The RoboBusiness Conference is a key event for anyone involved in the robotics and automation industries. MassRobotics was proud, once again, to be part of the conference by offering the Robotics Startup Bootcamp. This two-part workshop aimed to equip aspiring robotics founders with the knowledge, strategies, and insights needed to overcome the unique challenges of building and scaling a robotics company. The bootcamp provided advice from experts and real-world founders who have navigated the complex landscape of the robotics sector.
Part 1: The Basics – Best Practices for Early-Stage Robotics Companies
Starting a robotics company presents an array of challenges. Not only do robotics startups need to grapple with the typical difficulties that come with any new venture, such as finding customers, raising capital, and managing operations, but the additional complexities of working with hardware and cutting-edge technology can make it all the more difficult.
Joyce Sidopoulos, cofounder and Chief of Operations at MassRobotics, kicked off the bootcamp by setting the stage for the discussions ahead. Joyce shared insights on the role MassRobotics plays in accelerating robotics technology, commercialization, and adoption. Since opening its doors in 2017, MassRobotics has worked with over 200 robotics startups from around the world, helping them raise over $1.1 billion in venture capital.
Joyce stressed that one of the most crucial elements for any startup is finding the right help at the right time. Robotics startups, in particular, need to be nimble and proactive in seeking professional services as they grow. Whether it’s legal advice for intellectual property (IP) protection, marketing strategies to raise awareness, or business development with large corporations, every step of the journey requires careful consideration and the right expertise.
The session featured four distinct presentations:
- Intellectual Property (IP) and Trademarking – John Lanza from Foley Hoag LLC shared insights into how robotics startups can protect their innovations, from IP acquisition to patenting and trademarking. He discussed common concerns like whether software can be patented and how to avoid costly legal pitfalls.
- Media and Marketing 101 – Mark O’Toole of Marketing101 dove into the essentials of branding and marketing for robotics startups. His session was packed with practical advice on how to communicate a compelling story, build a recognizable brand, and use the right marketing channels to boost visibility.
- Working with Large Corporates as a Startup – Matt Carlson from WiBotic discussed the challenges and opportunities that come with partnering with large corporations. His session highlighted how startups can leverage corporate relationships to scale their businesses, while also managing the complexities that come with these partnerships.
- Funding Your Startup – Daniel Theobald, cofounder of MassRobotics and founder of Vecna Robotics, wrapped up the session with a discussion on various ways to fund a robotics startup. Daniel, who has raised funds through multiple channels including bootstrapping, grants, and venture capital, shared his personal experiences and gave advice on what funding approach might be right at different stages of a startup’s growth.
Part 2: Growth and Scaling – Fireside Chats with Founders
The second part of the Robotics Startup Bootcamp focused on the growth and scaling phase of a robotics company. It included fireside chats with founders who have successfully navigated the challenges of scaling their businesses, raising funds, and building strong teams.
Led by Marita McGinn, the MassRobotics Accelerator Director, this session included experiences and advice from:
- Erin Linebarger, founder of Robotics 88, who discussed her experience leveraging accelerators and the vital role these programs play in refining business strategies and gaining early-stage traction.
- Ninaad Sridharan and Syed Saquib, founders of brd BOT, shared their journey of building a robotics startup from the ground up, touching on the importance of a solid product roadmap, fundraising, and how working with mentors helped them navigate the complex early-stage landscape.
The session also featured a fireside chat with Jeff Linnell, Founder & CEO of Formant. Jeff shared his startup journey, detailing how he scaled Formant and the challenges he faced in growing the company, managing teams, and reaching net-positive revenue. His insights were invaluable for any founder looking to scale a robotics company in a competitive market.
Key Takeaways from the Robotics Startup Bootcamp
The Robotics Startup Bootcamp, was an opportunity for both aspiring and established robotics founders to gain practical advice and insights from industry veterans. The bootcamp covered everything from IP protection and marketing to scaling strategies and fundraising, providing a comprehensive look at the essential elements of growing a robotics company.
