Being an Engineer · 4 Sept 2026 · 36m · Episode 37
Jacob Evink, a mechanical engineering student at Western Michigan University, discusses his journey from high school manufacturing classes to working in a high-volume injection molding factory. He details the design and construction of a four-axis robotic arm using an ESP32 microcontroller and stepper motors, highlighting the trial-and-error process of electronics integration. Evink also shares his perspective on using AI tools like ChatGPT for coding assistance and the importance of documenting failures publicly on Instagram to build an engineering portfolio.
makers and hobbyists
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Jeremy Fielding, a self-taught mechanical engineer and YouTuber, discusses his journey building a full-size industrial robot arm in his garage. He details his 'Dr. FARM' design methodology, the mechanical and electrical challenges of the build, and his struggles with ROS and MoveIt software. Fielding also shares insights on prototyping materials, sourcing motors, and the importance of overcoming fear to start building.
Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett, and David Picciuto discuss navigating life during the early pandemic, focusing on maintaining productivity and mental health through small, incremental progress. Bob Clagett details his experience finally setting up and using a Bridgeport milling machine after overcoming intimidation, while also tackling the complex task of rewiring a vintage lathe motor. David Picciuto shares updates on his go-kart build and the challenges of tube bending, and Jimmy Diresta talks about acquiring a desktop injection molding machine from APSX and recommending Affinity software as an Adobe alternative.
Simone Giertz, an inventor and YouTuber known for building 'shitty robots,' discusses her process of creating humorous, often dangerous devices like a vegetable chopping machine and a wake-up alarm that hits her with a rubber arm. She explains that her non-engineering background allows her to learn through enthusiastic, idea-driven prototyping using Arduino, embracing failure as a key part of the process. Giertz also touches on her experience working at Punch Through, the challenges of filming and editing solo content, and how she uses comedy to make electronics accessible to a broader audience.
Hackaday editors Elliot Williams and Al Williams discuss recent community hacks, including Fiona Bell and Leah Bukley’s paste extrusion of glass and eggshells, John Duffy’s bespoke Raspberry Pi multimeter, and Shadow Man 39’s 8-bit mechanical computer built from K’Nex. They also analyze the industrial design stagnation in modern smartphones and the complex logistics of the North American cold chain infrastructure. The episode covers the failure of AI coding tools, USB-C power delivery hacks, and a lock-picking robot that failed due to mechanical binding.
Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett, and David Picciuto discuss the decline of physical controls in modern electronics, citing the Slate Truck's analog design and the annoyance of touchscreens in cars. They debate the impact of AI on maker education, with Diresta warning that bypassing learning CAD and coding creates long-term skill gaps, while Clagett argues for maintaining deep tool mastery. Picciuto shares his experience building 11 steel boxes for Carhartt under a tight deadline and reflects on how AI tools like auto-generated CNC paths bypass the learning of feeds and speeds.
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