Mission Critical Hardware R&D
Engineered for Performance When Failure Is Not an Option
At Root3 Labs, we’ve been supporting defense and government clients since 2014, developing mission-critical hardware that performs reliably in the most demanding environments. Our engineering team has helped US ARMY, DHS, and NSF clients transform their innovative concepts into field-tested prototypes through our proven approach that combines mechanical, electrical, and software expertise. With our extensive in-house prototyping capabilities, we deliver solutions that meet stringent deadlines and perform under pressure.

From Concept to Deployment: Our Defense R&D Advantage
Rapid Prototyping & Testing
- Custom design, fabrication, and documentation tailored to your unique specifications
- Benchtop & field testing with evaluation under simulated operational conditions
- Environmental performance verification against MIL-STD requirements
- Quick-turn iterations to meet tight deadlines
Systems Integration & Engineering
- Ruggedization of OTS and custom components for military applications
- Size, weight, and power (SWaP) optimization
- System compatibility and integration with existing platforms and components
- Multi-disciplinary engineering approach to complex challenges
Compliance & Documentation
- ITAR-registered and NIST 800-171 compliant processes
- Comprehensive design history files for program reviews
- Testing protocols that meet defense standards
- Documentation supporting certification requirements
Defense Innovation in Action
Military Personnel Tracker: Reliable Positioning When GPS Fails
We partnered with TRX Systems to engineer and manufacture their NEON Indoor Location Service device – a military-grade personnel tracker that provides critical positioning data where GPS may be unavailable. Our team designed a rugged wearable enclosure that protects sensitive electronics while meeting extreme durability requirements. We worked hard to ensure the device would be waterproof, heat-resistant, and capable of supporting the weight of a fully-equipped soldier or firefighter – around 400lbs!
Using our in-house prototyping workshop, we rapidly developed and tested multiple iterations with multi-material Polyjet techniques to simulate production-grade overmolded buttons and gaskets. This approach allowed us to quickly validate the design under realistic conditions before transitioning to injection molding for higher volume manufacturing. The result is a field-proven tracking solution that enhances personnel safety in GPS-denied environments for military, police, and firefighting applications.
Our Government Credentials
Root3 Labs is fully equipped to support defense and government contracts:
- ITAR-registered
- NIST 800-171 & CMMC Level 2 Compliant
- Experienced with SBIR/STTR programs
- CAGE Code, DUNS & FEIN: Available upon request

Prototyping Capabilities
Advanced Prototyping for Defense Applications
Our 7,500sf prototyping facility in Owings Mills, MD features specialized equipment for developing and testing defense-grade hardware:
- Environmental testing chambers for simulating operational conditions
- Electronics testing and validation equipment
- Precision machining capabilities for custom components
- Secure development environment for sensitive projects
Our protoyping workshop accelerates the development process, allowing us to quickly design, fabricate, and refine components in-house rather than waiting for outside vendors. This gives us ability to solve unique challenges and meet tight program deadlines.

Expert Engineers Give Expert Advice
Have more questions? We have the answers!
Consult with one of our expert engineers to discuss your project, answer some questions, and see if we can help. No commitment necessary – tell us about your latest project!