Ripcord

At Ripcord I was the lead of the mechanical team. I joined early (Just after Series A) and was tasked with bringing the vision of scanning real world documents to extract valuable data and information.

The latest generation of machinery (front end robotics blurred)
The back end chugging away on scans

When I joined, the team had worked out a few of the basic concepts but these needed to be turned into a full fledged automation machine. I handled the design of end-of-arm-tools, totes, tote handlers and other pieces of novel equipment. I took these elements from concept through prototyping.

Cheeky shot of the end of arm tool
EOAT Gripping a stack of paper prior to pulling out the staple

I then worked with integrators to handle the bulk of the remaining cell designs which was then manufactured.

I led the team through 5 major machine revisions, ultimately building out a facility in Hayward, CA and the next version of the cell which was deployed in Japan at a customer facility.

A look inside to the tote conveyor and elevator mechanism – small totes were needed due to large stacks of paper with staples becoming unwieldy

As the team grew, I also oversaw efforts to design the preparation stations and carts, key pieces of the operational efficiency of the company.

Carts carrying prepped stacks of paper ready for scanning and automated fastener removal

Links to the video can be found here: