Ridgeline Founder Stories: Kence Anderson of Composabl is Revolutionizing Industrial Strength Autonomous Agents

In today's rapidly evolving landscape of technology and industry, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into traditional workflows has become increasingly essential. However, despite the advancements made by AI technologies like Large Language Models (LLMs), a significant gap remains between the capabilities of machines and the nuanced decision-making processes inherent to human expertise. 

This realization served as the catalyst for Kence Anderson to embark on a mission to bridge this gap. Inspired by his background in mechanical engineering and fueled by discussions with industrial leaders from around the globe, Kence Anderson recognized the need for a new approach—one that merges technology with human influence to create industrial strength autonomous agents capable of optimizing various industrial processes. This vision led to the inception of Ridgeline-backed company Composabl, a groundbreaking endeavor aimed at revolutionizing industrial AI and empowering engineers and subject matter experts (SMEs) to harness the full potential of intelligent automation. The company recently announced their $4.25M Seed Round led by Momenta, a renowned specialist in industrial technologies,with participation from Ridgeline, Exposition Ventures, and Hannah Grey VC.

With its innovative approach to integrating human-like decision-making into AI, Composabl is poised to revolutionize industrial automation and empower engineers and SMEs worldwide.

We asked Kence, co-founder and CEO of Composabl, a few questions about his journey and inspirations. 

Can you tell us about the inspiration behind Composabl and its mission?

KA: At Composabl, our mission is to bridge the gap between human expertise and artificial intelligence by creating intelligent autonomous agents that optimize various industrial processes. This idea stemmed from the realization that while AI technologies like Large Language Models (LLMs) have gained traction, true adoption in real-world settings requires a fusion of technology and human influence.

What sets Composabl apart from traditional automation solutions?

KA: What distinguishes Composabl is our focus on imbuing AI with more human-like decision-making capabilities. We're not just about automation; we're about integrating perception, reasoning, and intuition into our agents. For instance, our agents can "see" through cameras, "listen" to machine sounds, and make sense of situations even with incomplete information, much like expert human operators do.

Could you provide examples of industries or applications where Composabl's technology is particularly impactful?

KA: Our technology has far-reaching implications across industries such as manufacturing, logistics, and resource extraction. Imagine optimizing oil drills, robot arms, autonomous drones, or even controlling the production of consumer goods. Our agents excel in environments where traditional automation falls short, such as situations where GPS signals are blocked or where complex decision-making is required amidst uncertainty.

How does Composabl empower engineers and SMEs in adopting AI solutions?

KA: One of our core beliefs is in empowering engineers and subject matter experts (SMEs) to leverage AI effectively. We provide building blocks and technologies familiar to them, enabling them to develop autonomous agents tailored to their specific needs. This democratization of AI empowers a broader range of professionals to harness the potential of intelligent automation, rather than relying solely on specialized tech companies.

Your background is in mechanical engineering. How did your experiences shape the vision for Composabl?

KA: My journey through mechanical engineering and subsequent conversations with industrial experts worldwide laid the foundation for Composabl. Engaging with CEOs from companies like Pepsi and Nike helped me understand the true value AI could bring to various industries. My book, Designing Autonomous AI, encapsulates these insights and provides a framework for augmenting human performance and tackling challenges previously unaddressed by AI.

In essence, Composabl represents the culmination of years of learning and a commitment to realizing the potential of autonomous agents in enhancing both human expertise and industrial processes.

What’s your prediction for the future of manufacturing?

KA: Manufacturing runs on high-value skills. These skills take years or decades to master and when experts retire, some skills are in danger of extinction. The winners in manufacturing will find ways to capture and codify skills with AI to preserve and refine them in their organizations.

What does success look like to you in the short term and long term?

KA: In the short term, success looks like identifying high-value skills and teaching intelligent agents to perform them well. In the long term, this becomes a database of digital skills that drive value for manufacturing and logistics.

Learn more about Composabl at Composabl.com. Stay up-to-date with the latest news on Ridgeline’s portfolio by subscribing to our monthly newsletter!