, intellectual property, and product counseling in the age of AI. Furthermore, it will explore how AI tools can enhance the efficiency of legal teams within the framework of the California Bar's guidance on generative AI, alongside a forward-looking discussion on AI developments expected in 2024. Moderated by Jonathan Tam (Privacy and Tech Partner at Baker & McKenzie), the panel will also featured insights from Suneil Thomas (Managing Counsel at Google Cloud AI), and Cecilia Ziniti (General Counsel and Chief Legal Officer at TechGC), making it an indispensable session for those keen on understanding the legal landscape shaped by AI advancements.

LOL! We are over Lovelock, Nevada, on the way to Elko, Nevada and going to do a LOL (Derby Field) fly-by. Derby Field, humorously denoted by its call sign "LOL," is not just an airport with a quirky identifier; it is an integral part of Lovelock, Nevada's rich history. Situated approximately 65 miles northeast of Reno, in the heart of Lovelock, this regional airport, known by its code LOL, plays a crucial role in the aviation network. Lovelock itself, steeped in history, was named after George Lovelock, a 19th-century shopkeeper and local landowner. The town has evolved from its early days as a stopover for settlers on the Humboldt Trail to a vibrant community, with Derby Field adding to its historical tapestry. Serving as a key refueling point for eastbound and westbound aircraft, Derby Field is a testament to the growth and development of Lovelock, blending its historical roots with the modern demands of aviation. The airport's light-hearted call sign, "LOL," adds a touch of whimsy to an otherwise serious endeavor, reflecting the unique charm of Lovelock, Nevada, and highlighting the often-overlooked significance of regional airfields in America's aviation history.

As our Cessna 182T took off from the Flying Cloud Airport (FCM) in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, toward our final destination of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, a breathtaking view unfolded below. The lush, sprawling landscapes of Eden Prairie, interspersed with sparkling lakes and winding rivers, offer a picturesque tapestry of natural beauty, elegantly framed by the suburban charm and architectural diversity of this serene Minnesotan city.

Eden Prairie, located in the heartland of Minnesota, boasts a rich historical tapestry interwoven with fascinating architectural elements and unique local characteristics. The area was first inhabited by the Native American tribe, the Mdewakanton Dakota, known for their deep respect for the land and waters. The name "Eden Prairie" was coined by Elizabeth Fries Ellet in the 1850s, who was struck by the area's lush prairies and verdant landscape, reminiscent of the Biblical Eden. The city's growth was catalyzed by the arrival of European settlers and the subsequent development of agriculture and industry. Today, Eden Prairie is recognized for its harmonious blend of historic and modern architecture. Notable are its well-preserved 19th-century buildings, such as the Cummins-Phipps-Grill House, alongside contemporary structures that reflect the city's evolution into a suburban hub. The city's commitment to preserving natural beauty is evident in its numerous parks and conservation areas, making it a perfect fusion of historical reverence and modern living. Additionally, Eden Prairie is known for its high quality of life, often ranking highly in national surveys for its amenities, education, and community engagement, making it a unique and cherished part of Minnesota's cultural and historical landscape.

We arrived at Flying Cloud Airport (FCM) at Eden Prairie, Minnesota, the last fuel stop before flying to our final stop for our company Robometrics® Machines’ annual AI Demo Day II. Our goal was to stay at the hotel in Eden Prairie for the evening, refuel and start our flight to our final designation early in the morning to dodge the thunder storms. Early morning is the best time to fly in small aircraft since that’s the time the weather is calm and the clouds haven’t built up energy to create turbulence when you fly around them.

Flying Cloud Airport (FCM) in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, has a rich and dynamic history, marked by significant contributions to both local and national aviation. Established in the early 1940s, this airport was originally built to serve as a military flight training school during World War II. After the war, it transitioned into a public airport, quickly becoming a hub for general aviation. Its strategic location near Minneapolis-Saint Paul made it an ideal site for private, corporate, and recreational flying. One of the most interesting aspects of Flying Cloud Airport is its strong association with historical aircraft and vintage aviation. It has been home to numerous air shows and events showcasing antique aircraft, attracting aviation enthusiasts from all over the country. The airport also played a pivotal role in promoting aviation education and training, housing various flight schools and aviation programs.

Flying Cloud Airport's name itself is a nod to history, derived from the famous clipper ship, the Flying Cloud, known for setting speed records during the gold rush era. This reflects the airport's ongoing commitment to speed, efficiency, and the pioneering spirit of aviation. Today, FCM is not just a testament to aviation's past but continues to be a thriving community airport, contributing significantly to the local economy and serving as a gateway for regional air traffic.

An adventure is not complete if you land in a small town with no hotel vacancy and have to hop back on your aircraft to the next town. Mankato, Minnesota was supposed to be our last stop before Oshkosh, Wisconsin. After landing at Mankato Regional Airport (MKT), we found out that there are no hotel rooms available in the city due to multiple weddings happening that day. At MKT, we were joined by one of our friends in his aircraft who continued with us for the rest of the trip and at Oshkosh. We were now a fleet of two aircrafts! We got back in our aircrafts to fly to the next town east of us on the way - Eden Prairie, Minnesota. 

Aviation, a realm where the human spirit meets the limitless sky, has always been synonymous with adventure. The very essence of taking flight is intertwined with the allure of the unknown and the thrill of exploration. As Amelia Earhart, a pioneering aviator, once said, "Adventure is worthwhile in itself." This sentiment captures the heart of aviation – a field where each flight is not just a journey through the air, but a voyage into the unforeseen. The unexpected turn of events at MKT is a quintessential example of the unpredictable nature of aviation adventures. The incident exemplifies the unpredictable adventures that aviation offers. It is in these unplanned detours and spontaneous decisions that the true spirit of flying is found. Howard Hughes, an iconic aviator and filmmaker, once humorously remarked, "I'm not a paranoid deranged millionaire. Goddamit, I'm a billionaire." Though said in jest, this quote underlines the grandeur and boldness inherent in the life of an aviator.

On the way to Oshkosh, Wisconsin for our company Robometrics® Machines’ annual AI Demo Day II, we flew to Mankato Regional Airport (MKT). The Mankato Regional Airport, a hub of activity in Mankato, Minnesota, has a long history. Established in the early 20th century, it has evolved from a simple airfield to a modern facility serving both general aviation and commercial needs. As for Mankato, Minnesota itself has a rich and diverse history that spans several centuries. Originally, the area was inhabited by the Dakota Sioux Native Americans, who called it Mahkato, meaning "greenish blue earth," which later evolved into Mankato. European settlement began in earnest in the mid-19th century, significantly changing the area's landscape and culture. Mankato became officially incorporated as a city in 1868. It played a significant role during the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862, which was a pivotal moment in Minnesota's history. Following the war, Mankato grew rapidly as a regional hub for agriculture and trade, aided by its location at the confluence of the Minnesota and Blue Earth Rivers. In the 20th century, Mankato expanded its economic base to include education, healthcare, and manufacturing, marking it as an important center for commerce and culture in southern Minnesota. Today, Mankato is known for its blend of historical significance and modern development, hosting several educational institutions, including Minnesota State University, Mankato, and preserving its rich heritage through various historical sites and cultural events.

At our company, Robometrics® Machines’ annual AI Demo Day II in Oshkosh Wisconsin in 2023, we stopped for refueling our Cessna 182T and lunch at Rapid Falls (KRAP), South Dakota. Oh KRAP! The American Midwest is beautiful. The airport code for the Rapid City Regional Airport is indeed KRAP. Rapid City Regional Airport (KRAP) was our next stop after Idaho Falls on the way from Palo Alto. 

KRAP has a rich history and notable geographical significance. Established in the mid-20th century, it quickly became a pivotal hub for air travel in the region. Notable for its strategic location, the airport lies in the scenic Black Hills, an area renowned for its natural beauty and historical landmarks like Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial. Over the years, KRAP has undergone several expansions and renovations, reflecting its growing importance in the region. One of the most significant moments in its history was in the late 1980s, when the airport underwent a major expansion to accommodate increasing passenger traffic, showcasing its importance as a gateway to the western United States. The airport's geographical position also makes it a vital link for air travel to and from the more remote areas of South Dakota and neighboring states.  

We flew over Coyote Hills Regional Park in a Cessna 182 a few days ago and were struck by the breathtaking juxtaposition of the park's hill tops with its natural beauty against the urban skyline of San Francisco in the far distance, combined with the blue sky meeting the bay water. The experience is surreal, as the panoramic views of the hills blend with the sparkling waters of the bay and the blue sky, creating a vivid and unforgettable landscape.

Coyote Hills Regional Park, nestled along the southeast shore of the San Francisco Bay in Fremont, California, is a remarkable blend of history and natural beauty. Established in 1967, this 978-acre park is a testament to both the Native American history and the region's diverse ecosystems. Historically, it's known for the Tuibun Ohlone Village site, which dates back 2,000 years and offers a glimpse into the lives of the Ohlone people who once thrived in this area. The park's landscape is a mosaic of rolling hills, marshland, and wildlife habitats, making it a significant regional asset for both environmental conservation and recreational activities.

Coyote Hills stands out for its rich biodiversity, including salt marshes, freshwater marshes, and grasslands, providing vital habitats for a variety of wildlife. The park features over 13 miles of trails, ideal for hiking, biking, and bird watching, with the Dumbarton Bridge adding a distinctive landmark to the scenery. Additionally, the park is home to the Coyote Hills Visitor Center, which offers educational exhibits and programs about the natural and cultural history of the area.

At our company, Robometrics® Machines’ annual AI Demo Day II in Oshkosh Wisconsin in 2023, after leaving in our Cessna 182T from the fuel stop and lunch at Rapid Falls (KRAP), South Dakota,  we spent some time at Mankato Regional Airport (MKT) in Mankato, Minnesota. Oh KRAP! Here we grouped with the second aircraft, a Cessna 400. Together we flew to Oshkosh, Wisconsin. 

