Episode 128: The Tech Friends discuss their favorite holiday movies and shows. Elissa is hopeful for the future of space travel… once heat shields are squared away. Benjamin reports on video generation powered by AI LLMs. Stephen raises concerns over excessive energy consumption by AI.

Episode 127: Ben and Steve both have some interesting testbed updates and conclude that having a solid in-house IT team on hand is vital for implementing new OT (operational technology) systems. The tech friends lighten things up by reflecting on their Thanksgiving and what they did with their leftovers. Afterward, Benjamin talks about interleaved hybrid manufacturing processes and beam shaping. Stephen closes with China’s export ban of superhard materials to the US.

Episode 126: Steve immediately kicks it off with a listicle regarding the ten most disruptive 3D printers in history. The tech friends then discuss sandwiches and augmented reality glasses. Steve also reports that Georgia Tech has a replica of the AMT testbed to co-develop automation solutions with/for AMT. Benjamin shares that the Perplexity CEO offers to replace the NYTs striking workers with AI. Elissa closes with Apple’s offer of $1M to whoever can hack them.

Episode 125: The testbed has a new computer, and it was built in-house! The tech friends discuss and the death of door-to-door trick-or-treating. Elissa reports on Hershey’s multi-million dollar investment in supply chain development. Steve shares some numbers from the 2024 IFR World Robotics report. Ben closes with his hot take on the new McLaren W1 hypercar.

Episode 124: It’s been a minute since IMTS 2024 and the last formal episode, so the Tech Friends kick things off with a lively discussion over… wait, Steve kicks things off with a testbed update! Then a lively discussion breaks out with topics ranging from corporate lingo that needs to die to a new derogatory term for robots and then feelings on autonomous passenger vehicles. Steve then attempts to explain NPUs. Ben talks about inspection. Elissa closes by listing the top 15 countries in 3D printing.

Episode 123: The Tech Friends kick things off with a lively discussion over EVs versus hybrids and battery alternatives such as capacitors, flywheels, and hydrogen. Steve announces his first two successful and reliable robot arm programs. Elissa says NASA is sending gardeners to space. Ben thinks mobile robots need more computers. Stephen closes with what happened to Craftsman tools.

Episode 122: The Tech Friends are ready for IMTS 2024 and can’t wait to be back in Chicago. Stephen has evolved into a roboticist, at least he thinks he has. Elissa reports that Wall Street doesn’t think AI will ever make money. Benjamin and Steve discuss the full speed ahead popularity in humanoid robotics. Elissa closes with why AI will never be sentient.

Episode 121: The Tech Friends are wrapping up their pre-IMTS vacations. Stephen announces a few testbed updates before handing it off to Ben who emphasizes the importance of data architecture in manufacturing. Steve then geeks out about Kawasaki’s steaming hot hydrogen-powered and supercharged motorcycle. Elissa closes with her fascination with the AI-powered surveillance and security implemented at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Episode 119: The Tech Friends miss bread garages and want them back! Stephen is excited about 3D-printed flow-through suppressors… for leaf blowers! Steve also has testbed updates! Ben has some disagreements regarding the U.S. robot roadmap. Elissa reports on some metal 3D printing IN SPACE aboard the ISS. Finally, Stephen closes with an announcement that he’s got word on a manufacturing domain-specific LLM on the way!

Episode 118: Ramia is back from her travels in Japan, and the tech friends pick her brain about the trip and, most importantly, the culinary experience. Steve has testbed updates: things are happening slowly but surely. Ben shares some insights from a recently published government report on the 2023 U.S. manufacturing industry. Stephen didn’t appreciate a clickbaity title from a NASA article. Lastly, Elissa reports that NASA has a new Chief AI Officer.