# An Interview with Dean Pick

- Show: [The Amp Hour](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour)
- Published: 2019-01-21
- Length: 1h 15m
- Episode: 426
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2019-01-21-an-interview-with-dean-pick
- Listen: https://theamphour.com/426-an-interview-with-dean-pick/

## Summary

Chris Gammell, founder of Kinetics Automation and By-Performance Development, discusses his work on automatic transmission motorcycles using shape memory alloy (SMA) linear actuators and large-scale biomass power generation. He explains how SMA wires contract when heated by Joule heating to provide high-force, precise linear motion, solving the clutch control challenges in his Shift FX motorcycle products. Gammell also details his consulting work on industrial control systems for biomass plants and run-of-river hydroelectric facilities, emphasizing the need for robust, remote monitoring and predictive maintenance.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2019-01-21-an-interview-with-dean-pick#t=0) Introduction and Linear Actuator Overview
- [5:40](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2019-01-21-an-interview-with-dean-pick#t=340) Shape Memory Alloy Technology and Physics
- [23:26](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2019-01-21-an-interview-with-dean-pick#t=1406) Motorcycle Clutch Control and Shift FX
- [41:09](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2019-01-21-an-interview-with-dean-pick#t=2469) Embedded Systems and Custom OS Development
- [53:04](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2019-01-21-an-interview-with-dean-pick#t=3184) Biomass Power Generation and Fluidized Beds
- [1:04:04](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2019-01-21-an-interview-with-dean-pick#t=3844) Run-of-River Hydro and Industrial Control
- [1:09:24](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2019-01-21-an-interview-with-dean-pick#t=4164) Predictive Maintenance and Hiring

## Topics

- [Mechanical engineering](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/mechanical-engineering)
- [Embedded firmware](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/embedded-firmware)
- [Energy & climate tech](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/energy-and-climate-tech)
- [AI & machine learning](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/ai-and-machine-learning)
- [Hiring & workforce](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/hiring-and-workforce)

## Most relevant to

companies scaling up

## Mentioned

- Kinetics Automation (company)
- By-Performance Development (company)
- Shift FX (product)
- Formula SAE (other)
- Honda Goldwing (product)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Ep 359: Flying Squids, Edible Passwords, and a CAD Automaton](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2026-02-27-ep-359-flying-squids-edible-passwords-and-a-cad-automaton) (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/the-amp-hour/2019-01-21-an-interview-with-dean-pick. 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 The Amp Hour.