Hardware Podcasts

What is Robotics-as-a-Service (RaaS)?

Over the Air · 13 Apr 2021 · 28m

What this episode covers

Paul Willard, founding partner at grep -vc, defines Robotics-as-a-Service (RaaS) as a business model where hardware is commoditized to enable high-margin software services, using Zipline and Cobalt Robotics as examples. He explains that RaaS succeeds when underlying hardware costs drop significantly, citing the impact of mobile phone sensors and Tesla motors on the industry. Willard warns founders against building startups dependent on step-function improvements in aerodynamics or battery chemistry that are not imminent, highlighting his investment in Fuel X's aluminum hydride technology as a potential enabler for viable electric aviation.

Most relevant to

early-stage companies

Topics

Mentioned

Companies
Zipline, grep -vc, Cobalt Robotics, Boeing, Fuel X, Tesla, Monarch Motors, Kendall Jackson, Atlassian, Uber

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