Michael Kaess, Ph.D
CEO, Cofounder
​From space and the sky to the land and the sea, Michael's cutting-edge work in AI-based perception, navigation, localization, and mapping is empowering autonomy on the International Space Station, moon rovers, aircrafts, land vehicles, vessels, and robots. Michael ensures that Aquatonomy's underwater robotic system offers our customers best-in-class autonomy for faster, cheaper, and safer operations and best-in-class data for confident decision-making.

Xiaoyu Kaess, Ph.D
COO, Cofounder
A seasoned leader creating B-to-B technology product solutions from concept to delivery, Xiaoyu tailors Aquatonomy's offering to a strong product-market fit. With a keen sensitivity to market needs and a methodical approach, she strategizes go-to-market and business operations. Facing hard problems, she never hesitates to dive deep, figuratively and literally in near-zero underwater visibility, to understand the sticking pain points that need to be solved.

Joshua Mangelson, Ph.D.
Scientist, Cofounder
​Josh is an expert in marine robotic perception, navigation, and planning. A recipient of the Office of Naval Research Young Investigator Award, Josh brings a deep direct connection to the marine robotics domain and a deep understanding of cutting-edge state-of-the-art solutions in autonomy.

Easton Potokar, M.S.
Robotics Software Engineer
Easton's background in state estimation, sensor fusion, and control, along with his experience in creating the open source HoloOcean underwater simulator, fuel his drive to create the most advanced underwater inspection robot in the world.

Theo Chemel
Robotics Engineer
Theo is a roboticist with wide-ranging experience in perception and sensor development. He recently spent four years leading engineering efforts at TartanAUV, Carnegie Mellon's autonomous underwater robotics team. Theo is currently researching novel sonar technologies while completing his M.S. In Robotics at Carnegie Mellon.

Evan Goldberg, M.S.
Mechanical Engineer
Evan is a mechanical engineer who loves turning ideas into real-world products. With a background in manufacturing and design engineering, he’s developed everything from aerospace PCBs to consumer cycling gear—always with an eye toward performance and usability.