WE WORK FOR THE FUTURE

INSIDE RISE®

Meet the people that make RISE® unique

Welcoming Hiten Sonpal: RISE® Robotics' New CEO

RISE is thrilled to introduce Hiten Sonpal as our new Chief Executive Officer. With an impressive background in robotics and automation, Hiten brings a wealth of experience from his roles at Electric Sheep Robotics, Mowbot, and iRobot.

In his first month, Hiten has already begun implementing a strategic vision focused on innovation and rapid market impact. One notable initiative is the introduction of an "innovation time" carve-out, allowing employees to dedicate Friday afternoons to passion projects that could drive technological advancements.

Hiten’s vision for RISE is clear: to revolutionize industrial machinery by replacing traditional hydraulic systems with our cutting-edge belt technology. This shift promises greater productivity and efficiency, aligning with global sustainability goals.

With a dynamic team and Hiten’s leadership, RISE is poised for significant growth and innovation. Stay tuned as we embark on this exciting new chapter.

Jamison Go: Energizing Robotics and Engineering Excellence

With a background in additive manufacturing and a lifelong passion for robotics, Jamison Go brings a unique blend of expertise and enthusiasm to his role as Senior Mechanical Engineer.

Before joining RISE®, Jamison explored the intricacies of additive manufacturing, exploring cutting-edge technologies at both MIT and various startups. His passion for robotics, ignited by childhood fascination with shows like BattleBots, led him on a journey of continuous learning and achievement, culminating in over 19 years of active participation in the realm of fighting robots.

Drawn by RISE's vision of pioneering electric technology and electrifying heavy machinery, Jamison found a natural alignment with the company's mission. With a desire to leave a lasting legacy in advancing electrification, Jamison eagerly embraced the opportunity to contribute his skills and expertise to the RISE team.

In his role, Jamison focuses on mechanical design, tackling diverse projects with precision and innovation. His meticulous approach ensures that every design meets RISE's standards of excellence, driving the company's mission forward.

Beyond the office, Jamison's passion for robotics extends into his personal pursuits. His continued involvement in BattleBots exemplifies his dedication to pushing the boundaries of engineering creativity and problem-solving. Leading a geographically dispersed team of enthusiasts, Jamison orchestrates a harmonious blend of camaraderie and expertise, culminating in thrilling competitions and groundbreaking designs.

Looking ahead, Jamison is excited to explore new technological frontiers with RISE, envisioning a future powered by electrification. His dedication to making a meaningful impact resonates with RISE’s mission, solidifying his position as a key player in shaping the company's future.

Eric Kong: From Parachute Projects to Senior Electrical Engineer

Eric Kong's journey to RISE® wasn't always straightforward. Despite initial plans to pursue a career in law, a pivotal moment in the sixth grade—when he successfully designed a parachute for a rocket project—ignited his passion for engineering. From that moment on, Eric knew he had found his calling and hasn't looked back!

Joining RISE after stints at Veo Robotics and Boston Micromachines, Eric wasted no time immersing himself in the RISE environment. Today, as a Senior Electrical Engineer, Eric is tasked with navigating multiple projects simultaneously. His role on the embedded team has him involved in every stage of the electrical engineering process, from schematic capture to board design, fabrication to debugging.

Eric's determination to find solutions is unwavering. His hands-on approach ensures that our projects not only meet but exceed expectations. With the support of his team and management, Eric embraces each obstacle as an opportunity for growth, never shying away from getting in over his head to achieve breakthrough results.

Outside of work, Eric's interests extend beyond the realm of electrical engineering. A self-proclaimed strategy game enthusiast, he finds solace in the intricate challenges of games and relishes the opportunity to share his love for strategy with his newborn daughter.

Looking ahead, Eric is eager to take on new challenges and explore exciting opportunities, including potential collaborations with the wind technology testing center. With his sights set on demonstrating RISE's value through innovative solutions, Eric's enthusiasm and expertise are sure to propel us toward even greater heights of success.

Driving Innovation and Sustainability: Spotlight on Ben Dwyer, Director of Embedded Systems

Beyond MedTech, Ben ventured into the realm of robotics, gaining extensive experience in motion control and actuation. His portfolio boasts projects in surgical robotics, robotic prostheses, and consumer robotics. This dual expertise positions him uniquely at the intersection of consumer development and the systematic, highly reliable approach demanded by the MedTech sector.

