Observations of decision-making in the mechanical design process in a start-up company

Abstract

This thesis examines the effect that working at a start-up company has on decisions and considerations during the mechanical design process, and is based on the experience of the author while interning at an Al robotics start-up as part of an MIT graduate students' team. An overview of the company is provided, the different stages of the product development are introduced and Miso's approach to the design of the modules for its product is discussed. Advantages and disadvantages of the approach are examined with examples, and suggestions for improvement are provided. In particular, the role of first-order-analysis (FOA) as a powerful tool to predict problems early is presented, the need for order as a necessary condition for growth is discussed, and next steps for the future production ramp-up stage are shared.