LHR Technologies was founded in 2001 by former NASA robotics engineers who set out to bring space-program-grade control systems to industrial and consumer products.
What started as a small R&D shop founded by veteran NASA engineers has grown into the company behind one of the best-selling desktop CNC systems in America — alongside a track record of engineering work across power systems, climate controls, and precision tooling.
LHR Technologies is established by former NASA robotics engineers, including Chris Lovchik and David Jochim — key contributors to NASA's Robonaut humanoid robot program, with Chris serving as lead designer on the hand systems. The founders set out to apply that expertise to robotic-controlled consumer and industrial products.
In December 2006, LHR Technologies brings its CNC 3D carving system to market through a retail partnership with Sears, launching in 400 stores nationwide as the Craftsman CompuCarve.
The CompuCarve sells roughly 10,000 units within its first year on shelves, proving strong consumer demand for an affordable desktop CNC carving system.
Building on the retail launch, LHR Technologies establishes CarveWright as its own consumer brand, expanding the product line with the Designer software, CarveDepot pattern marketplace, and a growing catalog of accessories, bits, and materials.
Alongside the CarveWright line, LHR Technologies' engineering team takes on contract robotics and controls work — including lithium battery and charging system design for a major international power tool manufacturer, the Craftsman 926692 Quick-Rout bit connector system, and reactive smart thermostat systems for commercial refrigeration coolers.
Before co-founding LHR Technologies in 2001, Chris Lovchik spent seven years as a senior research scientist at NASA's Johnson Space Center, where he led the Advanced Manipulator Development lab within the Automation, Robotics and Simulation Division.
He was the lead designer of the Robonaut hand — the five-fingered dexterous robotic hand pictured here, still considered state-of-the-art today — and holds a U.S. patent on its design. It's one example of the caliber of precision engineering he brings to LHR Technologies' work, from the CarveWright CNC platform to the company's contract robotics projects.
Robonaut — NASA's dexterous humanoid robot developed to work alongside astronauts — is one example of the precision engineering our founders bring to every project: exacting motion control, reliable electromechanical design, and systems built to work the first time and every time.
Our founders were major developers of NASA's Robonaut program, with lead design responsibility for its hand and control systems.
Two decades of applying aerospace-grade motion control and robotics principles to consumer and industrial hardware.
Headquartered and operating out of Pasadena, Texas, in the heart of the Houston industrial corridor.
From the CarveWright CNC line to custom industrial controls work, explore what our team has shipped.