origin
Our journey began with a simple but critical challenge: hand soldering. With decades of experience operating a successful contract manufacturing company, we saw firsthand the inefficiencies and limitations of traditional hand soldering—especially as production demands grew and skilled labor became harder to find.
Soldering has always been our core competency. So when we couldn’t find a true plug-and-play automation solution for hand soldering, we decided to build one ourselves.
We needed a system that was production-ready—something that could drop directly onto a conveyor line, was intuitive to program, and flexible enough to handle a wide range of jobs. The existing market offered partial solutions at best—but nothing that truly automated hand soldering from end to end.
That’s when our robot was born: designed by manufacturers, for manufacturers. Purpose-built to make hand soldering smarter, faster, and more reliable.
Our Team
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Joel Butler
Joel is a seasoned soldering virtuoso as a partner in Laritech, a venture he founded in a garage, showcasing his entrepreneurial flair and technical acumen. Self-taught and motivated, his decades of soldering expertise fuel innovation, driving Laritech's success. Outside his workshop, Joel finds solace in live music, reveling in their vibrant energy. He's also a connoisseur of craft beer, savoring its artistry. Additionally, Joel embraces the serenity of the great outdoors, hiking and camping whenever he can. His journey from humble beginnings to entrepreneurial triumph exemplifies perseverance and dedication, inspiring others to pursue their passions with relentless determination.
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Brett Piatt
Brett's journey is a testament to versatility and passion across various domains. Armed with a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, specializing in Mechatronics, Brett transitioned seamlessly into software engineering, where his problem-solving skills shine. Beyond his professional pursuits, Brett is deeply involved in music, finding solace and expression through his guitar. Additionally, he shares his passion for basketball as a dedicated coach, imparting not only skills but also essential life lessons to aspiring athletes. Amidst his diverse interests, Brett's most cherished role is that of a father, finding profound joy and fulfillment in nurturing his three boys with unwavering love and support.
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Justin Butler
Justin, commonly the pantologist of the team, is a graduate of Cal State University Northridge. With degrees in both Business and Information Systems, Justin channels his vast knowledge into his professional pursuits and beyond. Outside the realm of academia, he loves music and the outdoors. As an avid patron of live music, he finds reprieve and inspiration in Tweezer jams. With a passion for product development, Justin invests his time and energy into building innovative solutions. Even amidst his career ambitions, Justin is a devoted husband and father of four girls. Because he has prioritized family bonds above all else, time off is delegated to outdoor activities (hikes, bikes, parks, and swimming), supportive dance dad, and Girl Scout volunteer.
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Shayne Butler
Shayne, a self-taught artisan, has honed his skills through dedication and practice, becoming a master in the art of building and crafting. Outside of work, he seeks solace and excitement atop mountain peaks, finding both challenge and exhilaration in their heights. A passionate traveler, he is drawn to the allure of the unknown, fueled by his love for exploration. Shayne's enthusiasm for life extends to his love for death metal and the energy of walls of death, which invigorate his adventurous spirit. With a fondness for the simple pleasures of a well-made coffee or drink, Shayne embraces life's joys with boundless enthusiasm, embodying a spirit of adventure, creativity, and wizardry in all his pursuits.