As the Director of Embedded Systems at RISE, Ben's role involves steering the technical aspects of solutions, supporting the team in defining architectures, and contributing to the development of cutting-edge technology that breaks the dependence on fossil fuels.

With a keen focus on fail-safe design, Ben underscores the importance of reliable systems, especially in industries like heavy machinery and automotive, where malfunctions can have serious consequences. His commitment to building technology that not only advances industry standards but also contributes to a sustainable future aligns seamlessly with the RISE mission.

Ben's journey exemplifies the spirit of innovation and dedication that defines our team. His dual expertise in MedTech and robotics, coupled with a commitment to sustainability, makes him a driving force behind our mission to pioneer advancements in large-scale linear electric actuators.

Matthew Hansen, Senior mechanical Engineer, Elevating Innovation at RISE®

Having transitioned from consumer-facing industries like Whirlpool and Keurig, Matthew finds parallels in how RISE doesn't just create products but crafts unique experiences. Much like Keurig, RISE is transforming the way machines operate, creating an entirely new industry and user experience in the process.

As a leader, Matthew envisions two crucial elements for RISE’s success - clarity in identifying the problem at hand and ensuring the team has the tools to deliver solutions. His approach is grounded in questioning the questions, understanding end goals, and fostering an environment where solutions are not just found but confidently delivered.

For Matthew, RISE is about lifting things up, a sentiment he shares with a touch of humor. Beyond the literal heavy lifting, RISE represents an exciting space for innovative technology. He sees RISE as an arena of great opportunities for both the company and its people, a place where he can contribute his skills, leave a lasting mark, and usher in new innovations to the marketplace.

Matthew’s unique perspective, dedication to efficiency, and passion for sustainability make him an invaluable asset to the RISE team, propelling the company to new heights.

According to senior mechanical engineer Emily Heidlauf, RISE® Robotics is all about the people.

"It's a company full of ambitious and brilliant people working towards a single goal, basically disrupting an industry with our core technology to make machines more efficient."

After graduating from the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, spending 4 years with Caterpillar, and some significant life changes, Emily found many advantages to joining RISE. One being,

"I could have more of an impact on the company. A lot of times, in smaller companies, you have to wear many hats. So I could do many different things. Here, I've been able to have more personal and career growth. When I started a year ago, I never thought I would be an engineer on the business development team, but here I am!"

"A focus of my work is feasibility studies. When a new opportunity comes in, it's directed to me or one of our other engineers. We collect all the information about the application they want to potentially incorporate RISE™Technology into their machines. We then get to determine how feasible it is. It's cool to see all the different applications that could use RISE™Technology. There are just so many opportunities. It's hard to pick which one to do next."

Rosa Henderson, Executive Assistant to the Chief Product Officer, gained more than just a job when she joined the team at RISE®.

"For those who may not have heard my previous interviews, I am certified legally blind. I had a challenging journey getting into the workforce and gaining opportunities to explore and develop my skills. This is one of the most in-depth roles I've had as an employee. The knowledge, experience, and opportunities presented to me have been amazing. I have a lot of skills today that I didn't have a year or two ago."

Rosa sees RISE as being on a similar journey.

"Right now, we're right on the cusp. Once we have that one big contract or that one big opportunity to electrify a piece of heavy machinery, everybody will say, 'Wow, they were right. Everything they've been saying is true.' It will allow us to prove ourselves.

"In a way, it's similar to my experience. I wasn't given many chances to demonstrate my abilities until Ken gave me this one. Now I think, 'If somebody would just allow RISE to prove what they're saying they can do, that's going to be the turning point.' We have several projects already in the works. I love getting up every morning and finding out what meetings we have for the day because it's exciting to see who we're talking with next."

To hear more about Rosa's journey, her work at RISE, and how it has helped her in her personal life, listen to "InsideRISE™- Rosa Henderson" live on the RISE Inside podcast now!

MIT-educated engineer, co-founder of RISE® Robotics, and current VP of Engineering Toomas Sepp has been a part of the company's evolution from its initial exoskeleton concept to the recent launch of its first commercial product in partnership with Anthony Liftgates, the ReGEN RAILTRAC with RISE™Inside.

"It's been an exciting journey over the years, constantly trying to find what RISE’s place is in the marketplace. We have a pretty coherent and compelling story on the technology front, but it's just as exciting now to see how we fit that technology into the value chain.

"Over the next 5 to 10 years, we plan to make several different load classes of electric linear actuators to provide OEMs and integrators with that base, that component, that they can use to make higher-performing, more efficient, lower-total-cost-of-ownership machines.

