March Hardware Roundup

Our roundup video this time is hosted by Mo, a Senior Technical Program Manager here at Fictiv! Check out this month’s video to learn about the latest news in the hardware space.

This edition of the roundup dives into the evolution of spaceflight, sustainable technology, and new 3D printed metamaterials.

Industry News

• Private companies are coordinating launches and changing the design and aesthetics of shuttles as they progress towards consumer space travel.
• The rise of e-scooter micro-mobility companies has showcased both consumer and investor demand for last mile transportation solutions. + Spin is bringing e-scooters to 100 new cities.
• Waymo is selling its custom lidar sensors to select non-automotive partners, with the goal of scaling its autonomous technology faster. Apple’s acquisition of Lighthouse’s 3D-sensing technology suggests a future in the home security market.
• Automata raised $7.4 million for its desktop robotic arm and is aiming to bring its flexible, on-demand model to the industrial robotics space.
• A discussion on autonomous mobile robots, end-of-line automation, and the role of AI in the manufacturing landscape. + World’s largest AI startup wants to expand AI into as many industries as possible.
• Airbus is encouraging agile project management with its network of makerspaces.

Hardware Knowledge

• Apple’s design-driven strategy is an exception to nearly every product development rule. + Exclusive images of the original iPhone M68 prototype board that was developed as an engineering validation test.
• These 3D printed hair-like materials can be designed to have unique mechanical functions. Bugatti uses metal additive manufacturing technology to optimize parts for performance.
• A short history of the mechanical properties and heat resistance of Pyrex glassware. +Testing Starship’s hexagonally-shaped heat shield tiles.
• A new flexible robotic arm made from shape-memory wires can bend in almost any direction. A bell-shaped robotic hand with an origami design can delicately hold up to 120 times its own weight.
• Elements of urbanism and ecology come into play with these removable weather resilient street pavers. + Eco-friendly algae beads for a more sustainable Mardi Gras.

Events + Community

State of Hardware 2019:

• We had over 1,300 survey responses this year! A huge thank you to everyone who participated. Be sure to sign-up to receive the report.
• Congratulations to the survey winners: Amelia Wilson for the Travelmate Robotic suitcase, Travis Holland for the Rylo 360° camera, and Alan Besquin for the $5k injection molding credit from Fictiv!

Jobs:

• Check out hardware and software engineering opportunities at Rylo and Ridecell.

Events:

• HardwareCon 2019 will be from Apr 17-18, and the theme is “Connecting AI, Machine Learning and Data through Hardware”.
• IndustryWeek’s Manufacturing & Technology conference will from Apr 1-3 in Pittsburgh.

For the Love of St. Patrick’s Day

Inhonor of St. Patrick’s Day, here’s a quick video on the making of shamrock drop candy.

Want to share an interesting article, job posting, or event in our Hardware Roundup? Submit your link here.

Stay tuned for the next roundup!