Listen on Apple Podcasts

In this episode of the Next Frontier Podcast, Max sits down with his good friend Vlad Bouriakov, a Manufacturing Systems & Engineering Graduate student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, specializing in generative design. Max and Vlad to discuss the potential of generative design, and how Vlad took a highly-strategic approach to refine his engineering acumen throughout his undergraduate program, and now during his graduate degree.

[1:46] Introductions. Vlad shares his current job at University of Wisconsin-Madison

[2:20} Current projects and research. Vlad shares his current projects and the bold philosophy that drove him as an engineering undergrad

[4:38] Gearhead. Vlad explains what drove him to choose engineering as a major

[8:05] What is generative design?

[9:04] How did the field of generative design develop?

[12:24] What are the possible connections between quantum computing, generative design and quantum mechanics?

[13:24] Are we seeing artificial intelligence in generative design?

[15:40] What are some advanced tools you use in your work?

[17:28] How does complex machine learning fit into generative design?

[20:20} What kind of computer power is needed for generative power? (How many flops?)

[26:00] What are some tools that are used in generative design?

[42:38] How far are we from creating a simple user interface where we can input the engineering information and pop out a completed part?

[44:57] Vlad shares why he is optimistic about students going into engineering

[45:22] What is bio-mimicry and how can other biological-based principles impact generative design?

[53:04] Crickets & Mantis shrimp. Vlad shares how resilin allows crickets to jump faster & mantis shrimp to pack a really mean punch

[57:21] Where do you get the data for generative design?

[1:00:00] Oura Ring & Sleep analytics

[1:01:00] What promising new applications do you see in generative design?

[1:05:00] Importance of coding in engineering?

[1:06:00] What would you tell a manufacturing CEO and an undergrad student about generative design?

Vlad Bouriakov is a grad student and teaching assistant studying manufacturing systems and engineering and Virtual Reality/3D Scanning Chair of the UW Madison Makerspace,who worked with Max on one of the first prototypes of a hyperloop pod.

Vlad on Instagram<