Eric Choi

Founder & Robopsychologist at Ameron | 亞美元

Can you please provide a little introduction about yourself

I’m Eric Choi, based in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Currently, I’m the founder of Ameron, where we’re developing the world’s first robot butler. My formal title is robopsychologist, a position that does yet exist due to AI’s infancy, but as AI becomes more cognitively complex, it will become a more common title. I also wrote a science-fiction novel, Futuro, published on Amazon Kindle.

What has your journey to your position been like? What path have you taken?

My journey is quite unorthodox. I began as a high school dropout but went on to gain acceptance into a doctoral program in Computer Science & Homeland Security. Over the years, I’ve held various roles including driving for Uber, working as a salesperson for Best Buy, and serving as a paralegal. A significant milestone was donating SafeGuard, a COVID-19 tracking app to a non-profit in Denver and getting my hands dirty as an independent software vendor. At one point I was CIO at a top 100 social media app start-up, but left due to disagreements on personnel decisions. I still give them technical consultations.

Has it always been your vision to reach the position you’re at? Was your current role part of your vision to become a tech leader?

Honestly, I never envisioned myself here. My path has been diverse, and while I always had a passion for technology, this specific role wasn’t a pre-defined vision. I originally wanted to be a human rights lawyer and attended law school before dropping out during the pandemic to work on SafeGuard. I loved the software development process so much that I stuck with software after that, and now robotics.

Have you had a role model or mentor that has helped you on your journey?

The Chimera Seed, penned by the talented author and my friend Matthew Tully, has been a profound source of inspiration for me as a writer. Within its captivating pages, you’ll discover Dionysinol, an intriguing plot device that serves as a central element in my novel. I cannot recommend his award-winning novel highly enough; its unique narrative and compelling characters make it a must-read.

How do you see the role of the technology leader evolving over the next 5 years?

With the rapid advancements in AI and machine learning, tech leaders will have to be more adaptable than ever, focusing on ethical implications and aligning technology with human values.

What skills do you think leaders of the future will need in order to thrive?

Beyond technical skills, leaders will need to be adept at emotional intelligence, ethical decision-making, and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration.

How do you keep current with new skills, technologies and personal development?

I’m always engaging in continuous learning, be it through formal education, online courses, or attending tech seminars. Being active on platforms like GitHub and Medium also keeps me abreast of the latest in the tech world.

What do you see as the next leap in technology that will impact your business or industry in particular?

Given my interest in robotics and AI, I believe the true integration of AI into everyday robotics, making them more adaptable and intelligent, will be groundbreaking.

“Stay curious and never stop learning.”

If you were mentoring a leader of the future, what advice or guidance would you give to help them on their way?

Stay curious and never stop learning. The tech landscape is always evolving, and adaptability is the key to staying ahead. The next big thing is never one thing, but the fusion of them would change the world many times over.

Is there anything in particular that you would still like to achieve in your career or what is the next step on your journey?

Run for the US Congress.

If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?

Eliminate human slavery. There are 40 million slaves in the world and the average price is $90. I tried donating to Manumit-some, but it’s an inefficient and unreliable process. Technology through the automation of labor might do.

Other details that you’d like to add:

I would love to see a world where education is more accessible and tailored to individual needs, so everyone has an equal opportunity to chase their dreams. For example, college degrees should be accessible via a GED-like digital exam.

A big thank you to Eric Choi from Ameron for sharing his journey to date.