Meet FOX IV's Engineering Team
FOX IV Engineering Team: Innovators in Labeling Automation
FOX IV’s engineering team brings together decades of software, mechanical, application, and R&D expertise to design, build, and support advanced labeling automation systems. From custom HMIs and PLC programming to 3D prototyping and complex multi-label applications, this team transforms customer requirements into reliable, production-ready solutions.
Get to Know the Team
Patty Remo - VP of Technology/Software Engineering
Patty has been with FOX IV from its very start – almost 30 years - and wears a lot of hats at FOX IV. She is the go-to person for everything software with our projects including designing and coding custom HMIs, integrating scanners, verifiers, and other peripherals with FOX IV labeling systems, and writing PLC code for labeling equipment integration. Additionally, Patty supports sales and customers before, during, and after a customer purchases FOX IV equipment and is one of the most knowledgeable (and nice) people you will ever meet. You will often meet Patty in an initial engineering consultation for custom systems.
One of Patty’s most interesting projects was writing software to pull data from a customer’s large WMS system to apply a label to the outside of their carton, insert packing slips into their carton, control the starting and stopping of the carton, and send data to the conveyor system for routing the cartons.
When she gets time relax, Patty likes to go to the gym, spend time with her family and friends, walk her dog, Leo, who you may see in the office, do projects around her house, vacation, and cheer on the Pittsburgh Steelers like a true Pittsburgh native!
Rick Fox III – VP of Engineering/Mechanical Engineering
Rick has been with FOX IV for over 21 years. He started with FOX IV right after graduating from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 2005 and has been a steady presence ever since. Currently, he is primarily responsible for the design and engineering of custom applications, reviewing projects for custom engineering requirements, managing the machine shop, and overseeing the engineering group.
He has worked on many projects over the years, but one of his most memorable was a system for a large computer manufacturer in conjunction with a project integrator. The labeling system needed to print and apply 2 labels to the side of computer boxes with only one print and apply system. The lower label identified the processor in the computer and the second label, placed directly above the first, described the other components of the computer build. This was one of the few times that Rick designed and installed an entire system.
Some of Rick’s hobbies include cooking and baking with his fiancé, CrossFit (he’s actually a CrossFit coach), spending time with family, and going to theatrical performances in Pittsburgh.
Dan Sonita – Application Engineer
Dan has been with FOX IV for over 6 years and has primary responsibility for custom designs and projects as our application engineer. He also designs and prints all of our 3D prototypes and parts.
While every custom project brings its own unique challenges and requirements, Dan’s current project of designing a system to apply labels to helmets is in his top 10 of most interesting projects. “It’s an interesting project due to the complexity and operational requirements. Two labels are being applied to each helmet – one on a small area on the outside of the helmet and a larger one on the inside where the back of the head sits. Both labels are applied simultaneously. At first, this operation will be done with a human operator, but eventually, it will be integrated into a robotic system.”
Outside of FOX IV, Dan enjoys 3D modeling and printing, playing an assortment of video and board games, and doing light crafting projects such as leatherworking.
Brandon Zou – Research and Development Engineer/Mechanical Engineer
Brandon is the newest member of the FOX IV engineering team, having joined FOX IV just 2 years ago. Brandon’s primary role is as our research and development engineer. In this role, he uses 3D modeling for new and upgraded designs and works with our in-house machine shop to produce and physically test components.
While Brandon is just starting his FOX IV career, he has already been instrumental in upgrading our design and production capabilities through his work with our Mini-CNC to produce small parts in-house. He will become increasingly involved in design and prototyping as he learns and grows with the engineering department.
What keeps Brandon engaged outside of FOX IV? Computers and gaming! He has recently built his own gaming PC on which to play his favorite video games
Why FOX IV's Engineering Team Matters
FOX IV’s engineering team is the backbone of every custom labeling solution. Their combined expertise ensures:
- Seamless integration with WMS, ERP, and automation systems
- Custom mechanical and software design for unique applications
- Rapid prototyping through 3D modeling and in?house machining
- Reliable support before, during, and after installation
- Innovative thinking that solves complex labeling challenges
This blend of experience and creativity is what makes FOX IV a trusted partner for automated labeling across industries.