# Modularity in Robotics: A Vision for the Future

- Show: [Over the Air](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/over-the-air)
- Published: 2021-08-03
- Length: 28m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/over-the-air/2021-08-03-modularity-in-robotics-a-vision-for-the-future
- Listen: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/over-the-air/episodes/Modularity-in-Robotics-A-Vision-for-the-Future-e2l43rc

## Summary

Afshin Doust, CEO of Advanced Intelligent Systems (AIS), explains how the company uses a proprietary library of hardware and software modules to reduce development time and cost, aiming to empower a broader robotics ecosystem. He details the pivot from an agricultural tech focus to developing a COVID-19 disinfectant robot in just 11 weeks, which validated their modular approach and led to a non-GPS localization system for greenhouse use. Doust also discusses AIS's 'Robotics-as-a-Service' business model, which eliminates large capital expenditures for customers by charging for work performed, and shares insights on building a resilient, win-win corporate culture.

## Chapters

- [0:03](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/over-the-air/2021-08-03-modularity-in-robotics-a-vision-for-the-future#t=3) Introduction and Guest Background
- [3:15](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/over-the-air/2021-08-03-modularity-in-robotics-a-vision-for-the-future#t=195) AIS Vision and Modular Robotics Strategy
- [4:49](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/over-the-air/2021-08-03-modularity-in-robotics-a-vision-for-the-future#t=289) Modularity vs. Consumer Tech and Leadership Philosophy
- [11:13](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/over-the-air/2021-08-03-modularity-in-robotics-a-vision-for-the-future#t=673) Pivoting to COVID-19 and AgTech Challenges
- [15:19](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/over-the-air/2021-08-03-modularity-in-robotics-a-vision-for-the-future#t=919) Robotics-as-a-Service Business Model
- [18:56](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/over-the-air/2021-08-03-modularity-in-robotics-a-vision-for-the-future#t=1136) Team Building, Patents, and Future Outlook

## Topics

- [Robotics & autonomy](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/robotics-and-autonomy)
- [Scaling production](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/scaling-production)
- [Pricing, margins & unit economics](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/pricing-and-unit-economics)
- [Leadership, teams & culture](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/leadership-and-culture)
- [Intellectual property](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/intellectual-property)

## Most relevant to

companies scaling up

## Mentioned

- Advanced Intelligent Systems (company)
- AIS (company)
- Zip Line (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Perspectives on Automation, AI, & the Future w/ Andy Lonsberry](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2021-06-08-perspectives-on-automation-ai-the-future-w-andy-lonsberry) (The Manufacturing Executive)
- [Configuring the future of robotics](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2024-05-22-configuring-the-future-of-robotics) (The Robot Report Podcast)
- [Using Robots in High-Mix, Low-Volume Environments w/ Josh Gruenstein](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2025-01-28-using-robots-in-high-mix-low-volume-environments-w-josh-gruenstein) (The Manufacturing Executive)
- [An Outcome-Based Solution for Deploying Robots w/ Saman Farid](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2024-01-30-an-outcome-based-solution-for-deploying-robots-w-saman-farid) (The Manufacturing Executive)
- [General Robotics Is Betting on Modular Intelligence, Not One Robot Brain](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2026-09-25-general-robotics-is-betting-on-modular-intelligence-not-one-robot-brain) (The Robot Report Podcast)

## Citing this page

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