June Hardware Roundup: Liquid Motors & Cell Tower Balloons

Our June Hardware Roundup video host is Kat, a Software Engineer here at Fictiv! Our highlights this month include cell tower balloons, unique robotic designs, and tariff tension updates.

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Hardware Knowledge

The time-intensive CNC process behind Apple’s new Mac Pro grille design. + End-of-life AirPod impact.
Rivian’s battery system can transition to stationary energy storage at the end of the vehicle’s life. Its “second-life batteries” will be used in a microgrid project in Puerto Rico.
Falco’s new liquid-cooled electric motor design is designed to increase e-bike power. + A puncture-proof airless wheel design.
An in-depth look at the hierarchy and communication patterns of swarm drones. + How Loon’s cell tower balloons formed a mesh network in the air above Peru.
Build-A-Bot: How are robotic designers developing materials that combine the durability of common robots with the gentleness of a soft robot? Here’s how to build the right touch.
These kinetic mirrors use motion and laser sensors to “see” the person standing in front.
Teardown Corner: See how the iRobot Braava Robot Mop navigates your rugged household environment. Check out our Electric Shaver Showdown to see which shaver has a motor not commonly found in consumer electronics.

Industry News

As semiconductor companies gain traction in the automotive industry, they have to keep up with stringent quality requirements. + How consumers are responding to advanced automotive assistance systems.
How the cost of making and launching satellites has caused new space businesses to emerge. + False SpaceX test reports and part certifications.
A possible 25% import tax on nearly all consumer goods imported from China has put companies in crisis mode. Apple may be preparing to move 15-30% of its production capacity to Southeast Asia.
Earth metal demand vs. supply when creating lithium batteries for a low carbon future. + How rare earth metals play into the trade war.
Amazon cloned a neighborhood to have delivery robot Scout test navigation in real and simulated environments. New robotic technology in Amazon sortation centers can reduce missed sorts by 50% compared to other solutions.

Events + Community

Events:

Discuss complex problems with practical robotics at a coffee meetup in Pasadena on June 28.
July’s SF Hardware Happy Hour will be on Tuesday, July 9.

Jobs:

Check out product, design, and hardware engineering roles at Honeywell and Waymo.
We have open roles across all departments here at Fictiv.

For the Love of Ice Cream

To welcome everyone into summer, here’s a GIF of how ice cream sandwiches are made.

See you next month!