Time to read: 2 min
Our roundup host this month is Drew, our Content Marketing Manager here at Fictiv! We’re diving into brain-machine interfaces, prosthetic arms, and robotic actuators.
Hardware Knowledge
- Tesla is working on building a giant new casting machine to produce the Model Y frame in almost a single piece. Sumitomo has developed an “energy harvester” tire that can produce power from frictional charging. + Inside the colorspace of your car’s paint job.
- A new system for 3D printing robotic actuators can use multiple materials to optimize for weight, efficiency, and flexibility. + Overheating solutions to keep commercial robots cool.
- A prototype for a newly designed prosthetic arm helps amputees regain their sense of touch. By accurately sensing the feel of an object, they can perform delicate movements like carrying an egg, picking grapes, or lifting a fragile box.
- Neuralink is focusing on developing a brain-machine interface by embedding tiny insulated threads in the brain.
- Nintendo News: What are the potential causes of Joy-Con drift? The Verge dives into two possible reasons.
- To honor the 50th anniversary of the moon landing, we’re featuring this gallery of experimental space gear. + LightSail 2 deployed its solar sails during a recent mission.
Industry News
- GP Bullhound’s latest report focused on recent trends in smart manufacturing and automation. + XYZ Robotics has developed end-of-arm tooling for challenging warehouse cases.
- Human-Robot Interaction: Designing automated machines to interact seamlessly with people in day-to-day situations.
- Automakers are using the Formula E racing circuit to test and develop features for consumer electric vehicles.
- In funding news, Bird is currently being valued at $2.5 billion. The Boring Company is now being valued at about $920 million after raising its first outside investment.
- Apple is acquiring Intel’s smartphone modem business for $1 billion, including intellectual property, equipment, and staff. + Excluding Mac Pro components from import taxes.
- Tesla can use its energy storage “Megapack” to deploy an emissions-free 250 MW, 1 GWh power plant in less than three months.
Events + Community
Events:
- We’ll be at Autodesk’s Fusion 360 Academy next week in Portland!
- LinkedIn is hosting a Design Leadership workshop in San Francisco on August 1.
- A panel focusing on GTM launches will also be on August 1 at Microsoft in New York City.
Jobs:
- Lyft has open roles across all departments, including autonomous vehicles and hardware engineering.
- Check out manufacturing and hardware positions over at Zoox.
For the Love of Iron Man
Adam Savage partnered with EOS to develop and fly a real-life titanium Iron Man suit.
