About Us
Our team has broad and unique industry experiences
We are engineers first, and software developers second.
There are many software companies. We are engineers first, and software developers second. Our goal is to understand the customer’s problem completely, make it our problem, and then exceed expectations.
We have written all types of software over the years including robot calibration and control systems, industrial automation, virtual product manufacturing, virtual product assembly, graphical 3D CAD applications, database systems, spatial optimization engines, and hardware interface protocols.
One key element to our success is our strong focus on software architecture. If the architecture is right, the software is easier to create, test, deliver, and maintain.
Our wide range of engineering and software development experience allows us to provide unique solutions to our customers.
- We are a small team with unique industry experiences.
- We have experience starting and growing a company, creating innovative products, and managing complex solution lifecycles.
- Our team has been providing software solutions for 25+ years.
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Meet our Team
Bob Salerno met Joe Calkins at Virginia Tech University and together they worked on several university research projects before founding New River Kinematics (NRK) in 1994. Early in NRK’s history the team was joined by Rick Cole. Bob and Joe’s unique skill of identifying the optimal solution no matter how complex the customer’s problem combined with Rick’s business development acumen led to rapid growth. As New River Kinematics flourished and grew, so did our team’s areas of expertise. Beginning with satellite fabrication, and military shipbuilding our technologies quickly found their way into both military and civilian aerospace fabrication and other disparate industries. Our team has worked on projects ranging from particle accelerator construction, vehicle tire production, cruise ship construction, and movie special effects – among others!
NRK’s success did not go unnoticed and in 2012 New River Kinematics was acquired by Hexagon, a global leader in all things metrology related. Bob, Joe and Rick stayed with Hexagon for the next eight years ultimately serving respectively as co-CTO’s of the Metrology Product Line Software Division, and Director of International Business Development. Many rewarding and challenging projects were undertaken in these productive years.
In a desire to return to their entrepreneurial roots the team bid farewell to large corporate settings and set up shop once again. Our requirements for future projects are pretty simple, they need to be compelling engineering projects that intrigue us personally. We look for the same characteristics in the teams and customers we partner with. We strive to be true partners, not just software contractors.
Joe Calkins
Ph.D. Mechanical Engineer & Software Developer
Joe Calkins started his career at Virginia Tech and received his bachelors, masters, and doctoral degrees in Mechanical Engineering. His research focused on increasing the accuracy of robotic systems as well as coordinate measurement systems through optimization methods and algorithms.
He co-founded New River Kinematics in 1994 where he created software solutions for a wide array of customers over a 25+ year career in industrial production. This included introducing disruptive innovation to the metrology industry by building a software platform, SpatialAnalyzer, capable of interfacing to all brands of metrology devices.
In 2020, Joe decided to return to his entrepreneurial roots and co-founded HammerHead Logic with the goal of tackling interesting customer problems the small company way: fast, light, and fun.
Joe is energetic and passionate. His enthusiasm is contagious. Joe is not only “all in” at work but applies the same dedication and resourcefulness to a number of activities. No matter if running races from 5Ks to ultra-marathons, mountain biking, hiking, snowboarding, wakeboarding, or just spending time with family and friends, Joe is “all in”.
Bob started his engineering career at NIST developing methods of sensor integration to support advanced robotics. The engineering bug bit hard, and Bob continued his education earning bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees in Mechanical Engineering at Virginia Tech. He then continued his interest in Robotics research while teaching undergraduate and graduate classes at Tech.
He co-founded New River Kinematics in 1994 where he created software solutions for a wide array of customers over a 25+ year career in industrial production. This included introducing disruptive innovation to the metrology industry by building a software platform, SpatialAnalyzer, capable of interfacing to all brands of metrology devices.
In 2020, Bob decided to return to his entrepreneurial roots and co-founded HammerHead Logic with the goal of tackling interesting customer problems the small company way: fast, light, and fun.
Bob pursues his hobbies with the same passion he has for work. He is as comfortable rebuilding antique airplanes or renovating a boat as he is with home construction. In his spare time he enjoys flying, boating, hiking and just generally being outdoors.
Bob Salerno
Ph.D. Mechanical Engineer & Software Developer
Rick Cole
Business Development
Rick started his career with a BA in Economics and Sociology from Oklahoma Baptist University.
Rick is a results-oriented manager with successful executive experience in sales, marketing, distribution, operations, finance, and manufacturing. Rick has held responsibilities for both top and bottom-line in a variety of industries such as engineering software, precision instrument manufacturing, complex construction supply fabrication, plus automotive aftermarket distribution and services.
In 1996, Rick met Joe and Bob at the Coordinate Measurement Society Conference in Williamsburg, VA. Intrigued by their unique solutions to complex problems Rick first began working as a reseller of NRK products then in 2002 he joined as an employee.
Rick is a lifelong learner who enjoys problem solving that helps businesses achieve optimal performance.
In his spare time, he enjoys his growing family that currently includes 5 grandkids. He enjoys traveling and learning from different cultures. His passport records entry in over 40 countries with nearly 5 million air miles recorded to date.
25+ Years of Engineering & Software experience. Elegant solutions that grow with your business.
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