My passion for robotics and ultimately founding Robot on Rails (RoR), a research acceleration company automating lab workflows, started in an unexpected place: the Toys & Games aisle of a local store.
From an early age, I always loved building and tinkering. Not only was I fascinated with creating, but I also wanted to understand how things worked. That curiosity eventually led me to LEGO Mindstorms, which inevitably gave me the confidence to turn imagination into engineering. From there, my love for robotics continued through MIT’s pioneering research in robotic arms.
I first encountered an article about MIT researchers developing robotic arms for advanced manufacturing, and it became clear to me how this technology could serve the greater good, particularly by accelerating discovery. Motivated by this vision, I applied exclusively to MIT for both my undergraduate and Master’s programs and was fortunate to be accepted. I knew MIT would provide a curriculum grounded in hands-on, problem-driven learning.
At MIT, I worked on projects ranging from robotic cranes to emergency safety systems and a Mylar balloon distress beacon. These experiences continue to shape my approach today and I learned that the most successful teams are those that dedicate significant time to thoughtful exploration. Innovation is not a sudden spark, but the outcome of a deliberate, iterative process.
The Basement Years
This philosophy guided the founding of Robot on Rails. Rather than raising money too early and facing pressure to rush a product to market, I chose to invest my own savings, move into my parents’ basement, and hand-build the first prototype. That design was ultimately purchased by a biotech startup, which partnered with us to co-develop the platform in exchange for a robot tailored to their needs.
While LEGO first sparked my interest in building, it was the pursuit of purpose-driven engineering that truly defined my path. That commitment shaped my early career decisions: I turned down higher-paying software roles and accepted a $30,000 pay cut to join Adcole, where I could focus on precision machine design. It was not the easier choice, but it was the right one to stay aligned with my long-term vision.
Of course, the journey wasn’t that simple. Before launching RoR, I cut my teeth in high-performance automation roles that gave me first-hand experience with production-grade reliability. Later, at Mytide Therapeutics, my first foray into biotech, I quickly saw both the need and the opportunity for automation. That experience became the seed for Robot on Rails.
Breaking Free of the Lab Bottleneck
The idea was straightforward: use robotics to free scientists from repetitive, time-draining tasks. In labs worldwide, researchers are often asked to act as programmers and process engineers, pulling them away from their core expertise. RoR gives scientists back their time — letting them focus on ideas, discoveries, and innovation instead of repetitive implementation.
It’s not just about working faster, it’s about working smarter: removing complexity, preserving mental bandwidth and creating space for breakthrough thinking.
This philosophy — maximizing human creativity by removing toil — is sometimes misunderstood as a threat to jobs. The reality is the opposite. Most labs, especially in biotech, face chronic labor shortages. Automation isn’t replacing scientists; it’s multiplying their impact.
From Vision to Reality
My journey may not have been conventional, but it has always been deliberate. I never doubted the vision. Of course, there were moments of stress and financial strain — that’s part of any startup story — but the idea itself was unshakable. I spent years reflecting on what kind of company would be meaningful and that reflection became Robot on Rails.
My advice to fellow founders is simple: make time to think.
Startups will always demand sprints of intensity, but the entrepreneurs who build in moments of deliberate reflection are the ones who last. The robotic mindset isn’t about removing the human element, it’s about amplifying it. By thinking deeply, simplifying relentlessly and building with purpose, you give your business room to grow.
Chase Olle is the founder of Robot on Rails.