# 247: Lessons from a Serial Entrepreneur: Mark DeSantis on Startups, Robotics, and Commercializing Tech

- Show: [Manufacturing Happy Hour](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour)
- Published: 2025-07-22
- Length: 1h 05m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2025-07-22-247-lessons-from-a-serial-entrepreneur-mark-desantis-on-startups-robotics-and-co
- Listen: http://manufacturinghappyhour.com

## Summary

Serial entrepreneur Mark DeSantis, who recently sold Bloomfield Robotics to Kubota Corporation, explains his philosophy of focusing on 'big and boring' problems rather than chasing technology trends. He details how Bloomfield used plant-level imaging and deep learning to solve agricultural inspection issues, a process that required understanding the specific operational realities of farmers rather than just pitching a solution. DeSantis also draws parallels between the current state of robotics and the pre-Ford auto industry, arguing that commercial viability depends on manufacturing scalability rather than just technical innovation. Finally, he discusses how Pittsburgh’s unique ecosystem, anchored by Carnegie Mellon University, has fostered a thriving robotics community by leveraging local strengths instead of trying to mimic Silicon Valley.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2025-07-22-247-lessons-from-a-serial-entrepreneur-mark-desantis-on-startups-robotics-and-co#t=0) Introduction: Mark DeSantis and the Sale of Bloomfield Robotics to Kubota
- [4:57](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2025-07-22-247-lessons-from-a-serial-entrepreneur-mark-desantis-on-startups-robotics-and-co#t=297) Embracing Failure and Uncertainty in Entrepreneurship
- [13:25](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2025-07-22-247-lessons-from-a-serial-entrepreneur-mark-desantis-on-startups-robotics-and-co#t=805) The Mount Everest Analogy and Finding Satisfaction in Leadership
- [20:42](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2025-07-22-247-lessons-from-a-serial-entrepreneur-mark-desantis-on-startups-robotics-and-co#t=1242) Targeting 'Big and Boring' Problems with AI and Robotics
- [27:53](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2025-07-22-247-lessons-from-a-serial-entrepreneur-mark-desantis-on-startups-robotics-and-co#t=1673) The Henry Ford Analogy for Commercializing Robotics
- [30:13](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2025-07-22-247-lessons-from-a-serial-entrepreneur-mark-desantis-on-startups-robotics-and-co#t=1813) Origin Story of Bloomfield Robotics and the Grape Inspection Insight
- [35:56](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2025-07-22-247-lessons-from-a-serial-entrepreneur-mark-desantis-on-startups-robotics-and-co#t=2156) Validating the Problem: Talking to Farmers and Avoiding the 'Would You Buy It' Trap
- [45:35](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2025-07-22-247-lessons-from-a-serial-entrepreneur-mark-desantis-on-startups-robotics-and-co#t=2735) Discovering Value: Blueberry Harvest Optimization and Customer Co-Creation
- [50:40](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2025-07-22-247-lessons-from-a-serial-entrepreneur-mark-desantis-on-startups-robotics-and-co#t=3040) Pittsburgh’s Tech Ecosystem and the Role of Carnegie Mellon University

## Topics

- [Starting a product company](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/starting-a-company)
- [Validation & product-market fit](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/validation-and-product-market-fit)
- [Robotics & autonomy](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/robotics-and-autonomy)
- [AI & machine learning](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/ai-and-machine-learning)
- [Manufacturing partners & offshoring](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/manufacturing-partners)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- Bloomfield Robotics (company)
- Kubota (company)
- Carnegie Mellon University (other)
- Pittsburgh Robotics Network (other)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [The Robotics Factory Builds Robot Companies](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2025-02-28-the-robotics-factory-builds-robot-companies) (The Robot Report Podcast)
- [Why the World’s Most Successful Robotics Founders Are Systems Thinkers](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2026-05-15-why-the-worlds-most-successful-robotics-founders-are-systems-thinkers) (The Robot Report Podcast)
- [Divya Thakur (Founder, Yardbot)](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/just-gonna-send-it/2026-05-06-divya-thakur-founder-yardbot) (Just Gonna Send It)
- [112: Designing & Commercializing Robotics Inventions](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/product-startup/2022-02-02-112-designing-commercializing-robotics-inventions) (Product Startup)
- [The picks-and-shovels strategy behind the robotics boom](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2026-09-18-the-picks-and-shovels-strategy-behind-the-robotics-boom) (The Robot Report Podcast)

## Citing this page

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