Hardware Podcasts

The picks-and-shovels strategy behind the robotics boom

The Robot Report Podcast · 18 Sept 2026 · 1h 26m

What this episode covers

Teddy Haggerty, founder and CEO of RoboStore and Robo Inc., explains his strategy of selling 'picks and shovels' in the robotics boom by focusing on distribution, education, and integration rather than building general-purpose humanoids. He details how RoboStore became the North American distributor for Unitree robots, leveraging his background in drones and crypto to build a curriculum-based sales model. Haggerty then describes the pivot to Robo Inc., where his company localizes solutions by integrating third-party hardware and software stacks to address specific use cases in healthcare, security, education, and small business, effectively acting as a systems integrator and robotic service provider.

Most relevant to

early-stage companies

Topics

Mentioned

Companies
RoboStore, Robo Inc., Unitree, Agility Robotics, Universal Robots, InOrbit, Figure, SoftBank, RAI Institute
Products
Digit 5

Related episodes from other shows

Other shows on the same ground, closest first.

  • Manufacturing Happy Hour · 1h 05m

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

    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.

    Starting a product companyValidation & product-market fit
    9 chapters

  • The Manufacturing Executive · 25m

    Using Robots in High-Mix, Low-Volume Environments w/ Josh Gruenstein

    Josh Gruenstein, co-founder and CEO of Tutor Intelligence, explains how his MIT spinout uses AI and machine learning to automate high-mix, low-volume manufacturing environments, such as co-packers and 3PLs, which were previously considered too variable for robotics. He details how their robots eliminate the need for specialized programming by interpreting build sheets and specifications directly, allowing facilities with no automation engineers to adopt automation. Gruenstein also describes Tutor Intelligence's 'Robot as a Service' model, which converts capital expenditures to operating expenses, reduces risk, and aligns vendor incentives with customer productivity through continuous software updates.

    Robotics & autonomyAI & machine learning
    6 chapters

  • The Amp Hour · 1h 41m

    An Interview with Jason Huggins

    Jason Huggins, founder of Tapster Robotics, explains how he leveraged his software testing background (Selenium) to build a robotic finger for touchscreen testing, starting with laser-cut basswood and evolving to 3D-printed parallel SCARA designs. He discusses his business model of low-volume, high-margin sales to 'secret robot labs' in the automotive and telecom industries, using customer feedback to iterate on speed and mechanics. Huggins details his funding strategy through Indie.VC, focusing on profitability and cash flow rather than rapid scaling, while balancing his hardware business with his passion for kinetic art projects like motorized pin displays.

    Robotics & autonomyStarting a product company
    8 chapters

  • Manufacturing Happy Hour · 34m

    Building an Automation Company on Ambition and Hustle with Malachi Greb

    Malachi Greb, owner of Elite Automation, discusses building a robotics and automation systems integration company from a one-person operation to a 25-employee team in just three years. He details his strategy of using guerrilla marketing and high-value content at trade shows like the Vision Show to drive growth without expensive booths. Greb also explains his focus on robotic welding, AMRs, and bin picking, as well as the challenges and cultural adjustments involved in executing his first international project in India.

    Marketing & brandScaling production
    7 chapters

  • The Manufacturing Executive · 33m

    Accessible Robotics Solutions for Niche Applications w/ Colin Riggs and Dianne Abruzzini Riggs

    Colin Riggs and Dianne Abruzzini Riggs, co-founders of Rigorous Technology, explain how they are making industrial robotics accessible to small and medium-sized manufacturers by focusing on niche applications like corrugated box handling and injection molding. They discuss their 'Box Hopper' product, which uses vision systems to handle inconsistent natural materials, and their strategy of building modular, turnkey solutions that minimize downtime and require no robot code from operators. The founders detail their fundraising approach, relying on a strong network and advisory board to build trust with investors, and highlight trends in edge computing and digital controls that are making robotics more robust and manageable for local economies.

    Robotics & autonomyIndustrial & consumer product design
    9 chapters

The summary, chapters and topics are generated from the episode’s audio by this directory, not written by The Robot Report Podcast. The episode itself belongs to its publisher.