For anyone considering starting or growing a robotics business, the key takeaways from the sessions include:
- Protect Your IP Early: Secure your intellectual property to safeguard your innovations and avoid legal issues down the road.
- Marketing Matters: Building a strong brand and communicating your story effectively can set you apart in the crowded robotics market.
- Partnerships Are Crucial: Collaborating with large corporations and other startups can provide the resources and support necessary for scaling.
- Funding is a Journey: Whether it’s through grants, bootstrapping, or venture capital, finding the right funding strategy is critical at each stage of growth.
- Mentorship and Networking: Leverage accelerators, mentors, and your professional network to navigate challenges and make informed decisions as you grow.
As robotics continues to transform industries from manufacturing to agriculture, MassRobotics remains committed to supporting and empowering the next generation of robotics entrepreneurs. The insights shared during the Robotics Startup Bootcamp are just one example of how MassRobotics is working to foster innovation and growth within the robotics ecosystem.
If you missed the event, keep an eye out for future MassRobotics workshops and events, which continue to offer unmatched resources for robotics startups.
Fireside Chat with Allison Thakston: A Personal Look into the Life of a Robotics Leader
On Day 2, Joyce had the privilege of speaking with Allison Thakston, a prominent leader in the robotics field. With degrees in electrical and mechanical engineering, Allison has worked on groundbreaking projects such as Robonaut 2, the first humanoid robot aboard the International Space Station, and has held leadership roles at Waymo and Toyota Research Institute.
In this session, we got a glimpse of Allison’s journey from academia to industry and her role in the rapidly-evolving world of robotics and autonomy. Allison’s work at Blue River Technology, where she is leading efforts to revolutionize agriculture through robotics, was also highlighted. Her perspective on the unique challenges in applying robotics to agriculture, as compared to other fields like autonomous vehicles, was enlightening.
Throughout the conversation, Allison shared personal stories and career lessons, including the importance of mentorship and support networks in shaping her path. She also provided valuable advice for young engineers looking to take on leadership roles in robotics and shared her thoughts on the future of the industry, including upcoming technological trends she finds most exciting.
Pitch Fire contest at RoboBusiness
Six robotics startups competed in annual Pitchfire for a $5,000 first-place prize and eternal bragging rights. Each startup delivered 5-minute ‘pitch’ to a panel of judges describing their solution, business model, value proposition and more. Judges picked a winner based on the startup they believe to be best primed for commercial success. Participating startups received a booth on the expo floor and have an open invitation to appear on The Robot Report Podcast.
For the third year in a row a MassRobotics startup won the competition!! Congratulations to Erin Linebarger, CEO and cofounder of Robotics 88, founded in February 2021.
Robotics 88’s autonomous unmanned aircraft system (UAS) empowers land managers to mitigate wildfire risk and increase ecosystem health by restoring the natural fire regimes of our forest landscapes through the enhanced application of prescribed fire. The core innovation of this UAS is its ability to fly at low altitudes below the tree canopy to map critical vegetation data from the forest floor.
This UAS combines autonomous decision-making algorithms, mapping, obstacle avoidance, and multi-UAS coordination to provide value at every stage of the burn: Pre-burn maps inform ideal weather conditions and resource requirements, and post-burn maps support complete mop-up (ensuring the fire is out) and long-term forest monitoring. Aerial ignition and situational awareness enable larger and safer prescribed burns.
Visit to brd BOT
At the conclusion of the conference, the MassRobotics team visited the offices and production facility of brdBOT – the first of its kind robotic vending machine serving fresh fried foods. Their fully automated system handles the ordering, serving, and frying while improving taste through our cook-to-order process ready in just 2 minutes! After getting a first hand taste at the crosby chicken and fries – we are believers!! And thrilled to see the company growth AND installation of their first two pilots.
Thanks Syed and Ninaad for the hats!! BRD is the WORD!!
Trip fun pictures: (Steve with our robot socks and Russell “Happy”)
