Time to read: 2 min
This month’s hardware roundup includes recent stories on hardware acquisitions, greener manufacturing, aerospace launches, and much more. Want to share an interesting article, job posting, or event in Hardware Roundup? Submit your link here, and we’ll do our best to include it in the next issue.
Industry News
Foxconn continues to diversify its business with a bid to buy Belkin for $866 million. + Plantronics will acquire Polycom in a deal worth $2 Billion. [Via no jitter]
March 21 was the second annual Rosie the Riveter Day, and Industry Week asked panelists from their upcoming Women in Manufacturing meetup about their female STEM role models. + Listen to The Prepared Interview with Danielle Applestone, CEO of Bantum Tools, to hear about her work supporting manufacturers’ efforts to hire more women.
In an attempt to reduce plastic waste, LEGO will launch a range of plant-based plastic pieces. + To reduce their chemical footprint, Levi’s will begin using lasers to lighten denim jeans and give them that worn design. [Via Quartzy]
Kittyhawk unveiled Cora, their electric autonomous aircraft that doesn’t need a runway to take off or land. + The world’s largest jet engine took its first flight; its GE engine fan blades are made from advanced carbon fiber composites. [Via GE]
Hardware Knowledge
Quartz produced an excellent feature on shipping containers, covering their history, technology, and future. + Infographic of the top exports from every country. [Via Visual Capitalist]
How to get a round disk through a smaller square in a piece of paper. [Via Tadashi Tokieda]
How hardware startups can work with contract manufacturers from Kickstarter-backed companies. [Via Hardware Studio] + An in-depth look at American Giant’s manufacturing supply chain.
By utilizing old recycled batteries, people are building their own versions of Tesla’s Powerwall that are cheaper and can store more. + Putting a Tesla drivetrain into a 1981 Honda Accord. [Via Jalopnik]
Events + Community
On April 4, Spencer Wright (The Prepared) hosts the NY Hardware Startup meetup.
The SF Hardware Startup Meetup hosts Kickstarter, Avnet, + Dragon Innovation on April 18.
Hardware Con kicks off at the San Jose Convention Center on April 19.
The Silicon Valley Hardware Happy Hour takes place April 26.
Cooper Perkins has a number of ME and EE roles open in their East Coast and West Coast offices.
Ben at Spark Grills is looking for a technical ME to help bring their grill to the next stage.
For the Love of Engineering
Solving a Rubik’s cube in 0.38 seconds. Learn how they did it.
Until next month!
Fin, Hardware Evangelist at Fictiv
