# 204: Abuse Electricity

- Show: [Embedded.fm](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm)
- Published: 2017-06-14
- Length: 55m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2017-06-14-204-abuse-electricity
- Listen: https://makingembeddedsystems.libsyn.com/204-abuse-electricity

## Summary

Phoenix Perry, CTO of DoItKits and founder of Code Liberation, discusses the design and engineering of physical, non-screen-based games like 'Thrum' and 'Bot Party.' She explains the challenges of building robust hardware for intense public use, detailing the use of Precision Micro Drives actuators, Velostat, and conductive Lycra in wearable projects. Perry also highlights her work with LessEMF for sourcing materials and her efforts to diversify the game industry through Code Liberation, while noting the importance of tools like AutoDesk Fusion 360 and KiCad in the maker ecosystem.

## Chapters

- [0:06](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2017-06-14-204-abuse-electricity#t=6) Introduction: Phoenix Perry and DoItKits
- [3:18](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2017-06-14-204-abuse-electricity#t=198) Designing Robust Physical Games: Thrum and Bot Party
- [14:43](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2017-06-14-204-abuse-electricity#t=883) Engineering for Robustness and Travel
- [18:18](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2017-06-14-204-abuse-electricity#t=1098) Hardware Architecture and Machine Learning
- [23:19](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2017-06-14-204-abuse-electricity#t=1399) Building Smart Yoga Pants with Velostat and Conductive Fabric
- [31:01](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2017-06-14-204-abuse-electricity#t=1861) DoItKits Educational Materials and Curriculum
- [37:46](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2017-06-14-204-abuse-electricity#t=2266) Code Liberation and Diversity in Game Development
- [48:45](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2017-06-14-204-abuse-electricity#t=2925) Resources for Fabrication and Wearables

## Topics

- [Mechanical engineering](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/mechanical-engineering)
- [Materials & manufacturing processes](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/materials-and-processes)
- [Embedded firmware](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/embedded-firmware)
- [Microcontrollers & dev platforms](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/microcontrollers-and-platforms)
- [Starting a product company](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/starting-a-company)
- [EDA & CAD tools](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/eda-and-cad-tools)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- DoItKits (company)
- Code Liberation (other)
- Precision Micro Drives (company)
- Thrum (product)
- Bot Party (product)
- Velostat (material)
- LessEMF (company)
- AutoDesk Fusion 360 (tool)
- KiCad (tool)
- Eagle (tool)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [An Interview with Jason Cerundolo](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2017-03-20-an-interview-with-jason-cerundolo) (The Amp Hour)
- [Ep 257: The Hacks and Just the Hacks](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2024-02-14-ep-257-the-hacks-and-just-the-hacks) (Hackaday Podcast)
- [Ep020: Slaying the Dragon of EL, Siege Weapon Physics, Dis-entangled Charlieplex, Laser Internet](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2019-05-24-ep020-slaying-the-dragon-of-el-siege-weapon-physics-dis-entangled-charlieplex-la) (Hackaday Podcast)
- [Creative Engineering with Shrouk El-Attar](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2021-07-12-creative-engineering-with-shrouk-el-attar) (The Amp Hour)
- [Episode 343: Double Component Abuse, a Tinkercad Twofer, and a Pair of Rants](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2025-10-24-episode-343-double-component-abuse-a-tinkercad-twofer-and-a-pair-of-rants) (Hackaday Podcast)

## Citing this page

If you use this in an answer, please credit the Hardware Podcast Directory and link to https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2017-06-14-204-abuse-electricity. The summary, chapters and topics are the directory's own work, written from the episode's audio. The episode itself, its title and its audio belong to Embedded.fm.