About us

At Motmot, we believe that intelligent monitoring and predictive analytics can transform how cities manage their critical infrastructure, creating safer, more resilient communities for everyone.

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Our Journey

May 2022
Where it all started...
  • Founders incubated Motmot in Grad School at Michigan State University for Two Years
May 2024
Motmot becomes official
  • Motmot registers as a C-corp
  • Dedicated office at NewLab located in Downtown Detroit
  • Motmot founders go full-time
  • First Motbot Completed
  • Pre-Seed Raise of $1.34M
February 2025
First Field Testing of MVP in water main on MSU campus in East Lansing
  • Motbot Upgrades to have Smart Tether Inspection
  • Partnership for large-scale testing with Mcity & ACM
August 2025
First Pilot Kicks off in Detroit
  • Awarded from NSF’s SBIR Phase 1 & 2 Fast Track Grant $1.55M
  • Awarded $50k from first ever Detroit Start-up fund
  • Elevated full Pilot Program Kick-off Across Michigan
Group of eight people smiling and holding a large ceremonial check for fifty thousand dollars from the City of Detroit to Detroit Startup Fund.
November 2025
Expansion & Upgrades
  • Motbot is Downsized into a “Jr. Series” for Hydrant Access
  • Hydrant Launcher model is added
  • Team expanded to 12 staff members

Our Mission

Motmot’s mission is to advance communities through smart infrastructure technology. We equip municipalities with eyes and ears to help them take control of critical underground assets. Our work is driven by curiosity, urgency, technical rigor, and a commitment to public service.

Our Values

Reliability First
We build tools that utilities can count on; durable, accurate, and field-tested for real-world conditions.
Clarity Through Data
Our technology turns complex underground environments into clear, actionable intelligence so cities can make the right decisions in construction and/or design.
Human-Centered Innovation
We design technology that empowers people; simple to operate, safe to deploy, and built to make every crew more effective.

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Meet the Team

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Elliot Smith, PE
CEO & President

With a background in municipal consulting and a passion for solving infrastructure challenges through technology, Elliot is a civil engineer and entrepreneur. He holds an MBA from Michigan State and now leads a team focused on modernizing how cities manage their water systems.

Outside of work, Elliot is an avid mountain biker and a weekend painter.

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Zack Koslowski
Chief Marketing & Ops Officer

 Zack began his career as a graphic designer before co-founding a bakery. There he developed a skillset in leadership, marketing, and operations. As an early Motmot team member he found purpose and passion in building a more sustainable future for water security.

In his personal life Zack is a happy cat dad and husband. He enjoys searching for great coffee, collecting VHS tapes, cooking, running, and being outdoors.

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Oksana Fedorak
Grants & Project Director

Oksana's background is in public health, with over 14 years in project and grant management, and most recently within the world of water asset management.

She is obsessed with reading and collecting books signed by authors, her mom says it's fine.

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Zeke Darre
Finance & Operations Director

Zeke is a strategy and operations professional with 7+ years of experience in supply chain management and finance, supported by an MBA from Michigan State. At Motmot, he drives innovation and operational efficiency across robotic testing and field deployment.

Outside of work, he’s an amateur boxer and trained bartender who loves crafting cocktails and trying new recipes.

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Jess Cummings
UX & Product Designer

Jess is a UX designer and systems thinker with experience in accessibility, civic technology, and transportation research. She has led community-centered design projects, supported public-sector teams, and presents her work on inclusive technology at conferences such as PIT-UN.

Outside of work, she loves staying active with fitness classes, exploring new places, hosting events, and learning more about Detroit Sports.

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Demetris Coleman
Chief Technology Officer 

Demetris is a robotics and control engineer. He has experience in design and programming of aquatic robots. He also has experience designing printed circuit boards and implementing planning and control algorithms.

In his free time enjoys watching Anime, playing sports, building and playing the guitar. 

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Cale Colony
Chief Engineering Officer

Cale brings over a decade of experience in prototyping, controls, and agile hardware development, and is currently pursuing graduate studies in Robotics, Sustainable Systems, and Manufacturing at the University of Michigan. His research focuses on applying AI to fishery management and sustainable agricultural practices.

Outside of work and school, Cale enjoys spending time with family and caring for his organic farm.

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Derek Servin
R&D Lead Robotics Engineer

Derek is a Detroit native and robotics engineer specializing in system reliability, hardware testing, and real-world deployment of robotic solutions for water infrastructure. He combines engineering rigor with a commitment to community, including volunteer work and academic tutoring.

In his free time, Derek explores composite photography, hunts for great local food, and never misses a Detroit tech or auto show.

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Ibrahim Alzawawi
Jr. Robotics Engineer

Ibrahim studies Information Science and Robotics at the University of Michigan and brings a strong passion for human-centered robotics and social computing. As a Jr. Robotics Engineer at Motmot, he contributes to system testing, prototyping, and research-driven development.

When he's not working, you can usually find him immersed in a Dungeons & Dragons campaign.

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Benard Adewole
Robotics Software Engineer Intern

Benard has a background in robotics, artificial intelligence, and software development. He is passionate about turning ideas into reality through thoughtful design, engineering, and execution. His work focuses on the intersection of robot perception and autonomy.

Think it! Build it! Improve it!

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Fazal Rahaman Pasha Mohammed
Robotics Software Engineer Intern

Skilled in Programming, perception, motion planning, AI & ML, and PCB designing. Fazal enjoys learning about CAD and cybersecurity.

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Liam Moore
Mechanical Engineer Intern

Liam is a student at the University of Michigan, studying Mechanical Engineering and has a passion for Robotics, sustainable design and nanoengineering. At Motmot working as a Mechanical Engineer intern, he works on the CAD for robotic systems, rapid prototyping and manufacturing.  

While not at work, he enjoys motorsports, comic cons and reading.

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