I'd be the one to answer this

I've been attempting to fund resources for EZ-Bits. Using the i2c header, and the idea of an "arduino shield" type add-on - I have a line of EZ-Bits (either in prototype or beta) that work natively with the EZ-B. Including a compass module, additional servo power module, accelerometer, IR receiver, WIFI adapter sheild, xBee adapter shield, synapse adapter shield and a few others.

As a startup, we're limited to resources. But we're trying!

DJ,

Go at them one at a time, or do pre-orders for them?

Just a thought, back I go under my rock.

That's what's been happening. One at a time. It's tough to do everything at once I spend a lot of time between the forum, support, software releases, new features, etc

We need to clone you. Or design a EZ-B version of you.

Hahaha, yes please!! Cloned DJ robots will help me a great deal

A not so short, but vague explanation of what has been going on. EZ-Robot was a hobby project, which turned into a full time gig. The demand from the industry showed that a unified complete scalable solution was needed. People need to build robots from start to finish (i.e. beginner to advanced). The concept of EZ-Robot is to provide a graphical environment which contains pre-programmed "controls", as well as the ability for advanced users to define their own controls using C# and VB development controls.

The EZ-SDK is also a popular release for labs and university grade educational use. The EZ-SDK enables advanced roboticists the ability to customize EZ-Robot features combined with additional resources (such as ROS and OpenCV). Not to say that the ARC C# and VB controls do not provide matching scalability.

Over the past few months, we have grown to become an unusual start-up. Most startups struggle for years with cash flow issues, prototyping and expensive development costs. Because I play a rare combined role of visionary, CEO and software developer, we have been able to grow very quickly. With the positives, there are always some negatives. The negatives are due to a few restrictions related to available resources. Resources are not strictly financial (although that is always a concern with scaling), but we are limited with marketing, customer support and manufacturing. In the short time since EZ-Robot has been incorporated (7 months), we have achieved amazing results. Sometimes, expensive lessons yield positive results.

The concept of EZ-Bits is quite simple, technically for me. My ability to whip out diagrams, PCB's and schematics of EZ-Bits should, in theory be easy. Due to the number of hats I wear in a day, this has been constantly pushed aside.

We have continued to grow our software and feature set, while the add-on hardware of EZ-Bits has been suffering.

So, the question regarding EZ-Robot's future was asked a few months ago... "What the heck is your goal?". Simple answer: Our goal is to provide the world (consumer and industry) with a unified robot platform standard for robot innovation and production. Going forward, that means EZ-Robot needs to grow.

If you have ever followed the story of Apple and Microsoft in the early 80's, you will be able to relate to the business and ethical model I have been structuring EZ-Robot around.

We have spent the past few months struggling within the limitations of the country we operate out of. I love Canada for many reasons, but technological growth and adaption is not one of them. The concept of Robotics to Canadian investors is challenging because it challenges their investment experience. I did not understand this limitation when I first ventured to obtain additional funding to address our scaling and potential.

Over the past few months, we have been busy doing more than developing. Behind the scenes, we have been meeting with Canadian and Alberta VC's at a very aggressive rate. Locally, everyone knows who we are, but is inexperienced at investing in an unknown industry of robotics. As much as we'd love to maintain our Canadian status, it has come to the point that we have no further option but to relocate to the USA.

Within the past few weeks, we are in discussion with a few parties who are able to make the relocation possible. This will mean a great deal for EZ-Robot. It opens doors that I have been dreaming of my whole life. I dream of having the appropriate funding and support to build a product to my fullest potential.

Lately the discussions have been moving us closer, every day, to achieving our relocation goal to the USA - even if temporary for a few months.

In order to make the impact within the industry that we deserve, it is a necessary move.

So, your question about EZ-Bits raises a very detailed and personal response. Because the creation of plug-and-play add-on's for the EZ-Robot Platform will position us into a new league. As well as a few other conceptual designs, such as physical robot shells and mobile support.

EZ-Robot's existing platform is merely a small piece of our software and hardware potential. We've masked the true scalable power of EZ-Robot behind toys and graphics - it's time to take the next step.

"Imagine Your Life With A Robot"

First I would like to say this is a greatly informative post on the EZ-B saga. Is California the best option? I hear the state has super high tax rate. I also read someplace that Texas has begun to siphon more of the technology industry away from California because it is more friendly to tech businesses. I'm not in the business so I dont know how true that may be. I do know that many businesses have left California since it was too expensive to operate there. Im just curious what was the deciding factor on choosing California.

We won't be operating out of California. We will be engaging within the community. There is a much stronger community involving innovation with robotics in California. We were there for a few weeks and the relationships we established were fantastic.

Ah I see. Its wonderful to watch your business grow. We are all pulling for ya and Im sure most are spreading the word.