The Cessna 400 and the Cessna 182T are two noteworthy models, each with distinct specifications. The Cessna 400, known for its speed and advanced avionics, is a high-performance single-engine aircraft. It boasts a turbocharged engine, typically a Continental TSIO-550-C, which produces around 310 horsepower, enabling it to reach cruising speeds of approximately 235 knots. Its advanced glass cockpit and luxury interior make it a favorite among private pilots seeking performance and comfort. 

In contrast, the Cessna 182T, a more traditional and widely used model, is known for its reliability and versatility. It is powered by a naturally aspirated Lycoming IO-540-AB1A5 engine, producing about 230 horsepower. This model has a cruising speed of around 145 knots, making it slower than the Cessna 400 but highly efficient for training and general aviation purposes. Its simpler avionics and rugged design make it a preferred choice for flight schools and general aviation enthusiasts like us.

During one of our group’s flying trips over the San Francisco Bay Area, we landed our Cessna 172 at San Carlos Airport (KSQL) in the evening after a quick dinner in Half Moon Bay, California. 

Landing a Cessna 172 at San Carlos Airport (KSQL) at night is an exhilarating experience. As we align with the runway, the glittering lights of the San Francisco Bay Area stretch out beneath us, creating a stunning backdrop. The runway lights guided our approach in the serene night sky. The calmness of the evening contrasts with the focused alertness required for a night landing. Gently easing the throttle, we made small adjustments to ensure a smooth touchdown, feeling a sense of accomplishment as the wheels gently met the tarmac. During our flight, we used flight following for situational awareness and traffic updates, maintaining regular communication with air traffic control. Transitioning to IFR, we relied on my instruments for navigation, especially in unpredictable weather or when visual cues are limited. As we approached my destination in the evening, we switched to VFR for landing, using visual references to align with the runway. This blend of instrument proficiency and visual flying skills ensures a safe and smooth landing as the day transitions into night.

We had an adventurous experience doing an evening take-off in a Cessna 172 from Half Moon Bay Airport (KHAF) next to California Highway 1. Half Moon Bay Airport (KHAF) has a rich history dating back to the 1940s. Originally constructed as an auxiliary airfield for the U.S. Army during World War II, it played a significant role in the nation's defense efforts. 

Taking off from Half Moon Bay Airport (KHAF) in a Cessna 172 on a cloudy evening is an experience that combines the thrill of general aviation with the unique challenges of night flying and variable weather conditions using IFR (Instrument Flight Rules). This small, scenic airport, located near the Pacific coast, provides pilots with picturesque views, but also demands careful attention to weather patterns, especially during cloudy conditions. Night take-offs require heightened awareness and skill, as pilots navigate using instruments and lights, ensuring a safe journey into the skies. When we flew IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) in the evening along the coast amidst clouds, we depended almost entirely on our Cessna’s instruments due to the limited visibility and lack of visible landmarks. The coastal environment presents additional challenges with the marine layer clouds, which are often dense and low. Maintaining strict adherence to IFR protocols and being highly aware of our altitude and position is essential for safe navigation in such conditions.

We flew over Atherton, California, parallel to Greco Island and the connected Bedwell Bayfront Park on the far right in the San Francisco Bay. 

Atherton in San Francisco Bay Area, is a small, affluent town in San Mateo County, part of the San Francisco Bay Area. Its history dates back to the 1860s when Faxon D. Atherton, a prominent landowner, businessman, and namesake of the town, purchased the area known today as Atherton. Originally a part of the Rancho de las Pulgas, the town was primarily an area for the wealthy to build their country homes and summer retreats. Atherton was officially incorporated in 1923, maintaining its status as a residential community with a strong commitment to preserving its wooded character and rural feel. One of Atherton's most interesting aspects is its strict zoning laws, designed to maintain large lots and a park-like atmosphere, prohibiting commercial activities within the town limits.

Nearby Greco Island, part of the San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge, is a lesser-known but ecologically significant area. This small island, named after a former owner, is inaccessible to the public to protect its delicate ecosystem. It's a vital habitat for various bird species, including the endangered California clapper rail and the salt marsh harvest mouse. Greco Island's marshlands play a crucial role in the Bay's ecology, acting as a natural buffer against flooding and serving as a key breeding ground for marine life. The conservation efforts on Greco Island highlight the balance between urban development and natural preservation, a theme that resonates strongly in the Bay Area's environmental policies.

“A great photograph is one that fully expresses what one feels, in the deepest sense, about what is being photographed.” 

The photograph of the earth's natural artistry, with its sweeping lines and earthen colors, can evoke a sense of wonder that Ansel Adams often sought to convey through his work. This image capturing the Great Salt Lake in Utah from an altitude of 7,500 feet resonates with the artistic spirit of Ansel Adams. It magnificently portrays the vastness of the landscape, showcasing the natural hues of the earth, water, and sky. The inclusion of the airplane's wingtip at the top of the frame adds an element of adventure, seamlessly blending the wonder of human exploration with the sublime beauty of nature.

This photo was taken by our Founder, Aditya Mohan flying at 110 knots over the Great Salt Lake, Utah in a Cessna 182T while returned from our AI Demo Day II. 

We attended a lunch hour panel discussion on Global Finance at Bain & Company office in the Salesforce Tower organized by the BYU Management Society - SF Chapter. As you may recall, our COO Yingying Li is a BYU alumna. The scintillating discussion explored questions about the evolving role of US firms and institutions in international finance.  

Few of the interesting takeaways when working globally included the importance & value proposition of flying first class, Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act  (FATCA), the sense that American globally are considered obnoxious akin to cowboys, and when moving abroad for work, thinking about your exit strategy - consideration for staying or coming back before you are too removed from your home base. The panelists included Natalya Guseva - Head of Financial Markets and Resilience Initiatives @ the World Economic Forum, David Bain MD - Head of M&A @ Nomura, Nate Bell - Director @ Mosaic Financial, Clifford Blair - Former Senior Counsel @ IMF, Jim Suva - SVP Finance at Cricut and formerly MD at Citibank.

We attended the breakfast get together at the Tesla showroom in San Francisco organized as part of the Tech Weekend by Founders Village. It is here that the future of automotive technology was on full display, from the sleek blue Tesla Roadster convertible to the exposed engineering of a deconstructed electric vehicle chassis. Guests mingled in the modern space, where a spread of pastries and coffee added a relaxed early morning ambiance to the high-tech environment in San Francisco, the AI boom town. Adding a touch of humor to the event, we took a playful test drive on a red miniature Tesla, eliciting smiles and laughter all around. This whimsical moment echoed Elon Musk's light-hearted side, reminiscent of his quip, "I really do think you should be able to buy a really great electric car for $25,000. It just might be slightly smaller." The day was a celebration of progress, combining the anticipation of what's to come with the joy found in the whimsical moments of today.

We were invited to the West Valley Flying Club Holiday Party last week at the MacArthur Park Restaurant in Palo Alto, CA. The holiday spirit was in full swing where we got together with our fellow flying club members, met old friends and made new ones, as the festive party unfolded in a beautifully decorated venue. With its white-washed interiors and a charming balcony trimmed with twinkling lights and lush greenery, the setting was picture-perfect for the season. Elegantly attired guests mingled and dined, with tables dressed in pristine white and accented with vibrant red napkins that matched the holiday cheer. A sumptuous buffet offered a spread of delectable choices, as people queued up to fill their plates. In the background, the gentle strumming of a live band added a layer of warmth to the lively chatter while some danced to this swing dancing music. It was an evening of joyous celebration, where every moment was filled with good food, great company, and the infectious merriment of the holidays.  

Flying at 100 knots over Concord Hills, Contra Costa County, California, at 3600 feet reveals the grand hills of golden-brown earth, a testament to the region's natural splendor and its agricultural past. This is one of the several photographs we took while flying in a Cessna 182. The undulating patterns are reminiscent of ancient earthwork art, seemingly etched into the terrain by the hands of time itself. These contours may follow the natural topography or could be the result of modern agricultural practices, marking the boundaries of fields and pastures. This region's visual story is interwoven with California's broader history of land use, from the indigenous communities who first inhabited these marshlands to the agricultural and industrial developments that shaped its current state. The image captures the beauty of human coexistence with nature, an interplay between the wild and the cultivated. 

John Muir, an influential naturalist and advocate for the preservation of the American wilderness, might have seen the beauty in such a landscape, finding poetry in its every curve and hue, possibly saying something akin to, “This grand show is eternal. It is always sunrise somewhere; the dew is never all dried at once; a shower is forever falling; vapor ever rising.” This image, with its expansive, rolling hills and the intricate dance between shadow and light, could indeed be a scene that Muir would have marveled at, a natural canvas displaying the artistry of the earth itself.

We flew over Bay Point the other bay in a Cessna 182, next to Suisun Bay, not far from the San Francisco Bay Area we know by hard. Bay Point, California, with its rich history, presents a unique blend of natural and industrial evolution. Originally a vast expanse of tule marshland, Bay Point underwent a transformative journey in the early 1900s. During this era, it established itself as a significant hub for lumber manufacturing and distribution, a testament to its burgeoning industrial capabilities. This development was greatly facilitated by the strategic placement of Southern Pacific Company's transcontinental tracks, which ran through the area, linking it to a vast network of trade and commerce. Furthermore, the proximity to the deep waters of Suisun Bay played a pivotal role, as it enabled the efficient shipment of raw materials, bolstering the town's economic growth. The interplay of these factors marked Bay Point as a key player in the regional economy. Today, Bay Point stands as a community that has embraced its historical roots while adapting to contemporary dynamics, reflecting its enduring significance in California's rich tapestry of towns and cities.

