Lessons Learned from the Failure of a Robotics Startup
The article outlines six key lessons learned from the experience of being COO at a failed robotics startup focused on humanoid robots. It emphasizes the importance of hardware fundamentals, the pitfalls of oversimplified analogies, the complexity of supply chain management, the misconception of commodity hardware, the critical nature of decision-making in R&D, and the dangers of unrealistic timelines. It highlights the need for a balanced approach between hardware and software engineering to succeed in robotics.
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The author reflects on their experience as COO of a failed robotics startup, sharing six lessons learned. The concept of 'Large Model Chauvinism' led to neglecting basic hardware safety measures. Oversimplified analogies in fundraising distracted from technical challenges.
The author stresses that building a hardware supply chain is a capability, not a task, and that robotics hardware cannot be treated as a commodity. R&D speed must prioritize quality decisions over impulsive actions.
Finally, unrealistic timelines resulted in repeated failures and damaged relationships with contract manufacturers. These insights emphasize the need for rigorous engineering in both hardware and software.
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