Robotics Marketing Survey (Hypothetical)

[J Flex 188]

Hi CD community members,

I sincerely hope I am not stepping one anyone's toes by doing this and re-introducing a new dynamic to an issue that has been discussed countless times already. The following post involves a purely hypothetical stiuation for the purposes of the creation of a marketing plan for my MKTG 2030 class at the Schulich School of Business in Toronto, Canada ( http://www.schulich.yorku.ca). Whoever said robotics and business cant interact?

In any case, this plan involves the creation of a company modeled around Andy Mark but with a distinct difference. We would be offering pre-made solutions (design drawings, materials) for functional aspects of the robot, including but not limited to elevators, single or double joint arms and other elements that are more essentially standardized solutions for each year of competition, rather than a specific manipulator to grab tubes or tetras.

There would be a support system consisting of online forums, with additional technical and on-site support for a small premium. We would ship the parts and instructions to all teams and leave it up to them to go through the process of assembly, keeping intact the idea of the build experience. Eventually we would like the hypothetical company to expand to create a curriculum program oriented around Robotics and Design Technology, much in the same way that Intellitek has program offerings already.

The survey is below, you can either reply to this thread or send the completed survey (all check boxes in Word) to schulich.surveys@gmail.com. Please note that this is PURELY for a marketing purpose only. It is not my intent to create another discussion on the benefits of collaboration, COTS parts or anything of that nature. If you would like to do so, please do in another thread. If you would like to contribute constructive criticism to this idea and additional feedback, feel free to PM me. This is solely through my academic activities and not affiliated with Team 188.

Any help is appreciated!

[Jessica Boucher]

I'll allow it. (I'm living proof that business and robotics can co-exist, so absolutley.)

[J Flex 188]

Sorry to post yet again,

I realised that I didnt include the survey below for those that would prefer to reply to the thread.

• Approximately how many core students and mentors is your team composed of?

• How many years has your team been involved in these competitions including this year?

• Does your team currently have one or more engineering mentors?

• What would you say is the biggest problem facing your team performance mechanically in terms of the robot? (please select the overriding problem)
  • Lack of funding
  • Too small of a team
  • Lack of technical experience/knowledge
  • Lack of technical facilities
  • Lack of time
  • Other
    
• Do you currently buy parts and supplies from AndyMark.biz?

• If you answered No to Question 5, have you ever considered buying parts from AndyMark.biz?

• Would you consider purchasing kits with pre-cut parts and instructions for standardized but also self-adaptable components such as robotic arms for a small premium?

• Would you consider purchasing a service provided via telephone or on-site appearances for technical help for the components mentioned above for an additional small premium?
  NOTE: online forums would already be provided free with initial purchase