Donato Helbling

I am a Computer Engineer who has, for the last 15 years, specialized in the application of Industrial Automation equipment and practices to create innovative solutions in the fields of Green Buildings, Electric Vehicles, Data Centers and Hyper-Luxury Leisure Marine.

Through my consulting company, Human Development Labs, I offer consulting ranging from developing ideas "from scratch", to the optimization of existing processes and the R&D of new products, services and experiences. I also help get teams behind powerful brands and ideas.

In the early 2000s, my interest in environmental sustainability drove my career. I wanted to work on projects that would have a positive impact on society and the environment. I was lucky to work as the Lead Engineer for an Automation Equipment Manufacturer that supported me in this pursuit. This brought me to the design and commissioning of major Water/Waste Water Infrastructure, Waste Management and Resource Recovery. This phase was so active for me, that recently I realized that if there is a process in South Florida with PLCs running it, I am probably somehow connected to it.

In the late 2000s the Mega-Yacht industry boomed and we spear-headed the implementation of standard Industrial Automation equipment (PLCs and HMIs) to provide these ships with the reliability needed at sea. Unlike commercial cruise ships, these lack large engineering teams on board, so constant monitoring and equipment automation is key to respond quickly to any maintenance and repair issues. As this Industry continues to grow I continue to support the companies that serve it: OEMs, Systems Integrators, Vessel Monitoring solutions providers, etc.

With the Tech Startup boom, now I help new companies get their ideas into production, as Creative Technologist, UX/UI Creative Director and sometimes CTO. From health-tech and gaming apps, to meditation pods, I love helping these new passionate initiatives.

My clients have been from chocolate factories to hyper-luxury resorts, all connected by the need for different thinking and better results. I learned that no matter what equipment or solutions you implement, they always depend on teams of humans that need the appropriate understanding, direction, motivation and support structures. This expanded my career to team building, startup incubating, branding/product development and mentoring.

I also practice and teach Meditation, Martial Arts and Yoga. These disciplines shape the way I see life and approach my work.