Forged Droids

This project creates a low-cost, humanoid robotics system, which includes a robot, an immersive operator control/training system, and service for sharing the training data. Hughes Engineering believes a humanoid robotics system provides the most flexibility for automating human tasks. This system will enable automation for smaller manufacturers and extreme product customization. This solution also meets the Ana Avatar XPRIZE goals for remote operation of robotics for experts that can?t travel and operation in environments unsafe for humans. This XPRIZE Competition provides addition motivation for the team to complete the SBIR Phase 1 design objectives. Beyond the Ana Avatar XPRIZE, Hughes Engineering is setting a new price/capability point for general purpose robotics, enabling human robot operation to train the robot for autonomous operation, and sharing that training via Robotics as a Service (RaaS).

Clinton Hughes, founder of Hughes Engineering, has a M.S. Degree in Electrical Engineering with over 20 years of experience in research and development of Consumer and OEM products; as well as, development of automation of robotic systems for the purpose of design, develop, test and assembly of technological products for military, industrial, and commercial applications.

Guy Bieber, co-founder of Hughes Engineering Robotics division, has a B.S.E Degree in Computer Systems Engineering. Formerly held office as CTO for various companies developing technologies; such as, helicopter autopilots, maneuvering rockets, wearable soldier systems, Intelligence Reconnaissance Surveillance (ISR) systems, and Command and Control (C2) systems.

Derek Martin has 20 years of industry experience designing system-on-chip devices. In-depth experience designing embedded security processors. He currently works for Microchip. He is developing ROS, Unity, Motor Control Systems, and other software/hardware interfacing.

Kate DeWald joined the Forged Droids team in October 2019. Her background in interior architecture provided the skills to assist Forged Droids with prototyping 3D prints, CNC designs, and artistic guidance on the overall look of the robot. Her passion for cutting-edge designs paired with technology complements our team and brings a creative approach to our projects.

Bryan Hendricks works for a foosball promotions company and interested in automating a robotic foosball table. His interests in robotics brought him to our team.  He works on the Mechanical CAD, Illustrations and other 3D Artwork for the Forged Droids Robot and Operator/User Interface structures.  He does a lot of 3D printing to vet out the new designs and technology investigations.

David Carrington has degrees in Computer Programming, Systems Analysis, Mobile Apps Development, CIS, Network Administration, and is working on a B.S.E. in Robotics. He has worked as a Software Engineer in the automation industry for over 20 years developing software for projects such as warehouse and semiconductor-fab automation, vending machines, Internet of Things, Vehicle Dispatching, and Irrigation Scheduling. He is developing ROS, Unity, Motor Control Systems, and other software/hardware interfacing. David also does some of the 3D printing of the prototype parts.

30+ years developing embedded real-time hardware/software/firmware for various companies: IBM, NASA, Motorola, General Dynamics, Cobham, Raytheon, to name a few.