Cute Robotic Companions with Jacob Hanchar (Digital Dream Labs)

Jacob Hanchar is the CEO of Digital Dream Labs. He is a neuroscientist by training who loves entrepreneurship, video games, and learning.

Jacob started out as an angel investor for Digital Dream Labs, an ed-tech company founded in 2012. They are the makers of AI robotic companions such as Cozmo, Vector, Puzzlets, InfiniDrive, and Butter Robot. They lead the field of assistive technology that improves the lives of all ages and backgrounds.

In this episode, Aaron and Jacob talk about selling robots as companions, they also break down how he bought IP associated with his robots for pennies on the dollar, and why robots of all shapes and sizes need to be designed to be a little more cute.

Jacob Hanchar’s Challenge: Volunteer a couple hours in your local library or museum to get young people more interested in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education.

Timestamps:
00:00 Who is Jacob Hanchar?
01:06 What are the robots Jacob Hanchar is developing?
02:01 What Does Vector Do?
03:15 What is the Business Model for Vector?
05:14 Subscription for Vector
06:44 Raising the Prices
08:01 One of the mistakes Jacob Hanchar did
10:19 How Vector Started?
13:33 Why no one touches Anki
15:19 Hiring Process in Robotics
16:43 How Jacob Hanchar build his Skillset in the Robotics Business
20:20 How did they allocate their Sales Marketing
22:18 Distress Assets for Jacob Hanchar
25:21 Nobody wants a Humanoid Robot
31:17 Jacob Hanchar's Ice Cream Business
38:02 Roblox Game for Cozmo
39:43 Jacob Hanchar's Message