In this episode we speak with Tony Rios, VP of Navigation Engineering at ANELLO Photonics, about a career spent building inertial navigation systems across space, consumer electronics, and aviation. Tony explains how he started on space shuttle navigation at Rockwell International, moved into satellite controls at The Aerospace Corporation, then joined Crossbow Technology as an early employee to help bring MEMS inertial systems into real products.
He shares what it took to embed algorithms on constrained hardware, calibrate low performance MEMS sensors, and deliver one of the first FAA certified MEMS Attitude Heading and Reference Systems for general aviation.
The conversation covers leadership paths, why Tony prefers small, technical teams, and how his work later expanded into Apple products including Vision Pro, and advanced air mobility at Archer Aviation. They close with a real example of handling a critical certification issue, owning mistakes, and solving complex problems in partnership with customers.
The Techne Connect Podcast 馃帶
Thank you for listening to Techne Connect! This podcast takes you inside the companies and conversations shaping the future of engineering.
From space and defence to robotics, AI, clean energy, advanced manufacturing and next-generation mobility, each episode features the founders, engineers and technology leaders building tomorrow's world.
Through candid discussions on innovation, leadership, product development and career journeys, the podcast uncovers the ideas, challenges and breakthroughs driving the world's fastest-moving industries. Whether you're an engineer, founder, investor or simply fascinated by emerging technology.
Techne Connect offers a front-row seat to the people creating what's next.
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