We attended LiveWIRED by the WIRED magazine yesterday in San Francisco. When it comes to AI, I am in the Optimist Club just like Fei-Fei Li (Professor in the Computer Science Department, Stanford University) and Reid Hoffman (Co-Founder, LinkedIn and Partner, Greylock) - It was great to listen to both, and meet Fei-Fei yet again. The AI Optimist Club is about believing that AI, just like any other technology from the invention of the wheel, electricity to CRISPR, makes us achieve our better selves.  At the same time, we should assess risk realistically, accurately while being optimistic about what AI can do. 

Existential risks are different from social risks and need to be treated differently. Climate change is both an existential and social risk, which AI can help solve. An example is the contribution of Google DeepMind, “Scaling deep learning for materials discovery” as published in Nature on November 29, 2023. The study showcases the power of AI in improving the efficiency of materials discovery by an order of magnitude. Building on the identification of 48,000 stable crystals, the AI model, known as GNoME, has discovered 2.2 million new structures, surpassing previous human chemical intuition. Some of these newly discovered stable crystals may very well be a solution to climate change. AI may appear as a social risk just like any major technology invention in the past from moving from using horses for carrying people around to automobiles to the invention of a computer. 

At our company, Robometrics® Machines Machines’ annual AI Demo Day II in Oshkosh Wisconsin this year, after leaving  from the fuel stop in our Cessna 182 at Casper, Wyoming, we flew near Sweetwater County, on the way to Salt Lake City. 

Sweetwater County, located in the heart of Wyoming, is a land where the rugged beauty of the American West is vividly alive. Nestled amidst various mountain ranges, including the Wind River, Wyoming, and Uinta mountains, the county's landscape is dramatically sculpted with deep canyons, rolling plains, and striking rock formations. The Green River carves its way through the county, creating a haven for wildlife and offering abundant outdoor activities like fishing, kayaking, and wildlife watching. Flaming Gorge Reservoir, a marvel of natural beauty and human engineering, is a popular destination for water sports and fishing. Sweetwater County's historical significance is deeply tied to the Oregon, Mormon, and California trails, making it a treasure trove for history enthusiasts. The area's rich mining history, especially in coal and trona, adds another layer to its diverse heritage. The county is also known for its annual events, like rodeos and cultural festivals, which showcase the vibrant local community spirit. This blend of natural splendor, historical depth, and a lively cultural scene makes Sweetwater County a unique and enchanting part of Wyoming.

This photo is taken by our Founder, Aditya Mohan flying  near Sweetwater County, Wyoming in a Cessna 182 while returning from our AI Demo Day II.

We flew over Silicon Valley to/from  San Carlos Airport (KSQL) in the night. Flying through the heavens above Silicon Valley, one is struck by a profound sense of adventure with every glimmering light is a monument to human creativity, a beacon for the unyielding spirit that propels us to explore beyond the boundaries of our understanding. Silicon Valley from this vantage point was more than a mere collection of lights, shadows and famous spirits; it was a dreamscape, a gathering of aspirations, and a frontier for the audacious and souls who never give up their dreams. My sentiments, born from this lofty perspective, would echo in the hearts of many who shared my love for adventure and the cradle of innovation that stretched out beneath me.

Elie Wiesel, a Romanian-born American writer, professor, political activist, Nobel laureate, and Holocaust survivor once said:

"Night is purer than day; it is better for thinking and loving and dreaming. At night everything is more intense, more true. The echo of words that have been spoken during the day takes on a new and deeper meaning."

This accurately introspective and surreal quality of night flying. It evokes the heightened senses and the clarity that can come with the stillness and solitude of night.  

We flew out of the San Jose International Airport (KSJC)  recently, not through a commercial airliner but in our Cessna 182. The experience was nothing less than adventurous as we waited for a Southwest jet to land before proceeding to the smaller general aviation runway, parallel to the main runway.

San Jose International Airport, officially known as Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport, is a significant aviation hub located in the heart of Silicon Valley, San Jose, California. Its inception dates back to 1945 when it was first used as a municipal airport after the City of San Jose purchased 483 acres of land for its development. Over the years, it has undergone numerous expansions to accommodate the increasing air traffic, becoming a cornerstone of the Bay Area's transportation infrastructure. Notably, the airport features a smaller runway that is dedicated primarily to general aviation and smaller aircraft. This runway operates in tandem with the main runway, allowing for efficient handling of both commercial and private aviation traffic. The secondary runway was added to increase operational capacity and safety, providing more options for various types of aircraft and improving the airport's overall service capability. 

We attended the New Horizons in Generative AI: Science, Creativity, and Society conference at Stanford last week. It is always a pleasure meeting fellow Brown Alum, especially when you meet them in the SF Bay Area wearing a Hawaiian shirt - Peter Norvig this time!

Describing a LLMs as an alien intelligence is a good way to convey the hallucinations or creativity inherent in these models that can be considered as a feature. (See my blog post on LLM with  Human-Like Responses Through Hallucination here https://www.robometricsagi.com/blog/ai-policy#h.czpvisga9x8b). An example will be some of the unique moves made by AlphaGo in a certain chess game. LLMs will make it possible for us to understand and even communicate with other species on planet Earth including one day, one of the oldest of it all, sperm whales. 

Human communication in a language such as English consists of words, sentences and sound to convey a meaning, based on the underlying semantics of the language. This is also why LLMs have been so successful since it consumes these words and sentences — although no sounds so far — and is able to construct the underlying semantics of language to create new sentences. Similarly, a LLM trained on sequences of very large numbers of molecules and their structure can tell us about the underlying biology - the semantics of life itself. The quality of LLM output is a reasonable indication of how good that domain  or topic exists on the Internet, which accounts for a large amount of the world's knowledge.  

The day's agenda kicked off with a Welcome and Introduction by Surya Ganguli and Percy Liang from Stanford University, setting an insightful tone. This was swiftly followed by an Opening Keynote from Shakir Mohamed of Google DeepMind, offering his profound perspectives.

The "Sciences" session featured enlightening talks. Alex Rives discussed integrating computer science with biology through language models, while Pratyusha Sharma from MIT dove into understanding sperm whale communication. Aditi Sheshadri from Stanford expanded the discussion with her expertise in Earth System Science, under the moderation of Surya Ganguli.

The focus then shifted to "Creativity," moderated by Diyi Yang of Stanford. Chris Donahue from Carnegie Mellon University and Google Magenta explored music generation. The session also featured insights on leveraging Alphazero in chess from Been Kim and Lisa Schut of Google DeepMind, and Angjoo Kanazawa from UC Berkeley.

After a lunch break, Ge Wang from Stanford University led a thought-provoking talk on "Music & AI," contemplating our true desires from AI in music.

The "Society" session followed, envisioning a future with harmonious coexistence between humans and AI. Speakers included Erik Brynjolfsson from Stanford discussing "The Turing Trap," Jaron Lanier from Microsoft on "Data Dignity," and insights on generative agents by Joon Park and Ashia Wilson. Rishi Bommasani from Stanford skillfully moderated the discussion.

The program concluded with Daphne Koller, CEO of insitro and Adjunct Professor at Stanford, delivering a compelling Keynote on "Machine Learning for Translatable Drug Discovery," drawing a close to a day rich in innovative AI knowledge and applications.

We flew over the Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park, few minutes flight from Palo Alto Airport (KPAO).  Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park, nestled in the rolling hills of Pleasanton, CA, stands as a serene, verdant oasis offering breathtaking views and a tranquil escape from the bustling urban life. Spanning over 9,000 acres, this sprawling park is part of the East Bay Regional Park District, boasting a rich tapestry of biodiversity and landscapes. The area's history is fascinating, tracing back to the indigenous Ohlone people and later, the Spanish missions. Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, the land was primarily used for ranching and agriculture, which is reflected in some of the park's remaining structures and old fence lines. Notable for its diverse range of flora and fauna, the park features spectacular oak woodlands, grassy ridges, and springtime wildflowers that dazzle with their vibrant colors. It is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a plethora of activities such as hiking, biking, and equestrian trails, including the popular Ridgeline and Thermalito trails, which provide panoramic views of the Pleasanton valley and beyond. This park doesn't just offer a glimpse into the area's natural beauty and history, but also serves as a vital green space for conservation and relaxation, making it a cherished destination for visitors and local residents alike.

Our experience at the Watsonville Muni Airport (KWVI) was like no other. It is an unattended airport (read no ATC tower) and it was packed, new aircrafts arriving every few minutes when we arrived in the afternoon. An "unattended airport" refers to an airport that does not have staff present on-site at all times, meaning services such as fueling, maintenance, or ground control may not be available around the clock.

Watsonville Municipal Airport (KWVI) is a significant general aviation facility located in the heart of the Pajaro Valley in Watsonville, California. Established in the early 20th century, it has since played a pivotal role in serving the aviation needs of the region. Situated amidst lush agricultural fields, the airport is a gateway to the Monterey Bay area and provides access to both the Santa Cruz beaches and the majestic redwood forests. Historically, KWVI has been a hub for crop-dusting activities, reflecting the agricultural prominence of the region. Surrounding the airport, visitors can find a plethora of dining options, ranging from local taquerias to gourmet eateries offering farm-to-table experiences. An interesting fact about KWVI is its annual Watsonville Fly-In and Air Show, which attracts aviation enthusiasts from all over the country to witness spectacular aerial displays and vintage aircraft exhibitions. This event not only showcases the rich aviation history of the airport but also reinforces its importance in the community.

Last week we attended the TED AI 2023 in The Ferry Building, San Francisco. Thanks to my friend and attorney Louis Lehot at Foley & Lardner LLP Partners for the invitation. Foundation Models formed the basis of most conversations, both off and on stage. Some of the useful conversations revolved around the meaning of reasoning and that reasoning is more than learning with a clear difference between learning and reasoning by LLMs (Large Language Models). In addition, there is a coherent argument that LLMs are not stochastic parrots. It was also somewhat clear that the Turing Test needed fine tuning to adjust how technology has evolved recently in the last 5 years, where today we can build adaptive AI Agents that can work on high level objectives using multiple LLMs as the core. These AI Agents can behave similar to humans in many respects due to their ability to work on high level objectives. Gaming offers a way to test, evaluate such AI Agents in a sandbox environment. Games can become virtual worlds for these agents that can be transferred to the real world once evaluated in the sandbox.  

