Hardware Podcasts

3. AI for Mechanical Design, the Key to Thwarting Quantum Hackers, Making Better Batteries

The Next Byte Podcast · 2 Feb 2021 · 16m

AI in practice: one real use of AI described

What this episode covers

Daniel Scott Mitchell and Farbod Moghaddam discuss three recent engineering breakthroughs, starting with Dr. Barati Farimani’s team at Carnegie Mellon University, who developed an AI algorithm to select materials for mechanical design by combining experimental data with molecular physics simulations. They then cover research from Eindhoven University of Technology on quantum key distribution, a method to create unhackable communication channels by detecting intrusion attempts in real-time. Finally, they examine Dr. Lauren Marbella’s work at Columbia University, which adds potassium to lithium-ion batteries to prevent microstructure growth, thereby improving safety and extending battery life for devices like phones and electric vehicles.

AI in practice

Where this conversation describes AI being used to build or deliver a product. Part of the AI in practice tracker.

DesignCarnegie Mellon University algorithm

An AI algorithm uses experimental and simulated molecular data to predict material properties, allowing designers to select the correct material for a specific application without extensive manual testing.

“This team from Carnegie Mellon have developed an algorithm to help engineers pick the right material based on what they're going to use it for. Um, and they fed it data from experiments and then also from simulations to allow to their material library to be like a lot wider than current algorithms are used.”

Speaker 1 · Hear it at 0:01

Most relevant to

makers and hobbyists

Topics

Mentioned

Companies
Carnegie Mellon University, Eindhoven University of Technology, Columbia University, AutoDesk
Products
Samsung Note

Related episodes from other shows

Other shows on the same ground, closest first.

  • Hackaday Podcast · 54m

    Ep 326: A DIY Pockel Cell, Funny Materials to 3D Print With, and Pwning a Nissan Leaf

    Elliot Williams and Jenny List discuss a Nissan Leaf security hack by PC Automotive, where researchers exploited the Bluetooth infotainment system to gain remote control of vehicle functions by bypassing the gateway ECU. They also cover DIY projects including Les's homebrew Pockel cell using grown crystals and a diamond wire saw, and MIT Lincoln Lab's technique for 3D printing fused silicate glass. The episode highlights mechanical 7-segment displays, a comparison of CNC vs 3D printing workflows, and the history of satellite phones.

    Security & privacyPrototyping & iteration
    6 chapters

  • Hackaday Podcast · 44m

    Ep 247: Cameras From Gingerbread or Hardboard, and the Insecurity of Bluetooth

    Hackaday editors Elliot Williams and Kristina Panos review a week of hardware hacks, including an autonomous excavator from ETH Zurich that builds load-bearing walls from boulders using algorithmic placement, and a security analysis of the 'Bluffs' Bluetooth vulnerability by researcher Yiska Klassen. They also discuss a laser-cut wedge tenon joint by Yisgar Schmitz, a nitinol-based motion machine by JGJ Matt, and a film camera made from hardboard by Chicken Crimpy. The episode concludes with commentary on an Italian lunar habitat proposal and a concept for rating airline hygiene.

    Security & privacyRobotics & autonomy
    10 chapters

  • Hackaday Podcast · 49m

    Ep073: Betrayal By Clipboard, Scratching 4K, Flaming Solder Joints, and Electric Paper

    Hackaday editors Mike Szczys and Elliot Williams review a week of hardware hacks, including a hand-cranked MIDI barrel piano using reflective sensors, a field-ready solder splice that uses a striker to melt internal solder, and a true 4K projector built from a repurposed smartphone screen. They also discuss a security vulnerability in browser clipboard handling that allows data injection, and a batteryless e-paper display powered by NFC energy harvesting. The episode covers various maker projects, from Wi-Fi scanning games to chaotic oscillators, highlighting the intersection of mechanical ingenuity and modern electronics.

    Mechanical engineeringSecurity & privacy
    8 chapters

  • Hackaday Podcast · 1h 00m

    Ep 206: Busted Crypto Killed the Queen, Kicad's New Clothes, Peer Inside the Sol 20

    Hackaday editors Elliot Williams and Dan Maloney review the week's hacks, highlighting KiCad 7.0's new features like semi-auto routing and custom fonts, and a teardown of the Saul 20 computer. They discuss an open-source FPGA audio front-end for modular synthesizers and a Visicam-based system for training custom object detection neural networks. The episode concludes with a deep dive into the cryptography that led to Mary, Queen of Scots' execution and a look at methane pyrolysis for green hydrogen production.

    EDA & CAD toolsMicrocontrollers & dev platforms
    10 chapters

  • Hackaday Podcast · 1h 08m

    Ep 188: Zapping Cockroaches, Tricking AIs, Antique 3D Scanning, and Grinding Chips to QFN

    Hackaday Editor-in-Chief Elliot Williams and Staff Writer Dan Maloney review a week of hardware hacks, including a laser-based cockroach neutralization system, a microscope built from DVD pickup sleds, and the manual conversion of DIP chips to QFN packages for a handheld NES. They also discuss prompt injection vulnerabilities in GPT-3, the history of the Q1 microcomputer, and sources for harvesting lithium-ion batteries.

    Mechanical engineeringAI & machine learning
    9 chapters

The summary, chapters and topics are generated from the episode’s audio by this directory, not written by The Next Byte Podcast. The episode itself belongs to its publisher.