Re:VC Funding for Robotics in 2015
by ef4 on Tuesday January 12, 2016 @01:16AM
(#10885847)
At least in the flying-robot space, I think cheap batteries and sensors have been at least as important.
The sensors -- primarily accelerometers -- are etched in silicon, and benefit from a lot of the same cost and quality improvements as other microelectronics.
Batteries don't get better as fast as processors, but they do get better. About 7% per year for the past two decades. That has been adding up, and finally tipped us over the point where you can have your own tiny flying helicopter for $15.
The sensors -- primarily accelerometers -- are etched in silicon, and benefit from a lot of the same cost and quality improvements as other microelectronics.
Batteries don't get better as fast as processors, but they do get better. About 7% per year for the past two decades. That has been adding up, and finally tipped us over the point where you can have your own tiny flying helicopter for $15.