(07-31-2015, 06:41 AM)Viewfromthe42 Wrote: Silicon Valley definitely has the people for the programming side, but they also have a strong link in the area to the military. Even with the no-killer-robots pledge, the military is still a big target customer, and there are many funds and opportunities to be had in developing robots with that potential bankroll next door.
Military or not, I can see many advantages for having a US presence even if HQ stays in Canada and manufacturing is done partly or entirely elsewhere:
1. Selling to US government agencies, federal, state and even local, may require a US presence.
2. Anything that might require security clearance needs US citizens.
3. Many procurement protocols require or at least favour US content.
4. Politicians push "Buy in America" so you need a US presence if you want them on your side.
5. Some US federal procurement subsidies, e.g. for small business, require US presence.