4D1: The Future of Precision Manufacturing
At 4D1, we aspire to lead the future of physical AI and worker augmentation by bringing the transformative power of GPS indoors—supercharged with millimeter-level positioning and full orientation. Our groundbreaking technology enables manufacturers to rapidly upskill their workforce, accelerate robotic automation, and foster seamless collaboration between humans and machines. By unlocking true spatial automation, we’re shaping a new era of smarter, more efficient manufacturing—where technology drives unparalleled productivity, fueling innovation and growth like never before.
About 4D1
Welcome to 4D1 where competence is our creed. We're a dynamic team of technology renegades who take pleasure in solving unprecedented challenges, pushing boundaries, and rewriting the rules of what's possible in the industrial technology landscape. Collectively, we have the expertise across all critical disciplines to drive rapid, impactful innovation to change the world:
>60 Years
>30 Years
High-Tech Product Development
Geomatics Product Engineering
>10 Years
>15 Years
Digital Signal Processing
Startup Innovation
>15 Years
Acoustic Sensors and Positioning
>20 Years
University Education
President & CEO
Doug Langen
Graduating as a Geomatics Engineer, Doug transitioned to product management in 2006, specializing in world-renowned GPS-based outdoor automation technology. In 2018, driven by curiosity for early-stage startups, Doug shifted to commercialization, leading the maturation and launch of cutting-edge robotics, then indoor positioning technology.
Senior Hardware Designer
Christopher Henrikson
With a Master's in Electrical Engineering and over a decade of product development, Chris has mastered the art of engineering Industry 4.0 technologies and seamlessly transitioning concepts to mass production. Chris' wizardry centers around sensors, signals, robotics and IoT, consistently turning the seemingly impossible into reality.
Senior Embedded Firmware Developer
Alex Messner
Alex is a 13-year Embedded Software Developer veteran with a career at the forefront of innovation in IoT, sensors, wearables, autonomous vehicles, and now precise indoor positioning. From impactful roles at BMW to serving as a co-founder and CTO of his own startup, Alex has consistently driven innovation throughout his professional journey.
Senior Software Developer
Hayes Nichols
With over 20 years of software development expertise, Hayes is renowned for crafting elegant and compact code that tackles the most intricate Industry 4.0 challenges . His theoretical foundation in physics, coupled with a keen understanding of cutting-edge technologies, enables Hayes to effortlessly provide solutions that exceed the demands of the most complex problems in the industry.
Board and Advisors
Board Member
Patrick Armstrong
President at JDA Investments and former Partner at Canal Partners, Patrick Armstrong is a seasoned venture capitalist with a focus on B2B SaaS. As founder of Armstrong IT Services, he drove IT consulting across key sectors like healthcare and digital media. With a Bachelor’s in Economics from the University of Colorado and a Certificate of Business Excellence from UC Berkeley, Patrick’s leadership and expertise are vital to 4D1’s growth and innovation.
Board Member
Jonathan Ladd
Mr. Ladd is the former CEO of NovAtel Inc., a Nasdaq-listed GPS technology company acquired by Hexagon AB. His track record in capital markets, corporate governance, and strategic execution in advanced technology helps guide 4D1’s growth. He serves on the boards of several industrial technology companies and is an advisor at Tall Grass Ventures. He holds a bachelor’s degree with distinction in Engineering and is a member of the Tau Beta Pi National Engineering Honor Society.
Advisor
Jim Armstrong
Founder and former CEO of JDA Software, Jim Armstrong built a global, multibillion-dollar tech leader. With decades of CEO experience and deep venture capital expertise as managing partner of Canal Partners and director of JDA Investments, Jim’s leadership has earned numerous accolades, including Ernst & Young’s Master Entrepreneur. His mastery in scaling technology companies is a key driver of 4D1’s growth and strategy.