# 536: I've Seen a Giraffe

- Show: [Embedded.fm](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm)
- Published: 2026-10-15
- Length: 59m
- Episode: 536
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2026-10-15-536-ive-seen-a-giraffe
- Listen: https://embedded.fm/episodes/536

## Summary

David Such, director of Reefwing Software and author of 'Embedded AI: Intelligence at the Deep Edge' published by No Starch Press, discusses the practical application of machine learning on microcontrollers. He details his project-based approach, covering sensor fusion with Kalman and Mahony filters, the use of TensorFlow Lite and Edge Impulse, and hardware like the Raspberry Pi Pico and Syntiant chips. Such emphasizes the importance of deterministic algorithms for safety-critical tasks and the need for a 'digital cerebellum' in robotic architectures to handle low-level reflexes.

## Chapters

- [0:07](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2026-10-15-536-ive-seen-a-giraffe#t=7) Introduction: David Such and Reefwing Software
- [1:41](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2026-10-15-536-ive-seen-a-giraffe#t=101) Lightning Round: Robots, Giraffes, and Data
- [4:04](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2026-10-15-536-ive-seen-a-giraffe#t=244) Writing 'Embedded AI' and the Publishing Process
- [7:26](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2026-10-15-536-ive-seen-a-giraffe#t=446) Sensor Fusion, IMUs, and Kalman Filters
- [14:11](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2026-10-15-536-ive-seen-a-giraffe#t=851) Handling AI Failures and False Alarms
- [21:20](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2026-10-15-536-ive-seen-a-giraffe#t=1280) Using AI to Write and Design PCBs
- [24:26](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2026-10-15-536-ive-seen-a-giraffe#t=1466) When to Avoid AI: Deterministic vs. ML
- [31:46](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2026-10-15-536-ive-seen-a-giraffe#t=1906) Choosing Microcontrollers and Frameworks
- [39:52](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2026-10-15-536-ive-seen-a-giraffe#t=2392) Neural Processing Units and MicroPython
- [57:47](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2026-10-15-536-ive-seen-a-giraffe#t=3467) Advice for Engineers and Book Giveaway

## Topics

- [Embedded firmware](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/embedded-firmware)
- [Sensors & measurement in products](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sensors)
- [Microcontrollers & dev platforms](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/microcontrollers-and-platforms)
- [AI & machine learning](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/ai-and-machine-learning)
- [Debugging & failure analysis](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/debugging-and-failure-analysis)
- [PCB design & layout](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/pcb-design)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- Reefwing Software (company)
- No Starch Press (company)
- Embedded AI: Intelligence at the Deep Edge (product)
- TensorFlow Lite (tool)
- Edge Impulse (tool)
- Raspberry Pi Pico (chip)
- Syntiant (chip)
- Arduino Nicla Voice (product)
- MicroPython (tool)
- Kalman filters (tool)
- Mahony filters (tool)

## 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/2026-10-15-536-ive-seen-a-giraffe. 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.