Companies using or building Foundation Models need to think twice on whether they are building a company or just a feature, application or a product. Due to high operating expenses needed for compute, in Generative AI startups, VCs are investing in such startups without cash by taking over the cost of compute to build Foundation Models. Many corporate VCs are providing GPUs in exchange for startup equity. In addition, the funding rounds for seed stage have increased as they need additional capital for key technical hires. At the same time, the first $10 million in initial sales is expected to happen from the company Founders themselves without an expectation to a full fledged sales team. A company can have a small TAM but can still build a moat by differentiated IP and proprietary data.

Some of the noteworthy sessions we attended include: The new funding landscape for generative AI startups with Deep Nishar, Managing Director at General Catalyst, Jeremiah Owyang - General Partner, Blitzscaling Ventures, Louis Lehot - Partner at Foley & Lardner LLP, Alessio Fanelli, Partner at Decibel Partners; Bringing AI products to life with Marily Nika - AI Product Lead at Meta; Foundational Models Panel - Future Outlook with Paige Bailey - Google Deepmind, Jesse Michael Han -  Morph.so, David Dohan - OpenAI, Joe Spisak -  Meta, Shawn Wang - Latent Space;  LLM - stochastic parrot or spark of AGI with Pedro Domingos - Professor of computer science at UW; Jim Fan - Senior AI Scientist at Nvidia; Stephen Wolfram -  Wolfram Research; Jorn Lyseggen - Meltwater; and Will next generation LLM’s with borrow insights from game research with Jim Fan - NVIDIA, Joon Sung Park -  Stanford University, Yohei Nakajima -  Untapped Capital, Noam Brown -  OpenAI, Liv Boeree -  Poker Champion; Is Generative AI the moment of truth for healthcare and Medicine with Murali Doraiswany - Professor of Psychiatry and Medicine, Duke University, Renee Yao - Nvidia, Vivek Natarajan - Google, Ashok Chennuru -  Carelon Digital Platforms, Daniel Kraft,  NextMed.Health & Digital.Health.

A few days back we flew to Half Moon Bay Airport (KHAF) was a fun day trip. Half Moon Bay Airport (KHAF), also known as Eddie Andreini Sr. Airfield, is situated in San Mateo County, California, just a few miles from the picturesque shores of the Pacific Ocean. Established during World War II as an auxiliary airfield for the U.S. Navy, its primary purpose was to serve as an emergency landing field for aircraft based out of Naval Air Station Alameda and Moffett Field. Post-war, the airport transitioned to civil control and has since become a vital general aviation hub for the Bay Area. One of the more interesting aspects of KHAF is its proximity to the annual Half Moon Bay Art and Pumpkin Festival. During this event, the airport often hosts an "Open House" showcasing various aircraft, drawing aviation enthusiasts from all over. Additionally, its location offers stunning views of the coastline, making it a popular destination for pilots and tourists alike. Over the years, KHAF has not only played a significant role in the aviation history of the region but has also contributed to the cultural and recreational life of the community.

While walking next to the flight line during our company’s annual AI Demo Day II, we caught our favorite wingman on camera - a F-35 that takes a laid-back cruise, proving it's not just about the skies. Who said jets can't have street style?  This one is too cool for the flight school!

The F-35A Lightning II, with its advanced stealth capabilities and sophisticated radar systems, has revolutionized modern aerial combat, rendering it significantly more effective in identifying and neutralizing surface-to-air missile (SAM) sites compared to its predecessor, the F-16CJ Wild Weasel. According to three former F-16CJ Wild Weasel instructor pilots, a single F-35A can locate and engage SAM sites more swiftly and effectively than three F-16CJ fighters operating in tandem.

The stealth features of the F-35A, designed for low observability with advanced materials and shaping techniques, considerably reduce its radar cross-section, making it extremely challenging for enemy radars to detect it, especially when compared to the non-stealthy F-16. Moreover, the F-35A's radar has the capability to neutralize enemy fighter and surface-to-air radars without alerting adversaries of being electronically attacked. This, in conjunction with its stealth attributes, makes the F-35A nearly invisible to enemy radars.

Additionally, the F-35A's sensor suite enhances situational awareness, enabling pilots to execute close air support missions as effectively as, or even better than the A-10 in low-threat environments, making it the sole multirole platform capable of performing close air support in high-threat scenarios. This multirole fighter combines stealth, sensor fusion, and unprecedented situational awareness, allowing the U.S. Air Force and its allies to dominate the skies under a myriad of combat conditions.

The F-35A’s superior capabilities in electronic warfare, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and its ability to perform both air superiority and strike missions, substantiates its standing as a formidable asset in modern aerial warfare, overshadowing the capabilities of the F-16CJ Wild Weasel in tackling SAM sites and other high-threat environments.

Our team attended the Everlaw Summit in San Francisco last week at the Palace Hotel. Thanks to AJ Shankar, Everlaw Founder and CEO for the invitation. Generative AI was part of the conversation but not all. The broader sentiments were of thinking of Generative AI as having an endless supply of law associates where you will not give them important work in the beginning or keep a close supervision. There was consensus that generative AI can help in litigation and broadly in the legal field but it will take some time to remove all the friction touch points such as educating users on such tools, bias, and process changes in the field. Just like using any tool such as a pen, paper or a cellphone, you need to know how to use it and take into account its ethics, risk and utility. The other major set of conversations were around using technology to help the legal process such as searching through millions of documents during the discovery phase of a litigation or just trying to figure out how to get a large set of documents in a jail that may not have access to the Internet or even a computer. Since litigations go for a long time, preserving old technology and data formats in itself is a pain point. Sometimes, the lack of technology literacy, whether they are an attorney, plaintiff, defendant or a judge, can lead to biases in the decision. Law school education needs to evolve as technologies like generative AI become more widely used just like a spell checker is not pervasive in all our digital tools. Law students need to be more skillful in editing and reviewing a document than having the ability to start writing a draft from scratch. 

Some of the noteworthy presentations related to AI included the Generative AI Demystified keynote  by AJ Shankar, Everlaw Founder and CEO, Future-proofing Your Career in the Age of AI by Kevin Roose, journalist for The New York Times, and  Adjudicating at the Edge of Law and Technology with the Honorable Paul J. Grimm and Dr. Maura Grossman on the most pressing legal and technological issues facing the courts today.  

While not on the technology domain, the session on the Opioid Crisis, the role of Sackler family and the issues with the bankruptcy laws as it exists today in the US was intriguing. Titled “Empire of Pain: The Hidden Story Behind the Opioid Crisis”, the session included  journalist Patrick Radden Keefe, David Hart, Assistant Attorney-in-Charge of the Health Fraud Unit/Consumer Protection Section at the Oregon Department of Justice, and NPR Correspondent Marisa Lagos.

The summit concluded by the scintillating party at the Palace Hotel in San Francisco.

At our company, Robometrics® Machines Machines’ annual AI Demo Day II in Oshkosh Wisconsin this year, a few attendees expected to capture some remarkable moments, but none could have predicted this adventurous aircraft’s photobombing feast. In a world where even pigeons are trying to photobomb our most candid moments, the audacious aircraft in the shot took things to a new altitude! 

The daring aircraft was determined not to be outshone by mere mortals in neon fluorescent vests. We captured the precise moment when the aircraft, seemingly tired of soaring the skies, decided to dip down and join the selfie-crazed humans below. Those folks, clad in their neon vests, were probably expecting to click a standard group selfie. Little did they know that their pic would get turbocharged by a plane deciding, "Hey, I want in on this action too!" With impeccable timing and a flair for the dramatic, the plane swooped in, seemingly saying, "Why should humans have all the fun?" 

Next time, they might need a wider-angle lens to fit all their unexpected guests!

We got to check out  many of the Chance Vought F4U Corsair up close during their reunion at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2023. The Chance Vought F4U Corsair stands as a symbol of American aeronautical ingenuity during the World War II era. With its unique, inverted gull-wing design, this fighter aircraft is most renowned for its notable operations in the South Pacific. The first flight of the Corsair was recorded in May 1940, and by December 28th, 1942, it had started to serve the U.S. military. The distinct design of its wings was not purely for aesthetic purposes. The Corsair was fitted with the powerful Pratt & Whitney R-2800 Double Wasp engine, which required an exceptionally large propeller. In order to accommodate this large diameter propeller while ensuring the landing gear was both robust for carrier landings and lightweight enough to maintain top-tier performance, the engineers had to think outside the box. This led to the creation of the ‘bent’ or inverted gull-wing design. By doing so, they achieved the necessary ground clearance for the propeller during takeoffs and landings without elongating the aircraft's landing gear. Such a design not only gave the Corsair its distinctive look but also contributed to its legendary status in aviation history.

The pilots who flew the Chance Vought F4U Corsair were among the bravest and most skilled of their generation. These aviators, many of whom were part of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, faced the challenges of intense aerial combat and demanding carrier landings. As the Corsair was deployed mainly in the Pacific theater during WWII, these pilots often engaged in dogfights with Japanese aircraft and played a pivotal role in achieving air superiority over the skies of islands like Guadalcanal and Okinawa. Their courage and expertise turned the Corsair into an icon of air combat, with the aircraft earning the nickname "Whistling Death" from its adversaries. The bond between the Corsair and its pilots was immortalized through numerous tales of heroism, making both the machine and its operators legendary figures in military aviation history.

We saw the Super Hornet, landing right next to the flight line. The Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornet is an advanced twin-engine, multirole fighter jet that represents a considerable evolution from its predecessor, the F/A-18C/D Hornet. One of its most distinctive features is the APG-79 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar system, which provides increased range, multi-target tracking, and a higher degree of resistance against electronic jamming. Additionally, the Super Hornet is equipped with enhanced avionics, a reduced radar cross-section for increased stealth capabilities, and increased payload capacity.

