Jon Miller Schwartz

Yo, peep this story about Jon Miller Schwartz – this guy is the real deal in the world of AI and robotics. He’s been crushing it for over a decade, jumping from one significant startup to another, always pushing the envelope. No bullshit.

So, Jon’s story kicks off at Harvey Mudd, where he got his engineering chops and was already recognized for problem-solving like a boss. Dude’s always been about tech that actually makes a difference, not just shiny toys. After that, he dipped into the 3D printing scene early on – co-founding Layer By Layer around 2012. That was one of the first movers in the space back then, trying to crack how to scale manufacturing with 3D tech. He wasn’t just dabbling; he was leading product efforts, figuring out how to make these machines more than just prototypes.

Then, he jumped into Body Labs and MakerBot, deepening his experience with manufacturing and digital fabrication. But what really shows his drive is his move to Voodoo Manufacturing, which he co-founded and served as Chief Product Officer. This was a YC-backed startup that built huge robotic 3D printing factories – think mass production with robots. They crushed it, got bought in 2020, and that’s a legit proof he knows how to build and scale physical automation at a huge level.

Fast forward, Jon took his skills into enterprise AI at Arena Technologies, leading applied AI projects. He was working on automation at a big scale, using deep reinforcement learning and simulation – basically, teaching robots how to learn and adapt in complex environments. That’s some advanced stuff.

Now, he’s the CEO of Ultra, a company he co-founded in YC S24, and this is where he’s really going all-in on warehouse automation. His goal? Build general-purpose, AI-powered robots that handle logistics in warehouses – especially for e-commerce. Think about it: warehouses are the backbone of online shopping, and Jon’s trying to automate that entire process with robots that can do pretty much anything. It’s a massive leap from just manufacturing to full-blown automation for logistics, but it’s also a natural evolution for someone who’s been in the game of making machines smarter and more autonomous.

What does all this say about him? Honestly, Jon’s process screams that he’s obsessed with solving big, real-world problems with tech that actually works. He’s not just chasing shiny new gadgets; he’s all about making systems reliable, expandable, and genuinely useful. His motivation? It’s crystal clear – he wants to change how we produce, move, and work with machines. He’s got a real entrepreneurial spirit, fueled by a deep belief that automation can transform entire industries.

And he’s not just in it for the tech – he’s also a thought leader, always sharing insights, pushing the boundaries of AI and robotics. Resides in Brooklyn, but his impact? Global. This guy’s entire career is about pushing the edge of what’s possible, making automation smarter, and building the future of manufacturing and logistics. No cap – Jon Miller Schwartz is one of those innovators who’s building the actual future, not just talking about it.