Robbie Dickson | Engineer, Entrepreneur, Innovator

Robbie Dickson is a seasoned Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineer, entrepreneur, and the founder of Firgelli Automations. With a career spanning stints at Rolls-Royce, BMW, and Ford, Dickson has spent over two decades translating high-performance automotive technology into accessible motion control solutions for robotics, home automation, and industry.

Engineering Pedigree

Born in the United Kingdom, Dickson’s fascination with mechanics began early, inspired by the automotive engineering feats seen in films like The Cannonball Run. He pursued this passion academically, graduating with degrees in both Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering from the University of Wales.

His professional career began in the elite tiers of automotive manufacturing, working with engineering teams at Rolls-Royce, BMW, and Ford. It was here that he mastered the principles of precision, reliability, and scale—principles he later applied to found FIRGELLI®, a company dedicated to democratizing linear actuator technology for engineers and hobbyists alike.

Innovation in Aerodynamics

Dickson is known for pushing mechanical limits. In the early 2000s, while competing in the "Race the Base" event in Cold Lake, Alberta, he clocked 326 km/h (202.5 mph) in a Lamborghini Aventador. A near-loss of control during deceleration highlighted the inefficiencies of traditional hydraulic braking at high speeds.

Drawing on his aeronautical background, Dickson engineered an active air-braking system similar to those used on aircraft. This invention, which utilizes high-speed linear actuators to deploy an auxiliary foil, is now a standard safety feature in modern hypercars.

Area 27 & Automotive Ventures

Beyond the lab, Dickson is a central figure in the Canadian automotive world. He partnered with Formula 1 legend Jacques Villeneuve to design and build Area 27, Canada’s first private luxury racetrack in Oliver, BC. The track, which has been featured on Amazon’s The Grand Tour, is a testament to Dickson's commitment to precision driving dynamics.

He also co-founded the Diamond Rally, the largest invite-only supercar rally in North America, raising significant funds for charity while celebrating automotive engineering.