Why was building a working commercial prototype so important?

People have been laying bricks to build houses for over 6,000 years, but that might be about to change. In 1994, Mark Pivac, a former aeronautic and mechanical engineer with experience in 3D computer-aided design (CAD)

software, had an idea that brought together different technologies to produce a ‘mobile dynamic stabilizing robot’, which solved the problem of stabilizing a robot in a moving environment. This idea evolved over a long period, originally focused on an application that had no commercial potential. However, in 2005 there was a shortage of bricklayers in Australia and he started thinking about applying the concept to this problem. He obtained funding to develop his idea, and by 2008 he had built hundreds of prototypes, but, more importantly, he had also fi led patents safeguarding his IP. The prototypes stood undeveloped for many years until he started working with his brother, Mike Pivac, to commercialize the idea. Mike had previously started and run a number of businesses, but at this time he was recovering from a serious back operation. His involvement proved pivotal in commercializing the company’s technology, business plan and machine development strategy and he also forged relationships with investors, builders, suppliers and future customers.