# Rushabh Dhapodkar | R&D Engineering Series – Interview 3 of 6

- Show: [Being an Engineer](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer)
- Published: 2023-06-30
- Length: 30m
- Episode: 25
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2023-06-30-rushabh-dhapodkar-r-d-engineering-series-interview-3-of-6
- Listen: https://teampipeline.us/Rushabh-Dhapodkar-rd-engineering-series/

## Summary

Rushabh Dhapodkar, a mechanical engineer at Leggett & Platt, discusses the realities of R&D in the furniture industry, including the development of IoT-enabled adjustable beds. He highlights the challenges of balancing engineering performance with safety, cost, and management expectations, while detailing his use of SolidWorks and 3D printing for prototyping. Dhapodkar also addresses the frustrations of slow design reviews and the importance of understanding customer needs beyond just technical specifications.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2023-06-30-rushabh-dhapodkar-r-d-engineering-series-interview-3-of-6#t=0) Introduction and Engineering Motivation
- [3:04](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2023-06-30-rushabh-dhapodkar-r-d-engineering-series-interview-3-of-6#t=184) Defining R&D and Cross-Functional Challenges
- [7:12](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2023-06-30-rushabh-dhapodkar-r-d-engineering-series-interview-3-of-6#t=432) Tools, Prototyping, and Design Shortcomings
- [11:07](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2023-06-30-rushabh-dhapodkar-r-d-engineering-series-interview-3-of-6#t=667) Proudest Accomplishment: IoT Adjustable Bed
- [15:25](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2023-06-30-rushabh-dhapodkar-r-d-engineering-series-interview-3-of-6#t=925) Frustrations with Management and Timeline Expectations
- [20:33](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2023-06-30-rushabh-dhapodkar-r-d-engineering-series-interview-3-of-6#t=1233) Supply Chain Lessons and Career Advice

## Topics

- [Careers & education](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/engineering-careers-and-education)
- [Prototyping & iteration](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/prototyping)
- [Leadership, teams & culture](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/leadership-and-culture)
- [Connected products & IoT](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/connected-products-and-iot)
- [Sourcing & supply chain](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sourcing-and-supply-chain)

## Most relevant to

large enterprises

## Mentioned

- Leggett & Platt (company)
- SolidWorks (tool)
- Autodesk Meshmixer (tool)
- Vocera (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [IDology #7 - Tips on outsourcing R&D and product design work](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/idology/2023-01-31-idology-7-tips-on-outsourcing-r-d-and-product-design-work) (IDology)
- [69: Nice](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/thoroughly-considered/2021-05-05-69-nice) (Thoroughly Considered)
- [444: It Is If You Do It Wrong](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2023-03-03-444-it-is-if-you-do-it-wrong) (Embedded.fm)
- [Episode 165: Don’t let it beat you.](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2018-04-20-episode-165-dont-let-it-beat-you) (Making It)
- [How Protolabs turns CAD files into parts in under 24 hours](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2026-08-14-how-protolabs-turns-cad-files-into-parts-in-under-24-hours) (The Robot Report Podcast)

## Citing this page

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