Background
Meka Robotics is a producer of world-class robotic systems for researchers. Its expertise includes dexterous manipulation in unstructured environments, force controlled compliant actuation, human safe robotics, integrated mechatronic engineering, and the design of humanoid robots. Meka works closely with clients to provide hardware solutions, engineering services, and technology transfer of promising technologies.
Meka is a 2006 spin-off from the MIT Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Lab where its founders, Dr. Aaron Edsinger and Jeff Weber, developed the Domo humanoid robot under the direction of Professor Rodney Brooks. Their work has been featured in Technology Review, the cover of NY Times Magazine, Popular Science, National Geographic, and more.
Aaron Edsinger, PhD
Aaron Edsinger, a co-founder of Meka Robotics, is inspired by a future where robots work cooperatively alongside people, assisting them with everyday tasks in their homes and workplaces. Aaron holds degrees from Stanford and MIT in Computer Science, and completed his PhD in 2006 at MIT CSAIL on Robot Manipulation in Human Environments.
His expertise spans electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and computer science. At MIT Aaron led development of the Domo humanoid that was awarded the 2006 IEEE Humanoids Best Paper Award. When not building robots, Aaron spends his free time restoring a vintage 1969 BSA Victor and driving the desert roads of Mexico.
Jeff Weber
Jeff Weber, a co-founder of Meka Robotics, is interested in developing robotics research platforms and mechatronic technologies that bring affordability, ease of use, and utility to the field. He has previously worked at MIT CSAIL on the design of Domo, Obrero, and Mertz robots. He also designs active prosthetic ankles and knees with the Biomechatronics group at the MIT Media Lab. His work led to the first commercially available powered prosthetic ankle.
He holds a degree from SFSU in Industrial Design. When he’s not working on robots, Jeff likes to paint himself silver and hold still for hours on end at Fisherman’s wharf in San Francisco to get his wife’s spare change.