We flew over Hayward Highlands in California, a 10 minute flight from San Francisco and captured its serene beauty, where nature and neighborhood intertwine. Hayward Highlands, nestled in the eastern part of Hayward, California, offers breathtaking views and captivating beauty. As one of the city's most serene and picturesque neighborhoods, it is perched atop the hills that provide a respite from the bustling urban life below. The Highlands are bordered by the verdant hills and slopes of the Garin/Dry Creek Pioneer Regional Parks to the east. These mountainous terrains not only offer panoramic views of the Bay Area, but also boast a myriad of hiking trails, providing nature enthusiasts ample opportunities to explore the pristine wilderness. For those interested in aviation, Hayward Executive Airport lies conveniently close to the Highlands. While the airport primarily serves general aviation, its proximity allows residents and visitors an easy gateway to the skies, be it for recreational flying or simply watching small aircrafts dance against the backdrop of the mesmerizing Californian horizon.

Glistening under the Californian sun, Los Vaqueros Reservoir near Pleasanton stands as a testament to human ingenuity and our perpetual quest to harness nature's bounty. As of late, the reservoir has not only been a source of water storage but also an emblematic sanctuary for nature enthusiasts and anglers alike. Looking beyond the reservoir, on the northern side near Livermore, the horizon is painted with the elegant dance of wind turbines, their blades gracefully carving arcs in the air. As we flew beside them, we couldn't help but recall the words of the famed environmentalist Paul Gipe who said, "Wind energy is not just a technology, but a culture of its own." Indeed, there's an undeniable magic to these structures. Standing tall and silent, they are both ethereal and powerful, harnessing the invisible forces of nature, spinning tirelessly, and working hard to provide us with sustainable energy. The juxtaposition of the still reservoir waters and the dynamic whirl of the turbines creates a poetic scene of harmony, symbolizing our delicate balance with nature.

Yesterday our team travelled forward in time in a Delorean Time Machine to San Francisco 2040, thanks to our friends at SnapLogic. In the year 2040, we have embraced a life resembling that of angels, devoting our time to meaningful pursuits rather than robotic toil. Our existence had transcended the mundane, allowing us to prioritize what truly matters. Generative AI powering machines have made us angels. One thing has not changed in San Francisco in 2040 - San Francisco downtown traffic was crazy in 2040 just like it is today in 2023. 

“Time travel used to be thought of as just science fiction, but Einstein's general theory of relativity allows for the possibility that we could warp space-time so much that you could go off in a rocket and return before you set out." - Stephen Hawking

The renowned theoretical physicist, Stephen Hawking, wrote this in his book "A Brief History of Time," published in 1988. Hawking discusses the theoretical possibility of time travel based on the principles of Einstein's theory of relativity.

Many thanks to Guarav. Dhillon and team to make the time travel trip happen. Polaroids included to keep track of how things are back in 2023 when we are in 2040.

Eastward, as far as the eye could travel, unbroken and untamed, rolled the lands we had crossed to reach the edge of the world.

The line above is a paraphrased statement that encapsulates the spirit of Beryl Markham’s aviation adventures and the experiences she wrote about in her memoir, "West with the Night." It reflects the sense of adventure, exploration, and the thrill of flying to remote and uncharted places. Beryl’s book details her remarkable life as an aviator and adventurer.  Beryl Markham made history as the first woman to complete a solo east-to-west transatlantic flight, flying from England to North America in 1936. 

The photos below are taken by our Founder, Aditya Mohan flying over the Great Salt Lake, Utah in a Cessna 182 while returned from our AI Demo Day II. 

Charles Lindbergh was a pioneering aviator famous for making the first nonstop solo transatlantic flight in 1927. He understood the allure of aviation and the freedom it offered, but he also recognized the juxtaposition between the modern world represented by aircraft and the vast, untamed wilderness of the skies. He once said: 

“Real freedom lies in wildness, not in civilization.”

While aircraft can transport us to the most remote and beautiful places on Earth, the act of camping with them brings a bit of the civilized world into the wild. Aircraft are symbols of technology, industry, and human innovation, and when used for camping, they can introduce a touch of comfort and convenience to otherwise rugged environments. This blending of modernity and nature can create a unique and sometimes humorous contrast, as aviators adapt to the challenges of camping with their flying machines.

Camping with your aircraft combining the conveniences of technology with the unpredictability of nature in an aviation-themed outdoor adventure. 

Few days back we flew with some of our colleges from/to Palo Alto Airport (KPAO). We have been using it more and more for our trips recently. Palo Alto Airport (KPAO), officially known as Palo Alto Airport of Santa Clara County, is a general aviation airport located in the heart of Silicon Valley in California, USA. Established in 1932, it has a rich history as one of the oldest continually-operating airports in the region. Initially serving as a military airfield during World War II, it transitioned to civilian use after the war and has since become a hub for private and corporate aviation. Over the years, KPAO has played a vital role in supporting the aerospace industry and fostering innovation in the tech-centric region, making it a significant and enduring part of Silicon Valley's aviation history. 

Our team attended the AI Social Club Meet during TechCrunch Disrupt on September 21, 2023 organized by NfX, a VC firm in San Francisco focusing on Generative AI. It is always a pleasure attending a VC firm in San Francisco with the laid back vibe. We had a good conversation with James Currier, a GP at NfX, five-time Founder, an angel investor in DoorDash, Lyft, and Patreon. AI socials in San Francisco are characterized by abundance of founder energy,  pizza, wine, beer, champaign and scintillating conversations with new and old friends. NfX’s AI Social was no exception.

Bay Area is not the only bay near San Francisco Bay Area. We flew over the Grizzly Bay next to Grizzly Island in Solana County in our Cessna 182, a brief 10 minutes flight from San Francisco. Grizzly Bay and Grizzly Island, located in California's San Francisco Bay Area, have a rich history and offer a unique blend of natural beauty and human influence. It is located in Solano County's eastern region, near the city of Fairfield. Solano County encompasses a diverse range of landscapes, including wetlands, agricultural areas, and urban centers, and Grizzly Island is one of the notable natural features within this county.

Grizzly Bay and Grizzly Island derive their names from the California grizzly bear, which used to roam the region in abundance. The grizzly bear, now extinct in California, was once a symbol of the state's wildness and ruggedness.Grizzly Bay is a part of the larger Suisun Bay, which connects to San Francisco Bay. Grizzly Island, on the other hand, is situated within the Suisun Marsh, one of the largest contiguous estuarine marshes remaining on the west coast of North America. It is located in Solano County, east of the city of Fairfield.

Grizzly Island and the surrounding wetlands are known for their diverse wildlife. The area serves as a critical habitat for migratory birds, including ducks, geese, and swans. It's also home to a variety of fish species and is a popular spot for anglers. The Suisun Marsh and Grizzly Island have been the focus of extensive conservation efforts. Various organizations and government agencies have worked together to preserve the wetlands and protect endangered species, such as the California clapper rail and salt marsh harvest mouse. Historically, Grizzly Island was used for agriculture, particularly for growing crops like potatoes. It was reclaimed from tidal marshes through a network of levees and dikes. The land was also used for hunting and trapping, with duck hunting being a popular activity.

Grizzly Island is known for its hunting heritage. The Grizzly Island Wildlife Area, managed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, offers hunting opportunities for waterfowl and pheasant. It's a popular destination for hunters and has a rich tradition of hunting clubs. Grizzly Island isn't just for hunters and wildlife enthusiasts. It also offers recreational opportunities for hikers, birdwatchers, and photographers. There are several trails and observation points in the area, providing a chance to experience the natural beauty and tranquility of the marshes.

Grizzly Island was once home to a small community, and remnants of this history can still be seen. The ghost town of Denverton, which was established in the late 1800s, includes a few abandoned buildings and structures that harken back to a bygone era. Grizzly Bay and Grizzly Island serve as a testament to the ongoing efforts to balance human activities with the preservation of natural ecosystems. This unique area offers not only a glimpse into California's past but also a hope for the future as we continue to work toward the conservation of its valuable wetlands and wildlife.

On the way back from our AI Demo Day II, Oshkosh WI, we flew over Germantown, WI and saw these houses on the water shoreline of Blue Water Court, Germantown. Blue Water Court has a unique waterfront architectural design, with homes thoughtfully positioned to maximize picturesque water views. The architecture seamlessly integrates large windows, decks, and balconies to offer residents a serene and tranquil connection to the beautiful waterfront setting. This careful planning not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also creates an inviting atmosphere that celebrates the natural beauty of the water's edge.

Blue Water Court in Germantown, WI, is a charming residential neighborhood that embodies the essence of suburban serenity. Nestled amidst lush greenery and picturesque landscapes, this community offers a peaceful and idyllic setting for its residents. The homes in Blue Water Court are known for their spacious designs, modern amenities, and attention to detail, making them perfect for families seeking comfort and convenience. With well-maintained streets and a strong sense of community, this neighborhood fosters a warm and welcoming atmosphere. 

EAA AirVenture at Oshkosh is first about people and second about the machines they fly. After all, this year in July 2023, there were 677,000 total attendees, 5,500 volunteers, and 848 exhibitors with more than 10,000 aircrafts. 

We camped below the wings of our Cessna 182T in North 40 during the EAA AirVenture 2023 week. Just a few aircraft across in the same row, we have a group from Switzerland camping in their Pilatus. Just like us, they were also entrepreneurs running their own company. We had a great time talking to them and learning from their experience as aviators while we shared our expertise in building AGI systems. They became good friends with us and we certainly hope to camp with them at North 40 during EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh next year. 

We talked with multiple seaplane and floatplane manufacturers during Oshkosh to get a better sense of the market and whether Robometrics® AGI can help pilots of these aircrafts. We had good conversations with ICON Aircraft,  Wipaire, Seaplane Pilots Association, and Alaska Floats and Skis at AK8. 

