The future of robotics in security surveillance, geo-monitoring, commercial applications and military is growing at an aggressive rate. Currently many smaller companies are formulating strategies, gathering venture capital, investment bankers and investing in research and development to have the new thing in robotic technology. But no other robotic sector in robotic unmanned vehicles is growing quite like the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle or UAV sector.

Now then what is the best way for a UAV start up company to approach the market with a new technology? Well, we know testing, engineering, research and development are not cheap and since you need the best bang for your buck perhaps it is a better bet to get with a major manufacturer of UAV technology and go from there? Business is like war sometimes too. Sometimes you have to play the chess board at a higher level. Many smaller entrepreneurs are bothered by this and say things such as; The trick here is how to maintain control of your enterprise with the involvement of a major joint venture partner.

Yet when we consider this argument, who says you would want that level of control at that point? You could become their R and D arm or another finger of specialization of one of their divisions. Yet an entrepreneurial company maybe also concerned about how a contract was worded, payment structures, timely payments and they do not wish to be reduced to merely; an employer-employee relationship as they put it, as they wish to have more of a partnership and become a component or consultant type subcontractor and problem solver.

To this I say number one; be careful what you wish for and number two I understand the entrepreneurial plight as a little fish in a big sea of government Industrial Military Complex Players. Indeed but these bigger fish or sharks need controls and guarantees that the start up company is not going to go out and sell their innovations to the highest bidder once you get the resources to expand from their monies. Why assist a start up in becoming their competition?

Some start up robotics and UAV companies maybe better off on specializing in software, components or consulting and to work with the larger fish rather than selling directly to they governments military sector you see? Think on these issues.

Lance Winslow

Currently Lance is retired at age 40 and is running an Online Think Tank Forum while traveling North America. Perhaps considering something extremely challenging to do that will exercise his mind and utilize all his experiences, observations and skills. Any ideas?