Connected IoT Devices
Smart sensors, gateways, and connected products
Product Design · Prototyping
From Concept to a Working Prototype
Whether you have a sketch on a napkin or a detailed specification, we engineer functional prototypes that validate your idea and prepare it for manufacturing.
Every Great Product Starts With a Prototype
A prototype is not a mockup — it is the first real test of your engineering choices. SDI builds functional hardware and integrated software that prove out power budgets, thermal paths, sensor accuracy, and user workflows before you commit capital to tooling or production lines.
We engineer for scalable manufacturing from day one — selecting materials, fastening strategies, and PCB architectures that survive pilot runs and volume builds. The result is a prototype program that de-risks your roadmap rather than producing a one-off visual demonstration.
What We Prototype
Cross-industry programs spanning connected devices, robotics, and intelligent products — built with production discipline from the first iteration.
Robotics
Automation systems and robotic products
Consumer Electronics
Home products, wearables, and smart devices
Industrial Equipment
Machine automation and industrial monitoring
Medical & Healthcare Devices
Connected healthcare solutions and monitoring equipment
AI Enabled Products
Products combining hardware with intelligent software
Our Prototype Engineering Process
A continuous chain from discovery through production handoff — with measurable gates at every stage.
- 1
Discover
- Requirements
- Feasibility
- Architecture
- 2
Design
- CAD
- Industrial design
- UX flows
- 3
Engineer
- PCB
- Firmware
- Mechanical
- 4
Prototype
- Functional build
- Integration
- Iteration
- 5
Validate
- EVT & DVT
- Performance
- Compliance prep
- 6
Manufacture
- DFM
- Factory selection
- Production handoff
Everything Required Under One Roof
Full-stack engineering disciplines coordinated as a single program — no siloed vendors or lost context between mechanical, electrical, and software teams.
Product Design
- Industrial
- CAD
- Mechanical
Electronics
- PCB
- Power
- Sensors
Embedded
- Firmware
- RTOS
- Linux
Software
- Web
- Mobile
- Cloud
AI
- Vision
- Predictive
- LLMs
Manufacturing
- DFM
- Factory selection
- Vendor QC
Prototype Examples
Representative programs from our portfolio — each linked to full engineering context and specifications.
Multi-Purpose Robot Dog. Engineered for Utility, Security & Interaction
Custom robot dog engineered for load carrying, security patrol, and interactive use. Designed for homes, businesses, and industrial applications with advanced mobility and automation.
Floor Tile Laying Robot
Custom floor tile laying robot engineered for automated, precise, and scalable tile installation. Ideal for construction projects requiring speed, consistency, and efficiency.
Robot for Stocking Shelves
Custom robot for stocking shelves designed for small and family-owned stores. Automate restocking, reduce labor dependency, and keep shelves organized with reliable retail automation.
Why SDI
Silicon Valley Engineering
Senior engineers in California lead architecture, design reviews, and program direction.
Global Manufacturing
Factory networks across Asia and domestic partners for scalable builds with quality control.
Complete Engineering Team
Industrial design, electronics, firmware, software, and AI under one roof.
Production Ready
Every prototype is engineered with DFM, testability, and vendor QC in mind.
Let's Build Your Prototype
Share your concept, specification, or existing prototype. Our engineering team will scope a path from validation to production-ready hardware.
Get Free EstimateFrequently asked questions
Common questions about prototype timelines, IP, NDAs, and production readiness.
How long does it take to build a prototype?
Most functional engineering prototypes move from kickoff to validated hardware in 8–12 weeks. Rapid-iteration variants can compress to 24–72 hours when scope is tightly defined.
Can you improve an existing prototype?
Yes. We audit mechanical stack-up, electronics architecture, and firmware maturity, then re-engineer for reliability, cost, and manufacturability.
Who owns the intellectual property?
You retain ownership of your product IP. SDI assigns all work product created under your engagement to you.
Do you offer NDA protection?
Every engagement starts with a mutual NDA, with enhanced workflows available for sensitive programs.
What materials and processes do you support?
SLA additive, CNC milling, precision turning, PolyJet overmolding, PEEK, Ultem, aluminum, stainless steel, and composites.
Do you handle firmware and mobile apps too?
Yes. Full-stack prototypes include embedded firmware, mobile apps, and cloud backends.
Can you help transition from prototype to production?
We deliver DFM recommendations, factory selection, vendor QC, and pilot-run oversight.
How do I get a free estimate?
Share your concept through our contact form. We respond with a scoped proposal and timeline.
Do you work with startups and enterprise teams?
Yes. We support early-stage founders, growth companies, and enterprise innovation groups.
Where is SDI located?
Engineering leadership is based in Silicon Valley with manufacturing partners globally.