Jonathan Schipper

Engineering - CAD

Born with an innate drive to understand and create, I’ve always gravitated toward complex and involved problems, whether artistic or technical. The more complicated the challenge, the more it captures my interest. There is little I enjoy more than sitting down with a problem and finding a solution that others have missed.

Over the years, I’ve designed and built structurally ambitious sculptures, complex robotic systems, and CNC production tools capable of running autonomously for over 20 hours using industrial robotics. My work bridges the gap between engineering and art, from building motion-controlled mechanisms from scratch to integrating commercial robotic systems with precision and intent. I’ve been invited to speak at international 3D printing conventions and have developed a reputation for combining technical rigor with aesthetic clarity.

At All Power Labs, I served as Director of Product Development, leading the design of a next-generation gasification unit with over 1,900 unique components. I restructured legacy CAD into a top-down, skeleton-driven model that streamlined both design and fabrication. I managed a distributed team of engineers, implemented system-wide CAD standards, and oversaw integration with PLM and ERP tools, transforming a fragmented design process into a scalable, transparent workflow.

My CAD experience spans over two decades, starting with AutoCAD, advancing to Rhino, and now exceeding 15 years with SolidWorks. I’ve produced complex, highly accurate 3D models used in both high-end manufacturing and artistic contexts. I’ve lectured on SolidWorks and had my models featured in SolidWorks corporate demonstrations. To extend beyond the boundaries of parametric modeling, I also work in Blender and mesh-based 3D environments, allowing me to bridge artistic sculpting with precise mechanical engineering.

I’m equally comfortable in the shop as at the screen. I’ve designed and built custom CNC tools, retrofitting older machines with modern controllers and integrating them into production. I’ve worked extensively with microcontrollers, embedded systems, and PLCs, using them to animate sculptures and develop and produce EXOvault’s line of precision-engineered products.

I designed and built a six stage planetary gearbox system designed to reduce motor speed 41,000 times. The system then slow articulated a pump that pumped hydraulic fluid into a large cylinder moving a sculpture.

I designed and built a room-sized robotic sculpture that simulates the throwing of a beer bottle against a wall.

The beer bottle breaks and is reconstructed again and again.

I designed and build a room sized 3d printer that prints in salt.

The printer was suspended by four cables which allowed it to move to any location in the space. The printhead contained salt that it used as a print material.

3D Salt Printer at Nuite Blanch in Toronto

A simulation of a head on collision in slow motion. Details Artwork Details Construction

 I designed and engineered the structural core to large scale sculptures for Z Behl built in Saudi Arabia.

Early rending of Invisible Sphere

I designed and built an Invisible Sphere made up of 215 monitors connected to 215 cameras directly across the sphere.

A Teacup was dropped to the floor and a robot was built to put it back together and break it again.

Mouse mid development Kickstarter update.

I built a printer that prints with a mechanical pencil. I can sense when the pencil lead is low and will click the pencil to extend the lead.