01
I have an idea.
Turn the idea into requirements, choose a technical approach, and decide what the first prototype needs to prove.
Work directly with Randy Robert to connect the mechanical design, electronics, firmware, and testing - and understand the decisions along the way.
For founders and teams, from a first concept to a prototype that needs its next step.
Bring the idea, the prototype, or the problem. We'll work out what needs to happen next.
Turn the idea into requirements, choose a technical approach, and decide what the first prototype needs to prove.
Work through the mechanical, electrical, or firmware problem and test the changes that matter.
Refine the design, materials, assembly, and documentation so suppliers have something concrete to review.
Examples from Randy's public portfolio, showing the work behind the product.
Connected electronics, a custom enclosure, and a practical manufacturing approach needed to come together as one product.
Randy's contribution
Electronics selection, PCB and enclosure design, prototype development, manufacturer coordination, and onboarding a firmware specialist.
A device design needed to be adapted for injection molding and more practical assembly.
Randy's contribution
Mechanical redesign, manufacturability review, and assembly-focused design changes.
Sensor readings needed to become usable, time-aligned experimental data instead of isolated numbers.
Randy's contribution
Sensor integration, SD-card logging, a web server for live readings, and real-time clock synchronization.
An existing physical product needed to be reconstructed and understood in CAD.
Randy's contribution
3D scans and physical measurements to reconstruct components, with assessment of likely materials and manufacturing methods.
You shouldn't have to become an engineer to develop a hardware product. I do the hands-on work and explain what we're learning, what it changes, and where to go next.
Video walkthroughs, working sessions, and design reviews make progress visible, including the parts that still need work.
Separate measurements from assumptions. Review the tradeoffs before committing more time or budget.
Mechanical design, electronics, firmware, and suppliers need to work together. I connect those pieces and coordinate specialists when needed.
Start with what your project needs now, then agree on the next phase. You don't need to commit to an entire development program upfront.
Starting at $1,500
A review of your technical risks, product architecture, prototype priorities, and manufacturing concerns, with a written recommendation for the next phase.
Discuss an assessmentScoped around your next objective
A prototype, a specific engineering problem, a test program, or preparation for suppliers. We agree on the work, budget, and review points before starting. Further phases are a separate decision.
How the process works“Above and beyond what I had hoped for. Randy takes a huge amount of pride in his work and has tons of knowledge to execute. I was thankful for his patience with me as I do not have an engineering background. I appreciated his communications and partn…”
“Randy has a lot of experience in new product development and is very easy to work with. The Loom videos he makes with his thoughts are invaluable in helping communicate ideas and thoughts clearly. I would recommend working with Randy for any and all…”
“Randy provided outstanding work ethic and exceptional talent in 3D design. He created a highly effective enclosure for my product prototype, capturing exactly what I needed. We held several video meetings to discuss requirements, and the final soluti…”
“Randy is extremely capable, hard-working, and communicative. I really liked his regular video updates showing me his progress. He consistently went above and beyond to get things done well and fast. He was also very helpful in brainstorming new appro…”
“Randy Robert was an absolute game-changer in bringing my prototype to life. As someone venturing into building a prototype for my business for the first time, I was navigating uncharted territory with plenty of uncertainties. Randy not only met but f…”
“Randy was great to work with. He was prompt, talented and communicated well. He completed the project very quickly to my exact specifications. Thanks!”
“I am greatful for Randy's work. He saved our company money, and his design improved on mine substantially.”
My background spans mechanical engineering, medical-device research, connected products, and hands-on prototyping. I've also developed my own hardware venture, Garage Beacon, so I know the decisions look different when it's your idea and your budget.
AVA Labs brings that experience to founders and teams who need someone to connect the technical details with the product they're trying to build.
More about my backgroundTell me where the project stands and what you need help figuring out. You don't need a polished brief to start a conversation.
Still exploring what hardware development involves?
Read the guides and try Founder's Gauntlet