As an introduction, seaplanes have either straight or amphibian floats. Aircraft with straight floats have no wheels and cannot operate on land. Aircraft with amphibious floats have retractable wheels and are at home on land and in the water. While a seaplane lands using the fuselage directly on the water, a floatplane’s fuselage does not directly come into contact with water. Instead, a floatplane uses floats which make contact with water during take-off and landing. In addition, amphibious aircraft is a type of seaplane that has the capability to land and take-off from land or from water. Both a floatplane and a seaplane can take-off from, and land on, water.  A floatplane is technically a type of seaplane although the distinction can be made based on whether the aircraft’s fuselage comes in contact with the water or not.

Initial feedback was that the seaplanes and floatplanes don’t have enough digitization to receive enough avionics data for Robometrics® AGI. The avionics data is important for the real-time flight envelope feature of Amelia™, the Robometrics® AGI for aviation. They contain mostly a GPS and basic instrumentation. At the same time, newer aircrafts such as the Icon A5 from Icon Aircraft who we talked with, include Garmin G3X Touch™ flight display with 2-axis autopilot for situational awareness. Similarly, our conversations with Wipaire that convert aircrafts into floatplanes, revealed that the bigger seaplanes such as Daher Kodiak and Cessna Caravan retrofitted with floats will also have digital avionics that can feed into  Amelia™. 

In addition, the Amelia™ Health Envelop feature that helps the pilot with emotional awareness is self sufficient and can be used in any aircraft with no restriction on type of avionics onboard. 

We flew over Montezuma Slough near Fairfax, CA in Solano County in our Cessna 182. It is no more than 15 minute flying time from San Francisco and around 20 minutes from Palo Alto Airport, which is where we started our journey.  

Montezuma Slough is a picturesque stream located in Solano County, California, known for its rich history and natural beauty. This meandering waterway flows through the heart of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, making it a vital part of California's intricate water system. The name "Montezuma" is said to have been inspired by the Mexican emperor Montezuma II, though the exact origins of this name remain somewhat mysterious.

One interesting fact about Montezuma Slough is its role in the development of the region's agriculture and transportation. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it served as a crucial water route for steamboats and small ships, facilitating the transport of goods and passengers to and from the Delta region. Today, the slough is a designated waterway for recreational boating, offering enthusiasts the opportunity to explore its serene waters and appreciate its historical significance.

Nature enthusiasts will find plenty to do along Montezuma Slough, from birdwatching to fishing. The slough is a haven for birdwatchers, especially during the migratory seasons when various waterfowl, shorebirds, and raptors can be spotted. Fishing is also popular, with anglers trying their luck at catching species like striped bass, catfish, and sturgeon.

In addition to its recreational attractions, Montezuma Slough provides a glimpse into the Delta's ecological importance and its connection to California's history. Whether you're interested in wildlife observation, boating, or simply soaking in the natural beauty of the area, Montezuma Slough is a captivating destination that showcases the convergence of nature and history in Solano County.

As we made our return journey to Silicon Valley in our Cessna 182, following a delightful lunch in Watsonville, CA, an intriguing moment unfolded. We descended onto a parallel runway alongside a Southwest jet. Remarkably, the timing seemed to align as if we were engaged in an impromptu race to see who could touch down first. In the end, the Southwest jet claimed victory, landing ahead of us despite trailing in the air. However, the outcome was inconsequential. This experience served as a poignant reminder of the core spirit of general aviation and the unparalleled sense of freedom it bestows upon those who take to the skies

Commercial aviation gets you from point A to point B; general aviation gets you from the mundane to the extraordinary while in general aviation, the flight deck is a place of dreams instead of a place of business. General aviation is driven by the passion and dreams of individual pilots who seek the joy and adventure of flying.  

On our way back from our AI Demo Day, we flew over Woodruff, Utah, just north east of Salt Lake City.  Woodruff, a historic town in Rich County, Utah, offers a tranquil rural lifestyle amidst stunning natural beauty. Settled by Mormon pioneers in the late 1800s, it's surrounded by picturesque landscapes, including Bear Lake, known as the "Caribbean of the Rockies." Woodruff is steeped in agricultural tradition and is close to the Idaho border, providing access to Bear Lake's turquoise waters. The area hosts the Bear Lake Raspberry Days festival in August and a county fair, fostering a close-knit community spirit. Outdoor enthusiasts can indulge in activities like fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing, making Woodruff a hidden gem in northern Utah

Jackson Hole, a picturesque enclave in Wyoming, has many stories to tell besides its beautiful setting next to the Teton Range. The Federal Reserve's Wyoming symposium originated in 1978 as an annual gathering of central bankers, economists, and financial experts.  Its location in Jackson Hole, WY dates back to 1982 where the organizers during the time wanted to get the  then-Fed chairman and avid fly fisher Paul Volcker to the symposium.  Rest is history. 

Jackson Hole finds its allure magnified by the awe-inspiring Teton Range standing as its backdrop. This mountainous panorama, with its rugged peaks and tranquil valleys, adds an undeniable touch of magic to Jackson Hole. The harmonious interplay between the charming town and the grandeur of the Tetons creates an enchanting setting that captivates the hearts of all who visit.

On the way to our company’s AI Demo Day II, we passed by Jackson Hole at 7500ft. This is a photograph our Founder & CEO took from a Cessna 182T, flying at close to 100 knots. 

Capturing the Teton Range in the timeless elegance of black and white photography, much like Ansel Adams, infuses a sense of timeless grandeur into each frame. The monochrome palette accentuates the Teton's majestic contours and stark beauty, allowing viewers to immerse themselves in the very essence of the landscape's soulful charm. 

Behold the sinuous dance of the Green River, carving its serpentine path through the rugged heart of Wyoming, an aerial marvel unveiled as you traverse Interstate I-8. Just a stone's throw from the threshold of Utah, near the vibrant pulse of Salt Lake City, this captivating spectacle awaits. The image captured, a fleeting moment frozen in time, immortalized from the vantage of approximately 6000 feet, a vantage gained aboard the mighty Cessna 182T, slicing the firmament at a spirited pace of around 100 knots.

The Green River, a veritable lifeline coursing through the untamed veins of the Rocky Mountain West, transcends its mere status as a waterway. It is a testament to the wild, the untamed, and the untarnished. A pulsating artery, a tributary of mythic proportions that some dare to label as the very wellspring of the mighty Colorado River system. Its genesis, a symphony of melted snow and glacial tears, births forth from the lofty embrace of Pinedale, cradled within the formidable Wind River Mountains of Wyoming. A herald of its grandeur, Green River Lakes, nestled within the embrace of the Bridger-Teton National Forest, marks the genesis of this aqueous odyssey.

Yet, this is no ordinary river. With audacity, it carves through landscapes, forging an audacious path as it embarks on an audacious journey. Behold the majesty of its grand curve, a sweeping arc that beckons the adventurer's soul, and then with a whimsical twist, it defies conformity and plunges southward. A tale of turns and bends, its waters trespass the boundary between the wild and the private, a subtle reminder that nature's glory dances on the precipice of civilization.

So let your spirit take wing, let your imagination soar alongside the aviators who have embraced the skies. For in the heart of Wyoming's embrace, the Green River etches its saga, a saga of adventure, of audacity, and of the boundless beauty of the earth's canvas, painted in strokes of liquid jade.

On the night of August 22, our team gathered at the District San Francisco restaurant for an exquisite evening hosted by Thomvest Ventures and Generational. Amidst the backdrop of delectable food, artisanal cocktails, and a curated wine selection, animated discussions flowed effortlessly between fellow founders, investors, and the Thomvest Venture team. As the evening unfolded, the discourse delved into the captivating realm of Generative AI, illuminating diverse perspectives and igniting a shared excitement for the future of innovation.

Discussions centered on the preparedness of Generative AI for enterprise clientele, exploring intricate architectural factors for extensive implementations, and delving into the intricate compliance landscape encompassing security protocols and legal intricacies.

The evaluation of Foundation Models' performance, gauged by scale metrics like tokens, context length, parameter size, and training data volume, remains a dynamic domain with nearly weekly emergence of fresh insights. Amidst this, a crucial inquiry emerges: does the superiority lie with a more compact yet extensively trained LLM (large language model), or does a larger model hold the advantage? While we lean towards the former, arriving at an unequivocal verdict remains a challenging pursuit.

Embarking on a transformative journey reminiscent of Ansel Adams' historic expedition, we ventured into the heart of the Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks during our inbound trip to Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Like Adams, we sought to capture the ineffable beauty of the Teton Range and the sinuous path of the Snake River, not through photographs but via the lens of a video camera. Aboard a Cessna 182T flying at an altitude of 6000 feet, we traversed the skies above these natural wonders, filming their grandeur from an entirely new perspective. This aerial vantage point, reminiscent of Adams' vision, breathed fresh life into the Teton Range as it stretched out against the horizon, all in the timeless tones of black and white— a medium that Adams himself had passionately embraced. 

Ansel Adams favored black and white photography over color due to its ability to emphasize form, texture, and tonal contrast. He believed that monochrome images allowed him to convey a more profound emotional and aesthetic impact by stripping away the distractions of color, enabling viewers to focus on the composition, light, and subtle nuances that shape a scene. This choice also aligned with his vision of translating the grandeur of nature into a timeless, artistic medium.

Our deliberate choice of black and white enhanced the contours and textures of the Teton Range and the Snake River landscape, evoking the magic that both black and white photography and videography have long held

Nut Tree Airport, located in Vacaville, California, boasts a fascinating history that intertwines aviation, innovation, and a touch of roadside charm. Founded in the 1920s as a humble dirt airstrip located behind a nut stand along the Lincoln Highway, it quickly grew into a popular pit stop for travelers. In the 1940s, during World War II, the airport transformed into a training base for Army Air Corps pilots, contributing significantly to the war effort. It formally became the Nut Tree Airport on June 20th, 1955. The Nut stand with the dirt airstrip was started by a local farmer Ed Power, Jr.

Embarking on an aviation odyssey, our objective was clear: touch down at Nut Tree Airport, a revered destination among aviators, and proceed to the iconic Fentons Creamery—an establishment celebrated not just for its delectable cuisine, but notably for its unrivaled ice cream, acclaimed throughout the region. Alongside fellow sky navigators hailing from Palo Alto Airport (PAO), we took to the skies, the propellers slicing through the air as we embarked on a journey that bridged the skies and the sweetest of indulgences. In a mere half-hour, we transitioned from the tarmac of Palo Alto Airport to the runway at Nut Tree Airport (VCB), executed a seamless landing on that scorching summer day, the aircraft making contact with the runway as if guided by unseen hands. Our mission culminated in triumph as we savored victory and celebrated with the legendary Fentons Special ice cream, an experience that etched our names in the annals of both aviation lore and culinary delight. And thus, the pages of history turned, marking our adventure as a testament to the harmonious convergence of aviation's soaring ambitions and the exquisite pleasures of the palate.

The famous writer Ernest Hemingway said “If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as a young man, then wherever you go for the rest of your life, it stays with you, for Paris is a moveable feast.” Hemingway's memories of his life as an unknown writer living in Paris in the twenties are deeply personal, warmly affectionate, and full of wit.

"Paris is a moveable feast." conveys the idea that Paris, and by extension the French culture, is a place where one can find a constant abundance of beauty, inspiration, and enjoyment, which could include parties and festivities. The saying captures the essence of the lively and vibrant atmosphere that is often associated with French lifestyle and celebrations. It can also be interpreted as a metaphor for the French knack for creating memorable and joyful social gatherings, including parties.

Daher Dinner Party at Oshkosh, WI was no exception. This was our second year attending their party at Oshkosh organized during EAA AirVenture. The event was a true delight, with exquisite wine and delectable cuisine that added a flavorful touch. Engaging with both the Daher team and the pilots provided insightful conversations, fostering an atmosphere of camaraderie. The gathering seamlessly connected old acquaintances and facilitated new friendships. The palpable energy and pervasive excitement that enveloped the venue added an undeniable vibrancy to the entire experience.

Our Founder & CEO, Aditya Mohan, had a great conversation with Daher S.A. CEO Didier Kayat, Nicolas Chabbert, Senior Vice President of Daher Airplane Business Unit and others at Daher. 

Amidst the vast skies and sun-kissed horizons, EAA AirVenture 2023 unfurls its wings as a gathering that pays homage, first and foremost, to the intrepid souls who live and breathe aviation. Here, the spirit of adventure soars higher than the mightiest of aircraft, uniting kindred spirits who share a passion for the boundless heavens. In this symphony of passion and steel, EAA AirVenture 2023 reminds us that while aircraft are crafted from metal, the heart of aviation is woven from dreams, courage, and the unbreakable fellowship of those who call the skies home. 

Amidst these vibrant skyward dreams, we were privileged to cross paths with a remarkable family from St. Louis, Missouri - Richard and his son.  They were also camped in North 40 although on the other side of the runway.  We were in touch with Richard before our arrival at Oshkosh as he is a creative aviator and every year will make North 40 patches that go very well on jackets. In addition to getting us 2 of those patches f, he helped us with the insider tips on camping at North 40. He has been camping in North 40 for the last 15 years. One such tidbit was to arrive before Sunday noon time to be able to get a stop on North 40. 

EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh not only celebrates the machinery of flight, but also the soaring spirit that transcends generations, leaving an indelible mark on the very essence of human adventure. This was one of the reason to hold our company’s AI Demo Day II yearly at Oshkosh at the sometime as EAA AirVenture

Our first presentations as part of our company’s AI Demo Day II titled Generative AI for Aviation with specific focus on Generative AI was  on July 25th early morning 8:30am at the Vette Theater in EAA Aviation Museum. It couldn’t have been a better venue for this history era of Generative AI. But sometimes, it was an adventure of its own to get there at 8:30am from our campsite at North 40 in the morning during the Oshkosh AirVenture week. The prescribed route was to take the morning shuttle (A yellow school bus chartered by EAA) from North 40 campgrounds to the AIrVenture main ground and then take a Tram pulled by a tractor to the Aviation Museum. This was an option since the first but starts at 6:30am in the morning. Our estimate was that this would take us at least an hour to an hour and 30 minutes to get there. Then we looked at the map on where the museum was and where our tent was. It was no more than 1.5 miles in a straight line if you can fly from where we are to the museum! That’s when we had the aha moment. We can’t do a straight line flying a mile and a half (our Cessna 182T was parked next to us) but we can approximate it with a combination of shuttle bus and walking on foot. We got into the bus and the shuttle bus driver was kind enough to point out a tiny hole marked Gate 38 in the fence around the North 40 that can get out, cut across the road to the museum parking lot, next to the line of trees and we are at the EAA Aviation Museum. The hole in the fence was not on any of the maps. We requested the stop at Gate 38 and it took us less than 30 minutes to get to the museum, in addition to being more scenic. Lesson learned: Be adventurous and use common sense. 

Ansel Adams' photography expeditions and adventures to the Grand Teton National Park near Jackson Hole, Wyoming, are well-documented. A notable story about Ansel Adams' photography in the Grand Teton National Park involves his collaboration with fellow photographer, Eliot Porter. In 1948, Adams and Porter embarked on a photographic expedition to the Teton Range. During this trip, they both captured a series of images that showcased the park's remarkable beauty, emphasizing its grandeur and natural elegance. Adams' and Porter's photographs of the Grand Tetons highlighted their distinct artistic styles, with Adams' images often focusing on dramatic contrasts and stark compositions, while Porter's work emphasized color and a more intimate connection with nature. Their collaboration contributed to a broader awareness of the Grand Teton National Park's significance, inspiring many to appreciate and protect these stunning landscapes.

In this spirit of adventure and capturing the natural beauty of the Teton Range, here is another photo taken by our Founder & CEO Aditya Mohan, near Jackson Hole, Wyoming facing the Teton Range. It is taken from a Cessna 182T flying at about 6000ft and 100 knots on the way to Oshkosh, WI for our annual AI Demo Day II. 

During the summer of 1942, esteemed photographer Ansel Adams embarked on a transformative journey to the Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, crafting a series of indelible images that showcased the breathtaking Teton Range and the meandering Snake River. This expedition not only solidified Adams' legacy as a photographic virtuoso but also played a pivotal role in fostering the protection and admiration of these pristine landscapes. Decades later, in a remarkable parallel to Adams' journey, our CEO, Aditya Mohan, undertook a flight over the Snake River, capturing an extraordinary photograph above Swan Valley (Idaho) with the majestic Tetons as a backdrop. This stunning aerial perspective of the river winding its way through the landscape captures the spirit of Adams' work while presenting a fresh, captivating viewpoint that highlights the enduring allure of these natural wonders. The photo you can see on the side is taken by Aditya from a Cessna 182T flying at about 6000ft and 100 knots. 

Aircraft Camping under the wings of your aircraft in North 40 is no ordinary camping. It is an experience that has so many things to be excited about from making new friends to watching other aircrafts take off and land next to the flight line. Although there are many food and concession stands at the convention grounds, if you are camping at North 40, it is easy to go on an adventure and explore restaurant options outside the grounds. We found some options that are no more than a few minutes walk from North 40 depending upon where you are camping in North 40. First is the Hilton Grand Hotel that is next to the camping ground and visible . Here are few other options we found one from an Oshkosh local: 

• The Hangar Bar and Grill (1485 W 20th Ave, Oshkosh, WI 54902)

• West End Pizza (1414 W 20th Ave, Oshkosh, WI 54902)

• Los Tres Amigos  (2070 S Koeller St, Oshkosh, WI 54902) 

• Mineshaft (2041 S Koeller St, Oshkosh, WI 54902) 

The work optimal finds at Oshkosh for our team during the company’s AI Demo Day II was no other than Dunkin’ for coffee and Arby’s for a quick bite, both of which were 10 minutes walk from our campsite. When your team’s presentation is at 8:30am in the morning and you need a quick breakfast sandwich and coffee, there is a need for speed. Both Dunkin’ and Arby’s fit the mission profile well. As we will say in aviation, every flight is a mission.  

• Dunkin' (1590 W South Park Ave, Oshkosh, WI 54902) 

• Arby's (2040 S Koeller St, Oshkosh, WI 54902)

Full article with visuals coming soon.

In our company’s AI Demo Day II, our team did not cover the quantum world of probabilities but the unsupervised deep learning world of probabilities, Generative AI in detail, during our presentations and later in several conversations with attendees, partners and friends.  The focus was on use of Generative AI for general aviation and Amelia™, artificial general intelligence (AGI) for aviation being developed by us, which provides elements of aircraft safety and the pilot’s emotional awareness through a novel 3D holographic interface. 

The conversations revolved around three themes. The first was about the magic of being able to run the Foundation models we use with Amelia™ on-device with a fairly limited compute power. Second was on the models itself, both how we train it and the size. Third theme was on fixing some of the issues faced by Foundation models such as Stable Diffusion using prompt engineering. We had a great time talking about these areas and will be pulling together material from the slides we presented and publishing it on our AI Demo Day web portal here.

We did two presentations this year during our company’s AI Demo Day II. First titled Generative AI for Aviation with specific focus on Generative AI was  on July 25th early morning 8:30am at the Vette Theater in EAA Aviation Museum. The second titled Amelia, the Aircraft AGI  where we did a deep dive into our product was at the Forum Plaza at the Forum Stage 8 GAMA. Both presentations were very well attended and we had tremendous positive feedback. Ironically, our first presentation on Generative AI that was early Tuesday morning had more attendees than the one in the afternoon. It was also indoors in the beautiful air-conditioned EAA Aviation Museum, which is a lesson learned. EAA Museum is a more comfortable venue for presentations and with the Midwest heat, an early morning presentation will still be very well attended. The Forum Stage is right next to the flight line and the passing by aircrafts does add to the excitement of aviation but at the expense of attenuating the speaker.

