# 463: Layers of Band-Aids

- Show: [Embedded.fm](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm)
- Published: 2023-11-02
- Length: 56m
- Episode: 463
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2023-11-02-463-layers-of-band-aids
- Listen: https://embedded.fm/episodes/463

## Summary

Kevin Lannen, embedded systems engineer at LUCI Mobility, explains how their safety system integrates with Group 3 power wheelchairs to prevent accidents like curb drops and collisions. He details the sensor fusion strategy using Intel RealSense cameras, Texas Instruments radar, and ultrasonics to create a 360-degree point cloud, while emphasizing deterministic algorithms over machine learning due to power constraints. Lannen also discusses the regulatory path as an FDA Class I device, the challenge of reverse-engineering closed wheelchair control systems, and the importance of keeping the human user in control via override mechanisms.

## Chapters

- [0:06](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2023-11-02-463-layers-of-band-aids#t=6) Introduction: Kevin Lannen and LUCI Mobility
- [5:05](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2023-11-02-463-layers-of-band-aids#t=305) LUCI Product Overview and Safety Goals
- [12:45](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2023-11-02-463-layers-of-band-aids#t=765) Sensor Fusion: Cameras, Radar, and Ultrasonics
- [24:15](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2023-11-02-463-layers-of-band-aids#t=1455) Autonomy Comparison and Testing Challenges
- [31:05](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2023-11-02-463-layers-of-band-aids#t=1865) Deterministic Algorithms vs. Machine Learning
- [37:56](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2023-11-02-463-layers-of-band-aids#t=2276) Company Origins and Prototyping History
- [49:44](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2023-11-02-463-layers-of-band-aids#t=2984) FDA Regulation and Medical Device Classification
- [54:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2023-11-02-463-layers-of-band-aids#t=3240) Engineering Advice and Career Lessons

## Topics

- [Sensors & measurement in products](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sensors)
- [Medical & health devices](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/medical-devices)
- [Embedded firmware](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/embedded-firmware)
- [Design for manufacturing & NPI](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/design-for-manufacturing)
- [Microcontrollers & dev platforms](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/microcontrollers-and-platforms)
- [AI & machine learning](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/ai-and-machine-learning)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- LUCI Mobility (company)
- Intel RealSense (product)
- Texas Instruments (company)
- MSP430 (chip)
- Raspberry Pi (product)
- Arduino (product)
- Keysight (company)
- Colorado School of Mines (other)
- Northwestern (other)
- ROS (other)
- FDA (other)
- Xbox (product)
- PlayStation (product)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [65. Pizzaiolo Robot & Autonomous Wheelchairs](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2022-04-12-65-pizzaiolo-robot-autonomous-wheelchairs) (The Next Byte Podcast)
- [Episode Four - Robot Senses: perceiving the world](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2021-01-29-episode-four-robot-senses-perceiving-the-world) (Robot Talk)
- [CEO Interview: On Semi’s Keith Jackson | Bumper Bowling and Driver Safety | IoT Security Conference](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ee-times-current/2020-10-09-ceo-interview-on-semis-keith-jackson-bumper-bowling-and-driver-safety-iot-securi) (EE Times Current)
- [From the Ground Up—Zoox Turns a Corner with New AV and Sensor System Designs](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/moores-lobby/2022-10-11-from-the-ground-up-zoox-turns-a-corner-with-new-av-and-sensor-system-designs) (Moore's Lobby)
- [Self-Driving Skeptic | Supercharged PCI | Sensors Everywhere | Edge AI](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ee-times-current/2019-06-28-self-driving-skeptic-supercharged-pci-sensors-everywhere-edge-ai) (EE Times Current)

## Citing this page

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