Fostering the Next Generation of Robotics Startups | TC Sessions: Robotics + AI 2020 | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Robotic startups often fail due to a focus on technology rather than building a sustainable business.

Key Insights

• 👨‍💼 Startups should focus on building a viable business model rather than solely on technological advancements.
• ✋ The high costs and complexity of robotics development pose significant challenges for startups.
• 🤗 Open source platforms and building blocks are helping to unify the robotics industry.
• 💨 Robotics startups need to prioritize customer feedback and fast iterations to succeed.
• 🏑 Companies should consider solving niche problems within the robotics field rather than aiming for broad applications.
• ❓ Fragmentation still exists in areas such as sensors and actuators, requiring individual development.
• 😒 The use of simulation and remote intervention tools can help in the development and deployment of robotics solutions.

Transcript

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Questions & Answers

Q: Why do many robotic startups fail?

Robotic startups often fail because they prioritize technology over building a sustainable business model. They focus too much on the technology rather than the added value and potential return on investment for their products.

Q: What are the stumbling blocks for robotic startups?

Robotic startups face challenges such as the high costs and complexity of robotics development, the need to build both hardware and software platforms, and the difficulty of iterating quickly due to the real-world testing required for hardware-based products.

Q: Are robotic startups becoming more unified or fragmented?

The industry is moving towards greater unification as more companies provide open source platforms and building blocks for robotics. However, aspects such as sensors and actuators still require individual development, leading to some fragmentation.

Q: Do big companies need to adopt open source platforms for robotics?

While it may be more cost-effective for big companies to build their own proprietary solutions, the maturity and availability of open source platforms will likely lead to greater adoption in the future. It is more efficient to use proven solutions rather than starting from scratch.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Robotic startups fail because they prioritize technology over building a viable business model.

• The difficulty of launching a robotic startup is due to the high costs and complexity of robotics development.

• Startups must focus on fast iterations and customer feedback, while also addressing hardware and software challenges.