About Apparato
Custom instrumentation for Research & Development laboratories.
What We Do
Apparato was established to serve R&D departments and laboratories requiring specialised instrumentation, or to support with existing equipment. We design and build custom instrumentation or interfaces based on the customer's needs.
We work with university research groups, private R&D laboratories, medical device companies, and industrial research departments. Many projects involve developing instruments that don't exist commercially or adapting existing equipment to specific experimental needs.
Our approach is full-stack engineering: mechanical design, electronics, embedded firmware, and software development integrated into a complete working system. You receive a finished, documented instrument, designed around your needs, and ready to run.
Background & Experience
Our Principal Engineer has 15+ years developing research instrumentation across multiple sectors:
- • Aerospace — Propulsion test facilities and control systems for commercial space launch provider
- • Academic Research — Research and defence-funded projects at major research universities
- • Medical Devices — System testing instrumentation and clinical research devices for major healthcare company
- • Consumer Goods — Concept innovation and advanced prototyping for leading product design company
- • Industrial Automation — Machine vision and real-time control systems for manufacturing and quality control
This experience includes instruments deployed in 20+ human surgical procedures, defence research programs, aerospace testing facilities, and commercial production environments. Published work includes peer-reviewed journal articles and multiple patents in instrumentation design and measurement and control systems.
We understand the requirements and constraints of R&D work and the reality that instruments must work reliably without constant technical support. Our designs emphasise robustness and practical usability for researchers who need to focus on their experiments, not troubleshooting equipment.
Technical Capabilities
Measurement Specialisations
- • Capacitive and impedance-based sensing systems
- • Thermal measurement and temperature control
- • Flow and pressure sensing
- • Load, force, and displacement measurement
- • Multi-channel data acquisition
- • Spectroscopy and material characterisation
Development Stack
- • Mechanical: CAD design, rapid prototyping, manufacturing liaison
- • Electronics: Analog/digital design, PCB layout, SMD assembly
- • Firmware: Embedded C/C++, ARM/AVR, communication protocols
- • Software: Python, LabVIEW, C#, real-time systems
- • Protocols: MODBUS, RS-485, USB, Ethernet, GPIB
Our Approach
Fixed-Price Projects
We work on a fixed-price project basis. You receive a quote for the complete instrument, including development, documentation, and commissioning support. This eliminates uncertainty about final costs and allows proper budget planning.
Ready-to-go Instruments
The deliverable is a functional instrument with documentation and commissioning support, not reports or recommendations. We retain development freedom to deliver the best technical solution while meeting your specified requirements.
Realistic Timelines
Most projects are completed in 4-12 weeks from requirements definition to commissioned system. Simple sensor interfaces take 3-4 weeks; complex integrated systems may require 10-16 weeks. We provide honest timeline estimates during the quotation phase and provide consulting to help you toward the most optimal choice for your needs.
Ready to Start Your Project?
Contact us to discuss your instrumentation requirements. We provide quotes within 1-3 working days for most projects.