After the traffic jam in the air on our way into Oshkosh and the rouge aircrafts, on of which sneaked below us and cut the line to come in-front, our expectation was that it will take us sometime time to taxing our aircraft from our campsite to the runway and then liftoff. We were wrong. It took us no more than 10 minutes after crossing the road with the school bus and golf carts. On the way back to Palo Alto, we stopped at Brookings (South Dakota), Casper (Wyoming), and finally landed at Palo Alto Airport (KPAO).  

Lessons learned along the way: 

• If you are landing at a regional airport, make sure that it is not too far from the city. Only some FBOs provide courtesy vehicles, not all. 

• If you are stopping for aircraft fuel, go for a quick lunch. Fast food joints are usually a good option. 

• Some of the cities on the way are worth a longer stay. For example Casper, Wyoming. 

• Best way to see the US is at 6000 ft. The scenery as you fly above Wyoming and Utah is jaw dropping. As an example, Great Salt Lake near Salt Lake City, Utah.

A cross-country trip taken by the company Robometrics® Machines for their successful AI Demo Day II in San Francisco. The trip involved 30 hours of flying round trip at an average altitude of around 6000 ft, visiting several beautiful cities, airports, and states in the US. Stops included Elko (Nevada), Idaho Falls (Idaho), Rapid Falls (South Dakota), Mankato (Minnesota), Eden Prairie (Minnesota), and Oshkosh (Wisconsin). 

They also made a return journey with stops in Brookings (South Dakota) and Casper (Wyoming) before landing back in Palo Alto (California). During the trip, they had insightful conversations and adventures, including helping a cowboy in Casper whose motorcycle fell down. They also engaged in fruitful discussions with various aircraft and aviation-related companies, organizations, and individuals. The paragraph ends with a reminder to be kind, avoid drinking and flying, and celebrate with beer and wine safely when not piloting an aircraft.

We are back in San Francisco after our cross country trip totaling 30 hours of flying round trip averaging around 6000 ft along the way for our company Robometrics® Machines AI Demo Day II that was a huge success. We visited some of the most beautiful cities, airports and states in the US during the trip. On the way from Palo Alto (California) to Oshkosh (Wisconsin), we stopped at Elko (Nevada), Idaho Falls (Idaho), Rapid Falls (South Dakota), Mankato (Minnesota), Eden Prairie (Minnesota) and finally to Oshkosh (Wisconsin). On the way back to Palo Alto (California), our path took us to Brookings (South Dakota), Casper (Wyoming), and finally landing at Palo Alto Airport (KPAO). We met old friends and made new ones along the way. We talked and learned from a USAF Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II pilot on how to deal with unpredictable situations when you are flying and have a fraction of a second to make a decision. 

We arrived! It was fabricated to do the Fisk arrival for the final approach to Oshkosh. It was amazing to see the queue of aircraft all stacked up 2 miles apart in the air with one row for inbound and another four outbound. Learning from the trip so far: 

• Start flying early in the day so that even if there is a cloud build up, there is less energy in them to create turbulence. 

• In a small aircraft, you can’t plan everything in advance since the weather can change by the time you arrive. Weather forecasts are not always accurate. Study the mountains, clouds and winds around you and use your intuition to figure out the path 

• Don’t be surprised if there are no hotel rooms available around some of the small regional airports. We are not in San Francisco or New York folks! 

• Check the FBO’s review on Foreflight. They will tell you if the FBO provides country vehicles, amenities, and services. 

• At Fisk arrival, stay cool, figure out what aircrafts are in-front of you in the queue and most important, whether they are behaving (keeping 2 mile distance, clocking 90 knots) based on the NOTAM. If they are not, during the final approach the whole bunch may get turned back. So break out if needed and go back to Endeavor to get back in the queue.

We attended the Air Traffic Controller Panel on Saturday, July 8th at the San Carlos Flight Center. 

Attending the panel was an invaluable experience for us as pilot and aviation experts building the next generation of avionics systems using AI. It emphasized the significance of putting a face to the voice we hear over the radio. Throughout the event, we had the opportunity to directly engage with controllers, strengthening the pilot-controller relationship and deepening my understanding of air traffic operations. The panel discussions highlighted the paramount importance of adhering to safe practices, serving as a crucial reminder for all of us. We are grateful to have participated in this special event, where our questions were addressed, and we are now more equipped to contribute to the enhanced safety of Bay Area airspace.

The  air traffic controllers (ATC) pointed out some of the issues for them including frequency congestion. While at the same time, in areas like Tahoe and Truckee where everything is  manual, phone calls are common. Usually every ATCs would have an assigned assistance but during high workload periods, they are usually on their own, adding to their challenges. Additionally, dealing with visual flight rules (VFRs) poses additional difficulties for ATCs, as they prefer communicating with pilots and find VFR operations more challenging than instrument flight rules (IFR).

We will be doing a cross country flying trip from the San Francisco Bay Area to Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Our trip will take 2 days, going through several airports in a small Cessna aircraft, followed by presenting our work on aircraft artificial intelligence at the Oshkosh AirVenture 2023, the world's biggest aviation convention with 600,000+ people and 20,000 aircraft at OSH.

This is part of our company's annual AI Demo Day II to be held during Oshkosh AirVenture 2023 (Oshkosh, WI) on July 24 - 30, where we have a special focus on Generative AI. We are going to present how we use Generative AI for general aviation including some unique insights, best practices for using Generative AI for aviation marketing and how other aerospace companies can leverage it.  We will also cover features of our proprietary on-device Foundation Models for aviation that we have been working on for the last 3 years. Details here

Our North Star has never been to build super intelligent artificial intelligence at scale but to build general intelligence that enables artificial life with the ability to feel and have consciousness. WIth this vision in mind, we are back at Oshkosh, Wisconsin for our AI Demo Day II with a special focus on our work we have been doing for the last 3 years in Generative AI.

This year is our second demo day. Last year at our AI Demo Day during Oshkosh AirVenture 2022, we talked about Amelia™, the general AI being developed by Robometrics® Machines for aviation. In addition, we presented how AI that learns can predict events, assist the pilot in making critical decisions, and enhance operational safety. While a pilot learns from past experience and training, advanced aircraft systems may be programmed but don't learn. Generally, in a high cognitive load situation such as an emergency, a pilot identifies the emergency, consults an emergency checklist, performs corrective actions, and confirms results. We made the case that Aircraft artificial intelligence (AAI) should be widely adopted.

For more information click here to learn more!

On June 21-22 2023, our team attended the Figma design conference (Config 2023) in San Francisco with the theme “AI and the Future of Design”. With more than 10,000 design and AI enthusiasts in attendance everyday at the Moscone Center in San Francisco for Config, it was clear that San Francisco is still alive and kicking. The sessions covered aspects of design, building products and AI’s impact on design discipline.

Although the basis of designing a delightful product does not change, what can be designed, how it is designed, the role of people and the design processes itself changes with use of AI. A delightful  product is still considerate, tactile, empowering and provides the user a sense of comfort when using it. The concept of Vegan vs. Keto strategy for building AI models was introduced. In a Vegan model strategy, AI model is built using carefully curated data sets to make sure no one's copyright was infringed. In a Keto model, there is no such control.

We attended the VivaTech 2023 Conference in Paris, France today with the highlight certainly being the session with Elon Musk. His comment on consciousness was of interest to us while at the same time being inspiring. He mentioned the need to work hard to keep the light of consciousness on Earth and make it multi-planetary since we are the only consciousness in this galaxy. If there was another conscious being in this galaxy, either we or they could have found us. His advice for graduating seniors was to love the product you are making. He ended the session with an inside joke we have in the AI geek community “  Who will be American president in 2032: Diffusion or Transformers?”

We attended the HAI Spring Symposium at Stanford on Creativity in the Age of AI: AI Impacting Arts, Arts Impacting AI, addressing issues of privacy, copyright, and aesthetic value in Generative AI and consider what this all might mean for the future of work in creative industries. Attended by both artists and technologists, the overall atmosphere was of optimist pessimist. Photography was a science instead of an art medium in the beginning. It was only later it became an art discipline, which makes us think about whether art generated by diffusion models such as Stable Diffusion and MidJourney will follow a similar path and at some point, will be considered as art. 

It is also clear that Generate art will not replace art, whether it is a painting, sculpture or even performing art such as a ballroom dance performance even when, and if, art made by a machine is indistinguishable from the one made by a human. Art is created for experience and it embodies a piece of the artist. It is possible to create a digital copy and print Mona Lisa painting by Leonardo da Vinci but it will not replace or depreciate the value of the original Mona Lisa painting. The original Mona Lisa painting is the story about Leonardo in 1503 when he welcomed Mona Lisa Ghirardini in his studio in the city of Florence to paint a portrait that was never delivered to the owner. His love and romance with her ideal woman that went on for 20 years became an important intrinsic piece of the painting. The value of the painting is not in the technology but the story behind it. 

May 19, 2023. We attended the roundtable discussion with Palo Alto Airport (KPAO) in Palo Alto to provide recommendations towards the Palo Alto Airport Long Range Facilities & Sustainability Plan (LRFSP). LRFSP at the Palo Alto Airport will determine the extent, type, and schedule of improvements needed for the next 20 years at the Airport.  Some of the future endeavours at KPAO we suggested to the  Palo Alto Airport  team included building of KPAO Airport pilot communities, more aircraft hangar space, KPAO engagement events in the communities and  Fly-ins organized by KPAO. 

At Robometrics® Machines, we foster a culture that emphasizes active engagement and collaboration with the community we serve. Our aim is to work collectively towards creating a better future for everyone involved. By partnering with the community, we strive to make a positive impact on the world we share.