a
Autonomy is no longer a moonshot—it’s a market
@ a16z
04/14/25
Takeaways
QY
Qasar Younis
04/14/25
@ a16z
The dynamics in automotive technology are similar to those in defense, construction, and mining, indicating a broad application of autonomy across various sectors.
QY
Qasar Younis
04/14/25
@ a16z
The next decade is focused on the production and proliferation of autonomy, moving beyond just discussions about it.
QY
Qasar Younis
04/14/25
@ a16z
The state of autonomy today can be simplified into two approaches: the Waymo model, which operates without a driver, and the Tesla model, which requires a driver but offers a proven business model.
JB
Jason Brown
04/14/25
@ a16z
We need to retrofit legacy defense systems with modern software to enhance their capabilities, as many of these vehicles will remain in service for decades.
JB
Jason Brown
04/14/25
@ a16z
About 50% of our products focus on developing new vehicles, while the other 50% enhance legacy systems to extend their operational life.
QY
Qasar Younis
04/14/25
@ a16z
The Department of Defense must recognize the need for a mobile strategy that incorporates autonomy, similar to how the commercial sector has evolved.
QY
Qasar Younis
04/14/25
@ a16z
Our company benchmarks against commercial standards to ensure our products are competitive, as survival in the market depends on delivering high-quality solutions.
QY
Qasar Younis
04/14/25
@ a16z
The tools and systems we develop for the military often feed back into our commercial business, demonstrating the dual-use nature of our technology, and we're seeing a flywheel effect in various domains like aviation and maritime, where investments in autonomy will benefit commercial sectors as well.
QY
Qasar Younis
04/14/25
@ a16z
The software being developed in our businesses benefits all customers across both commercial and defense sectors, showcasing the power of dual-use technology.
QY
Qasar Younis
04/14/25
@ a16z
We've developed a maritime simulation tool that allows us to create a virtual environment for naval operations, achieving a functioning product in just five weeks due to our existing commercial technology.
QY
Qasar Younis
04/14/25
@ a16z
The Department of Defense's procurement process is improving, but it still needs more senior personnel who understand software to streamline operations effectively.
QY
Qasar Younis
04/14/25
@ a16z
The key to improving procurement in the Department of Defense is having senior officials who are experienced in software development, which can lead to better product evaluations and streamlined processes.
QY
Qasar Younis
04/14/25
@ a16z
The Department of Defense is still primarily focused on hardware, but there are ongoing efforts to change this and integrate more software solutions into their operations.
QY
Qasar Younis
04/14/25
@ a16z
The future of autonomy is not just about technology; it's about saving lives and reducing the costs associated with accidents, which will become increasingly important in the coming years.
QY
Qasar Younis
04/14/25
@ a16z
Collaborative autonomy is the future of defense technology, and the first successful implementation of such systems will significantly transform the industry.
QY
Qasar Younis
04/14/25
@ a16z
Our company thrives on a mix of curiosity-driven engineers and mission-driven individuals, creating a dynamic environment focused on solving complex problems in autonomy.