Pivot Robotics, a YC W24 startup building robots for warehouse unloading, is hiring Robotics Software Engineers. They're looking for experienced engineers proficient in C++ and ROS to develop and improve the perception, planning, and control systems for their robots. The role involves working on real-world robotic systems tackling challenging problems in a fast-paced startup environment.
Roe AI, a YC W24 startup, is seeking a Founding Engineer to build AI-powered tools for reproductive health research and advocacy. The ideal candidate will have strong Python and data science experience, a passion for reproductive rights, and comfort working in a fast-paced, early-stage environment. Responsibilities include developing data pipelines, building statistical models, and creating user-facing tools. This role offers significant equity and the opportunity to make a substantial impact on an important social issue.
HN commenters discuss Roe AI's unusual name, given the sensitive political context surrounding "Roe v Wade," with some speculating it might hinder recruiting or international expansion. Several users question the startup's premise of building a "personalized AI copilot for everything," doubting its feasibility and expressing concerns about privacy implications. There's skepticism about the value proposition and whether this approach is genuinely innovative. A few commenters also point out the potentially high server costs associated with the "always-on" aspect of the AI copilot. Overall, the sentiment leans towards cautious skepticism about Roe AI's viability.
Trellis is a YC-backed startup building a platform to simplify and automate legal processes for startups, initially focusing on Delaware incorporations. They aim to make legal tasks like forming a company, issuing stock options, and managing cap tables as easy as possible, reducing the time and cost typically associated with these processes. Trellis is currently hiring engineers and designers to join their team.
Commenters on Hacker News express skepticism about the value proposition of Trellis, questioning whether automating social media for local businesses is truly a significant pain point. Some argue that the cost likely outweighs the benefits for small businesses, especially given existing free or low-cost scheduling tools. Others point out the difficulty in creating engaging, authentic social media content automatically, suggesting that genuine interaction is more effective than automated posts. The limited customization options within Trellis are also criticized. A few commenters offer alternative solutions like Buffer or Hootsuite, implying that Trellis doesn't offer enough differentiation to justify its existence. Finally, several commenters note the potential for abuse and spam if the platform isn't carefully managed.
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https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43342301
HN commenters discuss the Pivot Robotics job posting, mostly focusing on the compensation offered. Several find the $160k-$200k salary range low for senior-level robotics software engineers, especially given the Bay Area location and YC backing. Some argue the equity range (0.1%-0.4%) is also below market rate for a startup at this stage. Others suggest the provided range might be for more junior roles, given the requirement for only 2+ years of experience, and point out that actual offers could be higher. A few express general interest in the company and its mission of automating grocery picking. The low compensation is seen as a potential red flag by many, while others attribute it to the current market conditions and suggest negotiating.
The Hacker News post titled "Pivot Robotics (YC W24) Is Hiring" linking to a job posting for a Robotics Software Engineer generated several comments, engaging in a discussion primarily focused on the challenges and realities of robotics development, along with some speculation about Pivot Robotics' specific application area.
One commenter highlights the inherent difficulty of robotics, stating that "Robotics is hard," and elaborates that it's not just about software, but also involves intricate hardware and systems integration aspects. They further emphasize the iterative nature of robotics development, requiring continuous improvement and refinement. This comment sets the tone for much of the subsequent discussion.
Another commenter questions the specific focus of Pivot Robotics, asking, "What kind of robots are they making? The website offers few clues." This reflects a desire for more transparency from the company regarding their target industry and the specific problems they aim to solve with their robotic solutions. This lack of clarity seems to be a shared concern among several commenters.
Several commenters engage in a back-and-forth about the complexities of robot manipulation and grasping, touching upon topics like picking up deformable objects and the challenges of real-world, unstructured environments. This exchange dives into the technical intricacies of robotics, showcasing the expertise within the Hacker News community.
Another commenter mentions their experience with industrial robots, highlighting the often overlooked practical challenges such as cable management, which can significantly impact the design and functionality of robotic systems. This contributes to the overall theme of real-world robotics being considerably more complex than theoretical concepts.
A couple of commenters speculate about Pivot Robotics' potential application areas, suggesting possibilities like agriculture, given the company's location in Salinas, California. However, these remain speculations without concrete evidence.
Overall, the comments on the Hacker News post reflect a realistic and nuanced understanding of the challenges inherent in robotics development. They express curiosity about Pivot Robotics' specific focus while acknowledging the complexities of building practical and effective robotic systems. The discussion highlights the practical, hands-on nature of robotics, moving beyond abstract concepts to address real-world implementation challenges.