There’s a familiar trap for innovative start-ups: early progress in demos or development is mistaken for a near-finished product. A compelling software demo or promising AI result can create the illusion that the finish line is just around the corner. In the software world this can be easily solved so long as customers are not too burned by the initial hiccups of a scaled implementation. The software team pulls a few all nighters, pushes code, and hopes the customer-facing team can smooth the concern.

‍

But when hardware enters the equation, this approach simply doesn’t cut it.

‍

Hardware Complexity

Building a real-world robotics system isn’t just about developing intelligent software. It’s about orchestrating hardware, software, AI, supply chain logistics, field service, certifications, and more. Most startups underestimate this complexity — and by the time they realize what’s required, it’s often too late. Budgets are stretched. Timelines are blown. The cracks in the system start to show. 

‍

Shipping a product too early can mean everything from costly field repairs or customers waiting months, if not years, to receive their order. This can tank whatever incredible progress has been made.

‍

A Systems Approach

Success in this space demands a systems approach from day one. We don’t think in terms of isolated components. Thinking holistically drives answers to the questions that otherwise hold customers back from seeing value and getting to scale: How will this product scale in the field? How will it be built, installed, serviced, and updated? How will it perform not just in a perfect lab demo, but in the messy, unpredictable environments of real warehouses and factories?

‍

This mindset changes everything. It means factoring in long hardware lead times, building supply chain and manufacturing processes in parallel with product development, and designing not just for function — but for serviceability, testability, and eventual obsolescence.

‍

Take the First Step

If you're building AI-powered physical systems, ask yourself early and often:

• Have you accounted for the long tail of hardware development?
• Are your supply chain, manufacturing, and field support plans in motion?
• Are you designing your system for real-world reliability and maintainability?

‍

In robotics, a systems approach isn’t just a nice-to-have — it’s the only path to commercial viability. Those who ignore it risk building impressive prototypes that never make it past the pilot stage.

‍

But those who embrace it? They’re the ones who scale. 

‍

Are you interested in scaling Physical AI-powered robots? Dexterity is hiring the best of the best. Click here to join.