A robotics engineer who recently joined you as a list subscriber shared something fascinating with me.

“Robotics is prone to the fallacy of providing a solution searching for a problem,” he wrote.

I’ve never seen this challenge articulated so perfectly.

When you work with impressive technology, it’s really tempting to start with what’s possible rather than what’s needed.

Those servo motors, precise movements, and sophisticated programming capabilities are seductive. You don’t want to under-utilize the technology — and the market doesn’t know what it can do.

It feel like your responsibility to do the most awesome thing possible with it.

This isn’t entirely unique to robotics. It can also apply to:

• Blockchain solutions seeking relevance
• AI features without clear purpose
• VR experiences nobody asked for
• IoT devices solving non-problems
• Apps that overcomplicate simple tasks

The pattern is everywhere in tech: Amazing capabilities, in search of a reason to exist.

Some of the most successful robotics applications took the opposite approach. They started by observing human pain points, like:

• Collaborative robots that reduce repetitive strain injuries
• Warehouse robots that improve worker safety
• Surgical robots that enhance precision
• Prosthetic limbs that restore capability
• Service robots that support independence

The difference? These solutions grew from watching people struggle with actual, real problems.

Before writing a line of code or designing a single servo movement, the best robotics companies invest time in:

• Observing current processes
• Identifying friction points
• Understanding worker challenges
• Measuring productivity barriers
• Calculating real costs

The most impressive technology isn’t always the one with the most capabilities.

Sometimes it can be the one that solves a genuine need so effectively that users can’t even imagine going back.

What problems are you solving by watching first, building second?

Laurier

P.S. One of my favorite examples: Robot lawn mowers were technically impressive but struggled until manufacturers paid close attention to how people actually use their yards. Now they’re designing around family activities, pet safety, and varying lawn shapes. The best innovation can often be achieved by simply looking more closely. 🔎