# 163: Syringes That Give You Cake

- Show: [Embedded.fm](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm)
- Published: 2016-08-03
- Length: 1h 10m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2016-08-03-163-syringes-that-give-you-cake
- Listen: https://makingembeddedsystems.libsyn.com/163-syringes-that-give-you-cake

## Summary

Nadya Peek, a research scientist at the MIT Center for Bits and Atoms, explains her PhD thesis on 'making machines that make,' which applies object-oriented software principles to modular hardware. She details the development of the cardboard machine kit and MTM Snap, discussing how distributed control systems and open-source software like mods.cba.mit.edu enable users to reconfigure machines for various tasks, from milling to cake decorating. Peek contrasts these agile, low-volume fabrication methods with rigid industrial manufacturing, highlighting the importance of user experience and accessible software in digital fabrication tools.

## Chapters

- [0:06](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2016-08-03-163-syringes-that-give-you-cake#t=6) Introduction: Nadya Peek and the MIT Center for Bits and Atoms
- [3:38](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2016-08-03-163-syringes-that-give-you-cake#t=218) Lightning Round: Components, Robots, and Manufacturing Preferences
- [10:18](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2016-08-03-163-syringes-that-give-you-cake#t=618) PhD Thesis: Object-Oriented Hardware Meets Object-Oriented Software
- [20:28](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2016-08-03-163-syringes-that-give-you-cake#t=1228) The Cardboard Machine Kit and MTM Snap: Iterating on Modular Hardware
- [29:10](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2016-08-03-163-syringes-that-give-you-cake#t=1750) Software Control: G-Code, mods.cba.mit.edu, and Distributed Networks
- [44:15](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2016-08-03-163-syringes-that-give-you-cake#t=2655) User Experience: Plans, Situated Actions, and Bad Machine Software
- [54:06](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2016-08-03-163-syringes-that-give-you-cake#t=3246) Precision, Agility, and Low-Volume Production vs. Industrial Tools
- [1:00:50](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2016-08-03-163-syringes-that-give-you-cake#t=3650) PhD Experience, Defense, and Future Work at Fab 12

## Topics

- [Mechanical engineering](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/mechanical-engineering)
- [Embedded firmware](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/embedded-firmware)
- [Industrial & consumer product design](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/industrial-design)
- [Design for manufacturing & NPI](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/design-for-manufacturing)
- [Maker community & events](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/maker-community)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- MIT Center for Bits and Atoms (company)
- FabLab (other)
- MTM Snap (product)
- Cardboard Machine Kit (product)
- mods.cba.mit.edu (other)
- Epilogue (company)
- G-Code (other)
- Thingiverse (other)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [An Interview With Nadya Peek - Gallant Gcode Gerontology](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2014-07-23-an-interview-with-nadya-peek-gallant-gcode-gerontology) (The Amp Hour)
- [Ep 330: Hover Turtles, Dull Designs, and K'nex Computers](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2025-07-25-ep-330-hover-turtles-dull-designs-and-knex-computers) (Hackaday Podcast)
- [S5E15.5 PDX: Ian McEachern](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2024-04-17-s5e15-5-pdx-ian-mceachern) (Being an Engineer)
- [Ep 238: Vibrating Bowl Feeders, Open Sourcery, Learning to Love Layer Lines](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2023-09-29-ep-238-vibrating-bowl-feeders-open-sourcery-learning-to-love-layer-lines) (Hackaday Podcast)
- [Ep054: Xenomorph Cookies, 101 Uses for Hot Glue, Rolling Robots, and a Clippy Computer](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2020-02-14-ep054-xenomorph-cookies-101-uses-for-hot-glue-rolling-robots-and-a-clippy-comput) (Hackaday Podcast)

## Citing this page

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