The team at PRG has over 75 combined years of experience in robotics and business. Our expertise in design, manufacturing, programming, testing, finance, and research, as well as relationships throughout the valley, firmly positions us to lead this growing industry.
Philip Sugar, CEO
Mr. Sugar is a serial entrepreneur and has started four companies that were sold to publicly traded companies. Mr. Sugar graduated from the University of Pennsylvania’s Management and Technology Program and received dual Bachelor’s degrees in Economics and Engineering. He has deep ties in wearable robotics, including founding and executive roles at SpringActive and the Wearable Robotics Association. He brings solid sales and marketing execution to technology companies.
David Komm, CFO
Mr. Komm is an accomplished technical and business leader with over 35 years of experience in the aerospace and forensic engineering industries, responsible for both technical contributions and senior management. Mr. Komm has a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan Technological University, an MS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Connecticut, and an MBA from the University of Phoenix. A licensed Professional Engineer in multiple states and Canada, Mr. Komm’s experience includes design, development, prototype testing, and product development.
Kevin Hollander, Ph.D. (PI)
Dr. Hollander is a wearable robotics expert and currently leads product development efforts. Dr. Hollander holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Missouri – Rolla, an MS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of New Mexico, and a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Arizona State University. Dr. Hollander has been involved in various biomechanics and clinical-related research projects for more than 25 years, including tissue research, human gait, and wearable robots. Dr. Hollander is the team leader supervising the design and control effort for the PhenEx project. He has led the development of previous DARPA efforts, including both the JTAR and HeSA exoskeletons. Dr. Hollander has published numerous papers and given invited talks about the application and development of wearable robotic systems. Dr. Hollander holds many patents related to the development of exoskeletons. Several patents have been part of technology licensing agreements with more significant commercial partners.
Brandon Martin, Ph.D.
Dr. Martin is a wearable robotics expert and was the engineer leading the design and testing effort at the Air Force for the APEx exoskeleton project. He has 8 years of leadership and project management experience as an officer in the USAF. He is also a Certified Information Systems Security Professional. Dr. Martin holds a BS in Electrical Engineering from Northern Arizona University, an MS in Space Studies from the University of North Dakota, and a Ph.D. in Systems Engineering from Arizona State University. He facilitates product development and leads the software development effort.
Darren Kinney
Mr. Kinney has worked in production, development, and technical capacities for over 30 years. Mr. Kinney has been heavily involved in developing robotic prototypes over the last 10 years, focusing on electronics, composites, and product assembly. Mr. Kinney currently leads the methods and production efforts for our team.