"It's exciting to know that now we can invest in personnel, person hours, engineering hours, and partner relationships, which will ultimately yield even bigger results and more growth at the end of the day. That growth will lead to an impact in the real world and measurable results in lower energy usage in the machines that our technology ends up taking a foothold in."

To hear more about the evolution of RISE™Technology and the company's vision for the future, listen to "InsideRISE™ - Toomas Sepp" live on the RISE Inside podcast.

Well into retirement after an impressive 30-year career at Caterpillar, a call from RISE® CEO Arron Acosta brought Chief Product Officer Ken Gray back into the game.

But he didn't come alone.

"I've brought in a couple of seasoned industry veterans that I think of as my peers—quite frankly, my superiors. I can't believe they work for me. We have over 120 years of product development and leadership experience on this team. Together, we're putting the processes in place to move RISE from the research phase of this startup to the application phase, the building phase, and the commercialization phase.

"My role ultimately is to help RISE Robotics be successful and to increase its average age significantly," he jokes.

"My late, great father said that one of the secrets to longevity is meaningful work. At this point in my career, I want to do work that matters, work that truly makes a difference. A successful RISE is going to help equipment manufacturers make much better, much more efficient equipment, allowing them to take advantage of the electrification megatrend. I think that has a chance to matter."

To hear more about Ken's career, his time at RISE, and his passion for disability awareness and diversity in the workplace, listen to "InsideRISE™- Ken Gray" live on the RISE™Inside podcast now!

As a student at Northeastern University with a couple of co-ops under his belt, Nolan Hobart was looking for the next step on his journey—one that would allow him to build a solid technical base as well as an opportunity to work in the green space.

RISE® Robotics provided him with that.

"Boarding the rocket ship, 30 seconds before blast off," as he describes it, Nolan joined the founders in testing and designing their alpha cylinder, a demo unit for a relationship they were chasing with Anthony Liftgates.

Three years later, as the company prepares to launch its first commercial product in partnership with Anthony Liftgates, the ReGEN RAILTRAC with RISE™Inside, a revolutionary all-electric liftgate, Nolan finds himself in the position of Mechanical Engineer and assumes much of the technical responsibilities as an essential member of the Liftgate team.

"Throughout this journey, I grew confident to make a decision, know that it was the right one, or at least the best one at the time, and go from there. I've recently been operating with much more ownership over my design decisions. Now, I'm confident and have the technical prowess to back it up."

To hear more about Nolan's vision of RISE Robotics and how his love for snowmobiling at a young age ignited his engineering career, listen to "InsideRISE- Nolan Hobart" live on the RISE Inside podcast now!

After a distinguished 35-year career at Caterpillar, an opportunity to help RISE® Robotics reach the next level brought VP Business and Product Development, On Highway / Waterway, Walt Bradbury out of retirement.

"After 35 years, I was enjoying retirement thoroughly," Walt recalls, "when Ken Gray, Chief Product Officer for RISE Robotics, reached out to talk about this new opportunity. It sounded exciting. It was one of those things that I could see making an impact, making a difference, and it allowed me to see the results of my work on the company and our customers, which to me is just a fulfilling objective."

Walt's first responsibility at RISE has him working with their pioneering Liftgate program.

"It'll be the first commercially available product that RISE™makes in partnership with Anthony Liftgates," he explains. "We're blazing a lot of trails with this program. It's the first time RISE has done many things beyond developing products. We are taking it into production and supporting the project long-term developing many processes and tools along the way."

Adding, "What excited me, in the beginning, was that RISE had a prototype working. A prototype begins to demonstrate the ability to solve a problem. Getting it into production and commercialized demonstrates that you indeed can solve the problem for the industry.

"We're going through that transition right now. We have the prototype; that was the easy bit; now we have to get into production. There's a lot of work to get to that phase, but this team is motivated and engaged, and I don't see anything that prevents us from getting there!"

To hear more about Walt's journey, his work at RISE, and his vision for the company, listen to "InsideRISE™- Walt Bradbury" live on the RISE Inside podcast now!

With a combined Mechanical Engineering and Experience Design major from Northeastern University, Erika Murray, Mechanical Engineer & Engineering Project Manager, joined the RISE® team with a vision centered on people and their experiences to drive design, processes, environments, and strategies.

"Half of the time, I'm in the CAD world doing mechanical testing and designing systems to prepare us for manufacturing. The other half of the time, I'm helping the team focus on how they can improve, what tools we can gather, and what methods we can put in place to make us the best we can be."

