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 is a SLAM expert and is currently working on camera models and distortion models at KEF. Also a coffee lover, Rishikesh enjoys wildlife photography.
.jpeg)
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
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
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 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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 the Cowboys!
Joby
Office Dog & 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.