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02. April 2025
Startups Torn Between Building And Buying Their Way To Robot Dominance At 2025 Robotics Summit
Navigating the Complex World of Robotics Commercialization: Building or Buying?
As startups delve into the complex world of robotics commercialization, a critical question emerges: build or buy? Outsourcing certain components of a system to trusted partners can be a game-changer in terms of accelerating time to market, enhancing product quality, and optimizing costs. The 2025 Robotics Summit & Expo promises to provide valuable insights and best practices for turning innovative ideas into successful products through its breakout session “The Robotics Scale-Up: Commercialization Journey.”
A panel of seasoned experts, including Jennifer Apicella, Larry Jasinski, and Karl Sanchack, will share their real-world strategies for navigating common challenges and scaling operations effectively. Apicella, executive director of the Pittsburgh Robotics Network (PRN), has spent over 15 years helping enterprise clients adopt advanced technologies. Her experience has equipped her with a strong track record for developing strategic business partnerships to expedite commercial expansion across new industrial markets.
Jasinski, CEO of Lifeward since 2012, brings a wealth of experience from three different companies to the table. His tenure as president and CEO of Soteira, followed by his leadership roles at Cortek and Boston Scientific Corp., has provided him with a unique understanding of what it takes to develop and commercialize complex technologies. Jasinski’s expertise in product development, strategic partnerships, and operational leadership will undoubtedly be valuable assets to the panel discussion.
Sanchack, executive officer of Carnegie Foundry and co-founder of Freespace Robotics Inc., is a driving force behind the evolution of automation technologies. With over 30 years of experience in leadership, technology development, and innovation, Sanchack has established himself as a key player in shaping the future of robotics. His work on developing high-density, modular automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS) for industrial logistics will undoubtedly provide valuable insights into optimizing warehouse operations.
The panelists’ combined expertise offers a wealth of knowledge on how to navigate the complexities of robotics commercialization. By sharing their real-world strategies and best practices, they will provide attendees with actionable advice on how to accelerate time to market, enhance product quality, and optimize costs.
So, what exactly does it mean to outsource certain components of a system? In the context of robotics commercialization, outsourcing typically involves partnering with companies that specialize in specific areas, such as design, manufacturing, or testing. By doing so, startups can focus on their core competencies while leveraging the expertise of trusted partners to accelerate development and bring products to market more quickly.
Building strong relationships with partners is crucial for successful outsourcing. This requires a deep understanding of each other’s strengths, weaknesses, and goals. It also demands a commitment to communication, trust, and collaboration. By fostering these relationships, startups can tap into the expertise of their partners while minimizing risks associated with outsourcing.
Defining clear project requirements and expectations is another critical factor in successful outsourcing. This involves specifying what needs to be delivered, by when, and at what cost. It also requires establishing a strong framework for managing projects, including setting milestones, tracking progress, and resolving issues that arise.
The Robotics Summit & Expo promises to provide attendees with unparalleled access to industry experts, enabling technologies, and innovative solutions. Keynote speakers like Aaron Saunders, James Kuffner, and Daniela Rus will be on hand, offering insights into emerging trends and technologies.
Attendees can expect to learn about the latest enabling technologies, engineering best practices, and industry insights from over 50 educational sessions in tracks on AI, design and development, enabling technologies, healthcare, and logistics. The Engineering Theater on the show floor will feature presentations by industry experts, while the expo hall will showcase over 200 exhibitors demonstrating the latest products and services that can help robotics engineers throughout their development journeys.
Networking opportunities abound at the Robotics Summit & Expo, with attendees able to connect with peers and thought leaders in a variety of settings. The Career Fair, robotics development challenge, and RBR50 Robotics Innovation Awards Gala offer additional chances to build relationships and advance careers.
DeviceTalks Boston, co-located with the event, provides an opportunity for medical technology professionals to connect with engineering and business professionals from a broad range of healthcare backgrounds. Registration is now open for both events, ensuring that attendees can take advantage of this unique chance to learn, network, and advance their careers in robotics commercialization.
Ultimately, whether to build or buy components of a system will depend on the specific needs and goals of each startup. By listening to the expertise of seasoned professionals like Apicella, Jasinski, and Sanchack, attendees at the 2025 Robotics Summit & Expo can gain valuable insights into how to navigate this critical decision and accelerate their own commercialization journeys.