Decoding Robots: How to Build and Launch Robots in the Real World

Book OverviewA majority of robotics companies fail within the first few years of launch. The failure rate in this sector remains exceptionally high, yet each year thousands of talented engineers and founders enter the field, often unaware of the technical, operational, and commercial risks that can push even well-funded teams into the so-called “valley of death.”This book captures those lessons for the next generation of robotics founders, engineers, and investors—people who are brave enough to build robots for the real world. Drawing on hands-on experience building and scaling robotic systems across the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, working with startups and Fortune 100 clients, the author offers a firsthand look at what it takes to build and deploy robots in real-world environments.From engineering to sales, and from marketing to field operations, the book examines the core risks that derail most robotics companies and the lessons learned in practice. Readers will also learn how companies such as Amazon, Boston Dynamics, and Tesla approach many of these risks when bringing modern robots and humanoids to life at scale.Beyond field lessons and case studies, the author introduces a structured, step-by-step framework for managing these risks across the robotics lifecycle. For founders, the framework provides concrete guidance on fundraising, go-to-market execution, operations, engineering leadership, and talent building. For engineers, it offers a structured path for developing deep professional expertise and securing a strong position within the robotics industry.About the AuthorPrathamesh Khedekar is the founder of Boring Sage, an ed-tech company focused on bringing deep professional expertise in emerging technologies to engineers and founders. He has built mission-critical systems for the governments of the U.S., U.K., Norway, and the Netherlands, and autonomous robotic systems for Fortune 100 companies globally. An Einstein Visa recipient, his work has been featured in The San Diego Union-Tribune, Security Magazine, and American Banker. He writes and teaches at the intersection of emerging technologies and business applications, helping founders and engineers bring next-generation products to life. Read more