Applied Intuition founders chat with new President Varun Mittal

The automotive and robotics industry is undergoing a fundamental transformation driven by rapid advancements in artificial intelligence and vehicle intelligence. Varun Mittal, the newly appointed President of Applied Intuition, highlights the necessity for companies to prioritize radical pragmatism over long-term strategic speculation, emphasizing that successful product deployment requires immediate technical execution. The conversation underscores that autonomy and AI-driven software are becoming commoditized, forcing traditional manufacturers to move away from building custom in-house solutions toward leveraging scalable, high-quality AI models. Furthermore, the integration of AI across diverse verticals—including defense, mining, and trucking—demonstrates that software-defined vehicle intelligence is no longer limited to consumer cars. For engineers transitioning into this field, mastering foundational technical principles and utilizing modern AI development tools are essential for achieving significant impact in this rapidly evolving landscape.