Following her passion for sustainability to RISE also makes her days very fulfilling.

"The thing that hooked me was that this technology is in everything. We're designing cylinders that are everywhere you look. Everything could be based on them. The idea that, through our technology, everything can be a little bit greener was exciting to me.

"At the end of the day, all I need to say is that it was good work. I know that the work I put in is valuable. If it's a long day, then all the better that it was worthwhile work that I spent that time on.

"I'm proud to say that I work at RISE."

To hear more about Erika's journey, her vision for success, and her work at RISE, listen to "InsideRISE™- Erika Murray" live on the RISE Inside podcast now!

With years of experience in a wide range of senior leadership roles in high technology fields, including robotics, space propulsion, semiconductor testing, and telecommunications, Tom Phleps, now RISE® COO, was looking for a new opportunity that would bring him back to his roots in robotics and heavy hardware.

He was searching for a revolutionary technology with the potential to change an industry and a committed and brilliant founding team.

"RISE Robotics checked all of those boxes and aligned well with the next step in my career," he points out.

"It's a fascinating place to be," he adds. "We are at a point where there are more opportunities than bandwidth. Part of my role is filtering those opportunities and ensuring we can meet and exceed our customers' expectations. I want to ensure we over-deliver to customers and build the RISE Robotics brand and reputation.

"RISE™Technology is truly revolutionary and will enable the development of the highest-performance and most efficient heavy machinery on the market. I look forward to helping RISE grow and become an industry technology leader."

To hear more about Tom's journey to RISE and what has him so excited for the company's future, listen to "InsideRISE™ - Tom Phelps" live on the RISE Inside podcast!

Disrupting an industry might seem daunting, but Hector Cazares, Systems Engineer, and the rest of the RISE® team are here to prove it can be done.

Straight out of the Wentworth Institute of Technology, Hector joined RISE at the ground level. In his first two years at RISE, Hector was part of the team designing harness systems and circuit boards. Today, he works as an integral part of the testing group, analyzing test plans for the design team to improve the product. He also oversees the real-world simulation testing of the ReGen Railtrac Liftgate.

"It's important for established industries to see proof of what we're doing because, naturally, they will be skeptical about it. If we can show them the numbers and how we got them, they're more likely to move on with a partnership."

For Hector, the work is easy when you have a great team to back you up.

"Startups attract a more ambitious group of people. Everybody's here for similar reasons. It's great to know that working towards a goal is met with the same priority and intensity. Tackling problems and problem-solving feels good when you have a team to back you up."

To hear more about Hector's journey, his work at RISE, and how his problem-solving skills transition to the kitchen and his love of cooking, listen to "InsideRISE™ - Hector Cazares" live on the RISE Inside podcast now!

Introducing RISE® Finance, Operations, and Administration Manager, Zoe Robert, a valued employee wearing many hats.

You may come across Zoe taking care of cash management, company spending, or financial planning, or maybe during hiring, interviewing, and managing employee benefits. She also ensures that the facilities are in order, plans travel for trade shows and executives, and serves as the CEO's executive assistant, scheduling calls with investors.

Before RISE, Zoe grew up in France, attended her first few years of college there, and then transferred to Northeastern University in Boston. In Boston, she also began working for the Boston Consulting Group. While her first employment post-Northeastern was an enjoyable environment, she was looking for something different.

Instead of being just a number as 1 of 10,000 employees, Zoe felt a strong desire to try a smaller company on for size, which led her to an interest in startups and, eventually, RISE. Being 1 of 20, Zoe felt she could make a bigger impact, learn more, and do more.

" I was always interested in sustainability. I've done a lot of research into zero waste, minimalism, and low consumerism. I started to think, 'what kind of company embodies that vision and isn't just selling something that I'm not interested in or a service that I don't believe is useful?' “RISE is innovating in an industry that has been slow to improve it's impact on all it's stakeholders through an environmental, social and governance (ESG) lens.”

Zoe is very excited about the future of RISE and her role in it. To hear more about her journey, love for dance, and how she and her husband rode a motorcycle across the United States, listen to "InsideRISE™ - Zoe Robert” live on the RISE Inside podcast now!

PARTNERS

RISE® intellectual property is built to address the world’s largest heavy machinery problems.
Our committed partnerships enable the use and service of our technology across markets and applications.

BRAND

The RISE® Robotics brand is highly recognized and sought after. These guidelines help you leverage the power of the brand.