HackRod

Hackrod is a digital manufacturing company aiming to redefine vehicle design and production by empowering consumers to become co-creators in the process. Founded in 2017 by CEO Mike “Mouse” McCoy, CPO Felix Holst, and CTO Dr. Slade Gardner, the company leverages a combination of virtual reality (VR), artificial intelligence (AI), generative design, and 3D printing to enable the rapid prototyping and manufacturing of custom vehicles.

The founding team brings a diverse background to the venture. Mike “Mouse” McCoy has a history as a professional motorcycle racer, Hollywood stuntman, and film director, where he gained experience turning 3D renderings into rapidly prototyped physical objects for entertainment productions. This experience led to his exploration of the future of manufacturing, culminating in Hackrod's creation. Felix Holst, formerly the Vice President of Design for Hot Wheels and Matchbox at Mattel, contributes deep knowledge of vehicle design and car culture. Dr. Slade Gardner, a former fellow at Lockheed Martin's Skunk Works division, provides expertise in industrial-scale additive manufacturing and materials science.

Hackrod's core offering is a digital platform that integrates various advanced technologies to streamline the entire vehicle creation process. The business model allows customers to design their own car in a virtual environment, with AI algorithms handling complex engineering analyses and generating optimized designs. These designs can then be manufactured using large-scale metal 3D printing, eliminating the need for traditional tooling and expensive factory setups. This cloud-based supply chain approach facilitates a transition to mass customization in the automotive sector. The company has partnered with major technology firms like Siemens and Autodesk to utilize their software for design, engineering, and simulation. As a proof-of-concept, Hackrod developed "La Bandita," a speedster designed in VR, engineered with AI, and featuring a 3D-printed aluminum alloy chassis.

Keywords: digital manufacturing, bespoke vehicles, generative design, automotive 3D printing, virtual reality design, artificial intelligence engineering, custom cars, mass customization, rapid prototyping, advanced manufacturing, vehicle engineering, additive manufacturing, cloud-based supply chain, mechatronics, bespoke design, automotive platform, industrial design, structural alloy printing, vehicle customization, hot-rodding