Embedded.fm · 27 Apr 2023 · 1h 01m · Episode 448
Carl Bugeja, an engineer from Malta and creator of flexar.io, discusses his work creating actuators from flexible PCBs to flap origami figures and drive a foldable rover. He details the design of self-soldering circuits using resistive squiggles and PCB motors with printed windings, explaining how he overcame thermal limitations and component shortages. Bugeja also shares insights into his open-source hardware philosophy, his YouTube documentation process, and the business model behind selling development kits.
makers and hobbyists
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Carl Bugeja, founder of microbots.io, discusses his transition from electronics engineering and YouTube experimentation to commercializing PCB motors and actuators. He details the engineering challenges of designing flexible PCB coils, managing manufacturing tolerances, and selecting drivers for tiny robotics. Bugeja explains how his company is scaling production and developing new products like the 'Time Flap' display and a foldable rover robot.
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