KEF ROBOTICS
AERIAL AUTONOMY FOR AIRCRAFT
About us
VISUAL AUTONOMY FOR AIRCRAFT
KEF Robotics provides state-of-the-art autonomy software to fly aircraft without a human pilot. A computer vision company at its core, KEF’s algorithms leverage cameras to enable autonomous flight across a variety of platforms and use cases. Our mission is to improve the safety and reliability of aircraft, expand their range and utility, and allow them to fly without GPS in uncooporative environments.
We support numerous commercial partners and Department of Defense groups, including DTRA, SOCOM, Army and Air Force. KEF is a small business located in Pittsburgh, PA.
Our story
Nov 2018
Kerry, Eric, and Fraser leave their company to start KEF Robotics. K-E-F, see what we did there?
Dec 2018
The KEF team takes a finalist spot in the global Alpha Pilot competition.
2019
Based off of connections made at the competition, KEF secures their first NASA & DoD contract.
2020
The company secures multiple DoD contracts while growing and developing new autonomy capabilities
2021
Expanding their team through the pandemic, KEF continued researching new capabilities and use cases
MEET OUR TEAM
2023
The company is thriving. Our staff has more than doubled and we can't wait to see what's next!
ERIC
AMOROSO
Co-founder
Eric is one of KEF's founding members and is Co-CTO. Eric focuses on our machine learning capabilities, is an exceptional guitar player, and loves drinking cold brew with a straw.
Kerry
Snyder
Co-founder
Kerry is also one of KEF's original founders and Co-CTO. Kerry is an expert software engineer and built the backbone of our GNC stack. He also happens to love cute cats and a good IPA.
ERIC
AMOROSO
Co-founder
Eric is one of KEF's founding members and is Co-CTO. Eric focuses on our machine learning capabilities and loves drinking cold brew with a straw.
Fraser
Kitchell
Co-founder
A co-founder and CEO, Fraser leads strategy, partnership, and operations for KEF Robotics. Fraser has personally built most of the walls in our warehouse, loves biking, and his dog, Joby!
RISHIKESH VANARSE
Computer Vision Engineer
Rishikesh works on internal R&D and develops features for improving navigation. Also a coffee lover, Rishikesh enjoys wildlife photography.
Mithril
Hugunin
Senior Robotics Research Engineer
Mithril is a machine learning and hardware expert. She leads and contributes to numerous projects while taking care of her cat, Mochi and playing the drums!
Paul
Frivold
Engineering Director for European Operations
Paul spearheads our hardware integrations across Europe, leveraging his expertise as our resident simulations specialist. As the proudest Norwegian we know, Paul manages our oversees team out of Oslo!
Andrew
Ashley
Robotics Research Engineer
Andrew works on a number of KEF projects and spends much time night testing. Outside of work, Andrew is a huge WVU fan and attends all of their football games.
jonathan
cruz
Embedded Software Engineer
Jon spearheads several of our projects, utilizing his adept navigation and C++ proficiency.. Besides programming our drivers, Jon spends his time traveling and enjoys teaching.
curtis
boirum
Robotic Research Systems Engineer
Curt leads our hardware devision, assembling our drones and payloads. He is in charge of our e-lab and helps to pilot. Curt loves spending time with his family and volunteering!
Jacob
Brown
Test Engineer
If you see our bus, you'll likely see this guy driving it. Jake leads our field testing team focusing on flight safety. Jake is our lead pilot and spends his weekends working on cars.
Olga
Pogoda
Chief Operating Officer
Olga takes lead on all internal operations, marketing, and finances. Olga works on our facilities, loves hot tea, and the great outdoors.
Denny
loevlie
Computer Vision Engineer
Denny is one of our project leads and machine learning specialists. With his sights set on getting his PhD, Denny also plays soccer in his free time.
Chris Klammer
Robotics Software Engineer
Chris's specialization lies at the intersection of computer vision, SLAM, and navigation. He also competes and coaches powerlifting in the Pittsburgh area.
brian dunlavey
Director of Software Engineering
Brian has been developing software for and leading teams developing autonomous mobile robots for more than twenty years. At KEF, he manages our engineering team and our product development. Brian loves challenging projects especially when it comes to DIY house projects.
JARED
HAND
Robotics Software Engineer
Looking to apply his background in physics here at KEF, Jared helps out with various projects, including machine learning and guidance software development. In his free time, Jared enjoys reading, baking bread, and hanging out with his dog Phelan.
steve
Harbeson
Defense Technical Relations Lead
Steve leads KEF's government relationships. He has 30+ years of military, federal, and defense contracting experience in Explosives Ordnance Disposal (EOD), Special Operations, Diving, Robotics, program management and advanced professional training. He is a decorated combat veteran who served during Operation's Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom, and Enduring Freedom.
When Steve isn't working, he can be found sitting on the porch solving the world's problems over a glass of wine with his wife Laura, going on hikes with his wife and dogs, and navigating single track challenges on dirt bikes.
Joby
Office Dog and a Good Boy
Joby is a core team member focused on keeping the entire team in line with their spirits lifted. Joby stuns in cold weather sweaters and likes treats, pets, and walks.
causes
& groups
KEF invests time and money supporting causes that we believe will increase access to high-quality educational opportunities and jobs, while inspiring young people to nurture their interest in robotics and entrepreneurship. We focus especially on giving back to our nearest neighbors, with an eye towards developing a talent base that we can, hopefully, someday work with.
Obama Academy Robotics Club
KEF founded and supports the OARC, a club dedicated to support STEM education at Obama Academy, a Pittsburgh-Area public school.
KEF has supported the GBC since 2020 by providing technical internships to high school students interested in robotics and engineering.