Example milestone plan
An example plan for a robotics project dream with a goal of $15,000. Backers fund the whole goal, but each milestone's money stays held until you post the proof and Backers release it.
Milestone 1
$3,000 · 20%
Define the robot task
Post a task diagram, workspace measurements and a bench test showing the proposed sensing or movement principle.
Milestone 2
$5,250 · 35%
Assemble the robot platform
Share chassis build photos, actuator and sensor receipts, and wiring diagrams with a record of mechanical fit checks.
Milestone 3
$4,500 · 30%
Integrate control software
Upload a controlled demonstration, control code summary and logs showing sensors and movement working through the planned task.
Milestone 4
$2,250 · 15%
Repeat controlled trials
Post repeated trial logs, a fault summary and a video showing the test area, stop controls and final task sequence.
- 01
Make every step provable
A milestone only works if a Backer can look at your proof and agree it is done. 'Buy equipment' is weak; 'equipment bought, receipt and photo posted' is strong.
- 02
Order by risk
Put the cheapest, fastest step first. Each released milestone proves you deliver and funds the next. Leave the biggest amount for the step where most of the work is already done.
- 03
Keep the amounts honest
Milestones must add up exactly to your goal. Price each step from real quotes, include tools and services, and split any step that is too big to prove in one go.
Risks to plan for
- R1
Mechanical loads exceed estimates
A motor may struggle once the complete assembly carries its intended load. Check loads during platform assembly and reserve components budget for gearing or actuator changes.
- R2
Sensors misread the workspace
Lighting, surfaces or obstacles can upset sensing outside a bench setup. Include varied controlled trials in integration and allow time to adjust placement and filtering.
- R3
Integration consumes trial time
Individually working parts can fail when combined on the robot. Set a limited task for the control milestone and protect a separate final budget for repeated trials and spares.
Budget example
A typical cost split for a robotics project dream in Houston, shown in USD. Backers are charged the equivalent in US dollars.
Example goal
$15,000
- Mechanical design and fabrication$4,500 · 30%
- Actuators sensors and electronics$6,750 · 45%
- Control software and integration$2,250 · 15%
- Trial equipment and spares$1,500 · 10%
What you receive
- Backers give
- $15,000
- Platform fee (15%)
- −$2,250
- You receive
- $12,750
How Backers are protected
14-day review per milestone
When proof is posted, each Backer has 14 days to release their share or ask for more. Money not released in time goes back to the Backer.
15% fee, deducted — never added
Backers pay exactly what they choose. The 15% fee comes out of each backing: $100 gives the Dreamer $85. The fee is kept if money is returned.
Gifts, not shares
Backings are gifts. No shares, equity, interest or repayment, and Dreamers keep full ownership. Nothing on cohero is an investment or a loan.
Questions and answers
How many milestones should a robotics project dream have?
Three to six works for most dreams. Fewer gives Backers little to review; more than seven makes each step feel small. The example plan on this page uses four.
Do I need a fully autonomous robot to show meaningful progress?
Demonstrate the specific task and state which actions are manual, scripted or sensor-driven. A bounded controlled test gives Backers clearer evidence than an autonomy claim without repeatable trial records.
How can I document robot tests responsibly?
Show a controlled test area, the stop method and the limits of the demonstration. Share trial logs alongside video so Backers can distinguish a repeatable sequence from a single successful take or edited highlight.
Ready when you are
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