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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

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

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

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 is a SLAM expert and is currently working on camera models and distortion models at KEF. Also a coffee lover, Rishikesh enjoys wildlife photography.

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Mithril
Hugunin

Robotics Research Engineer

Mithril is one of our machine learning specialists. She leads numerous projects while taking care of her cat, Mochi and playing the drums!

Paul frivold

Paul
Frivold

Robotics Research Engineer

Paul is highly focused on our guidance, navigation, and control. Often leading our education sessions, Paul is the proudest Norwegian we know!

Andrew Ashley

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

jonathan
cruz

Embedded Software Engineer

Jon leads a number of our projects in computer vision and is a great hardware talent as well. Besides programming our drivers, Jon spends his time traveling and enjoys teaching.

curt boirum

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 is our lead pilot. Curt loves spending time with his family and volunteering!

jake brown

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 also supports our facilities construction and spends his weekends working on cars. 

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Basssam
bikdash

Robotics and Machine Learning Engineer

Bassam joined KEF to bring his machine learning expertise to a large project. A classical music lover, Bassam is also an avid ballroom dancer.

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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 outdoors.

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Denny
loevlie

Computer Vision Engineer

Denny is one of our machine learning specialists. With his sights set on getting his PhD, Denny also plays soccer in his free time.

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Taylor
leal

Media and Marketing Lead

Taylor produces all of KEF's media and coordinates marketing efforts for both the commercial and government clients. A US Army veteran, Taylor loves cats and all Philly sports teams (Go Birds)

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joby

Office 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.

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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.

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.

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KEF has supported the GBC since 2020 by providing technical internships to high school students interested in robotics and engineering.

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