Overview
$100K platform decision support for autonomous construction robot. Evaluated 18+ vendors, built technical validation with ~95% waypoint accuracy.
Problem
Executives needed strategic guidance for $100K+ robotics investment. Commercial vs. custom? Which vendor? Technical feasibility? No internal expertise to evaluate trade-offs.
Solution
Comprehensive vendor analysis with build-vs-buy recommendations. Technical validation through ROS 2 integration achieving ~95% waypoint accuracy. Custom C# node for Leica industrial localization (centimeter-level precision). Shipped production-ready workspace with Docker.
Impact
- $100K decision: Executive-level strategic recommendations
- 18+ vendors evaluated: Comprehensive competitive analysis
- ~95% accuracy: Technical feasibility validated
- Production workspace: Reduced onboarding time for engineering team
Impact & Learnings
Business Impact:
- Enabled confident six-figure investment decision backed by technical validation
- Reduced technical risk through comprehensive vendor evaluation
- Accelerated implementation timeline with proven ROS 2 workspace
- Provided executive team with actionable insights for strategic planning
Consulting Best Practices:
- Technical depth enables credible executive-level recommendations
- Build-vs-buy analysis requires both business and engineering perspectives
- Hands-on validation reduces risk of vendor capability misrepresentation
- Documentation and knowledge transfer maximize client value post-engagement
Technical Capabilities Demonstrated:
- ROS 2 navigation and localization systems
- Industrial sensor integration (Leica iCON iCS20)
- Custom node development (C#/Python ROS bridges)
- Field testing and performance validation
- Docker containerization and deployment
Strategic Skills Applied:
- Vendor evaluation and competitive analysis
- Cost-benefit analysis and financial modeling
- Stakeholder communication and executive presentations
- Technical risk assessment and mitigation planning
