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The Next Byte Podcast

We're two engineers on a mission to make interesting technology easy to understand. In each episode, we explore tech that is going to change the world – and keep it entertaining along the way.

252 episodes · 100 hours · since 2021

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The Next Byte Podcast is filed under robotics, engineering and product development. Its most recent episode published on , so it is still actively publishing. Listeners have left 41 ratings on Apple Podcasts, averaging 4.8 out of 5.

Latest episodes

The 10 newest episodes of The Next Byte Podcast, each with a summary and chapters.

  • · 1h 05m

    251. Michael Corr & Justin Sears on How Altium & Duro Are Fueling the Next Generation of Hardware Startups

    Michael Corr, co-founder and CEO of Duro, and Justin Sears, Head of Product Marketing at Altium, discuss how Duro’s cloud-based PLM platform and Altium’s Agile Teams are breaking down silos between electrical, mechanical, and procurement teams. They explain how Duro’s API-first architecture enables specialized AI agents to automate tasks like BOM analysis and part sourcing, addressing the critical need for real-time supply chain visibility. The conversation highlights the acquisition of Duro by Altium, the shift from selling 'vitamins' to 'medicine' for hardware startups, and the resurgence of small, fast-moving hardware companies leveraging modern tooling.

    Design for manufacturing & NPIAI & machine learning
    9 chapters

  • · 22m

    250. MIT’s Injectable Mini Liver Could Save Thousands of Lives

    MIT researchers Professor Sangita Batia and post-doc Vardhan Kumar developed INSIGHT, an injectable 'satellite liver' using hydrogel beads and hepatocytes to support failing livers without surgery. The hosts discuss how this material scaffold prevents cell death, allowing injected cells to survive for 8 weeks in mice and potentially treat multiple patients from one donor. They highlight the accessibility of the procedure, which requires only a syringe and ultrasound, contrasting it with the high barrier of traditional transplants. The episode also covers Pandora Technologies' 3D-printed cornea solutions as a parallel innovation in additive manufacturing for medical applications.

    Medical & health devicesMaterials & manufacturing processes
    6 chapters

  • · 21m

    249. Harvard’s Smartwatch Makes You Run Faster & Safer

    The hosts discuss research from Harvard’s School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, led by Connor Walsh, Daniel Lieberman, and Lauren Baker, which uses low-cost inertial measurement units (IMUs) to estimate ground reaction forces and running biomechanics. They explain how machine learning models trained on these inexpensive sensors can predict braking and propulsion forces with high accuracy, allowing for real-time feedback on running form and injury risk without laboratory equipment. The conversation highlights the potential for democratizing gait analysis through affordable wearables, noting the system's ability to adapt to new users within just eight steps.

    Sensors & measurement in productsAI & machine learning
    5 chapters

  • · 59m

    248. Xometry’s Oscar Lovera & How AI Is Rebuilding Manufacturing

    Oscar Lovera, COO at Xometry, explains how the AI-powered manufacturing marketplace is digitizing the sourcing of custom parts by integrating design, quoting, and manufacturability feedback into a single workflow. He discusses the shift from traditional, disconnected RFQ processes to instant, scalable matching between engineers and a global network of manufacturers, including CNC, 3D printing, and injection molding partners. Lovera emphasizes that while AI automates repetitive tasks, human expertise remains critical for complex problem-solving, trust-building, and ensuring operational excellence, arguing that strong processes matter more than flashy equipment. He also shares his perspective on supply chain resilience, advocating for global flexibility over local sourcing and highlighting the importance of intentional career choices for future engineers.

    Manufacturing partners & offshoringAI & machine learning
    12 chapters

  • · 18m

    247. NASA’s Electric Thruster That Could Take Us to Mars

    The hosts discuss NASA’s recent breakthrough in Magnetoplasmadynamic (MPD) electric propulsion, developed by NASA JPL, NASA Glenn, and Princeton University, which uses vaporized lithium to generate high thrust. They explain how this technology, operating at 120 kilowatts with a goal of 500 kilowatts to 1 megawatt, offers a 'happy medium' between fuel-heavy chemical rockets and low-thrust ion drives, potentially enabling faster human missions to Mars. The episode also covers a sponsor segment on hydrogen fuel cells for vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) drones, contrasting their energy density with battery limitations.

    Energy & climate techMaterials & manufacturing processes
    5 chapters

  • · 14m

    246. Future of Bone Repair Starts with a 3D Printer

    The hosts discuss a breakthrough by researchers from ETH Zurich, Empa, and the University of Freiburg in creating a 3D printable bone scaffold that hardens at room temperature. They explain how this enzyme-driven process using alkaline phosphatase and gelatin solves the trade-off between mechanical strength and porosity, allowing real bone to grow back faster. The team demonstrated that a small 2cm by 2cm section of this synthetic bone could support the weight of an average human, marking a significant step toward custom, accessible medical implants.

    Medical & health devicesPrototyping & iteration
    5 chapters

  • · 17m

    245. No More 3D Print Failures Thanks To… AI?

    PhD candidate Yayati Jadhav and Professor Alireza Farimani at Carnegie Mellon University developed a self-correcting 3D printing system using a multi-agent AI framework. The system uses cameras and a vision language model to detect defects in real-time, allowing the printer to adjust parameters like flow rate and temperature mid-print. This closed-loop approach resulted in a 5X increase in peak load capacity and consistently identified failure points better than human experts. The hosts discuss how this technology could be retrofitted onto existing high-end machines to move beyond simple detection to autonomous correction.

    AI & machine learningPrototyping & iteration
    6 chapters

  • · 47m

    244. The Hidden Power of Engineers as Storytellers (with Mouser’s Matt Campbell & Ricky Flores)

    Matt Campbell and Ricky Flores, Technical Marketing Engineers at Mouser Electronics, discuss their transition from traditional engineering roles to customer-facing positions that bridge the gap between semiconductor suppliers and developers. They highlight specific technologies like the STM32N6 microcontroller and the Synaptics Astra 1680 processor, which enable low-cost AI and computer vision projects for makers. The conversation also covers the importance of communication skills for engineers, the 'button renaissance' in hardware design, and Mouser's rapid logistics capabilities, including same-hour shipping and robotic arms.

    Embedded firmwareCareers & education
    10 chapters

  • · 21m

    243. Cycling’s “Supersuit” Moment is Here

    Hosts Daniel and the narrator discuss Harvard University researchers David Farrell, Katia Bertoldi, and Connor Walsh who developed adaptive aerodynamic textiles for cyclists. They explain how a lattice structure allows the fabric to change dimple geometry under strain, mimicking golf ball aerodynamics to reduce drag by up to 20%. The episode also covers Danit Peleg’s work on 3D-printed fashion to reduce textile waste and compares the technology to banned Speedo LZR Racer swimsuits and F1 drag reduction systems.

    Materials & manufacturing processesIndustrial & consumer product design
    5 chapters

  • · 43m

    242. Mouser’s Matt Bell & The Next Generation of Automated Warehouses

    Matt Bell, Vice President of Outbound Operations at Mouser Electronics, explains how the company scaled its 115,000-square-foot warehouse to ship 20,000–25,000 orders daily using a mix of automation and human-centric design. He details the deployment of 220 vertical lift modules (VLMs) and auto store systems, emphasizing a philosophy of using technology to augment workers rather than replace them. Bell also discusses the strategic decision to develop in-house software for the auto store to maintain flexibility, and shares leadership advice on listening to frontline employees and developing critical thinking skills.

    Scaling productionFactory operations & automation
    9 chapters

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