Ponoko

Ex-apple Engineers Launch Privacy-First AI Wearable

Robin Mitchell — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 17:00:00 +0000

Image Source – Pixabay

A new AI wearable from two ex-Apple Vision Pro engineers is drawing attention for its privacy-first approach, activating only when tapped rather than constantly listening. Inspired by the iPod Shuffle, its familiar, minimalist design intentionally avoids the pitfalls of always-on competitors. As the AI wearable market faces skepticism over privacy and usefulness, this device takes a more deliberate stance, offering control without demanding constant trust. Personally, I see this as a thoughtful step,

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World’s Biggest Humanoid Robotics Maker Unitree Is Going Public

Robin Mitchell — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 14:06:34 +0000

If you want a glimpse into robotics’ future, look no further than Unitree’s recent IPO filing. As an engineer, I’m impressed by how Unitree not only turned a profit but also managed to cut prices while scaling up; something rare in this space. The fact that over half their revenue came from exports until just last year speaks volumes about global demand. While humanoid robots aren’t on every shelf yet, this kind of growth and ambition is worth watching,

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Elon Musk Unveils $20 Billion TeraFab Chip Project

Robin Mitchell — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 18:49:15 +0000

If you’ve ever wondered what could truly disrupt the global chip industry, Elon Musk’s new $20 billion ‘TeraFab’ might just be it. I find it interesting that Tesla and SpaceX are bringing logic, memory, and packaging all under one roof, something I haven’t seen done at this scale before. While I’m intrigued by the rapid iteration this enables, I also remain skeptical with the numerous complexities that chip production brings. But, the potential here is hard to ignore,

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OpenAI Robotics Lead Quits Citing Ethics Concerns

Robin Mitchell — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 16:00:00 +0000

OpenAI’s robotics lead stepping down over ethical concerns caught my attention, as it shows the growing tension between innovation and responsibility in AI development. Caitlin Kalinowski’s principled resignation demonstrates that even cutting-edge engineering feats must respect clear boundaries, especially when national security and surveillance are involved. While OpenAI’s rapid Pentagon deal may seem opportunistic, it reminds us that ethical debates in technology are complex and still ongoing. Thus, as engineers, we must balance progress with careful oversight,

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Who Needs Data Centers In Space When They Can Float Offshore?

Robin Mitchell — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 04:02:23 +0000

Offshore data centers might sound like science fiction, but Aikido is making it real off Norway’s coast. Floating beneath a wind turbine solves power, cooling, and even neighborhood complaints, yet the ocean won’t be kind; corrosion and movement are serious challenges. I like that this isn’t flashy hype, but instead, real engineers confronting real problems, and that’s rare these days. If this scales to a 10-megawatt unit in the U.K., we could see a quiet revolution in how data centers work,

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Australia Achieves World-First Breakthrough In Underwater 3D Concrete Printing

Robin Mitchell — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 04:37:09 +0000

Australia has just pulled off something that makes me genuinely excited as an engineer, because underwater 3D concrete printing is a serious a game-changer in the field of construction, and they did it without chemical accelerators or bulky formwork. The team at the University of Wollongong proved that robotic precision can tame concrete beneath the waves, which makes repairing piers, building reefs, or even supporting offshore wind projects far more practical. I absolutely admire the mix of innovation and forward thinking here,

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China Tests AI Satellite Swarm For Space-based Computing

Robin Mitchell — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 02:50:01 +0000

China has quietly pushed space-based computing further than most of us imagined, and I find it particularly interesting because it shows what a small network of satellites can achieve when paired with AI. Zhejiang Lab’s swarm is already running multiple 8-billion-parameter models in orbit, and they’ve proven that satellites can talk to each other and share workloads. It’s impressive, and while I’m skeptical of grand claims, seeing near real-time surveys and gamma-ray detection handled in space makes me wonder how soon this will shift expectations for Earth-based data centers—and whether we’re ready for it.

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How You Should Code With AI

Robin Mitchell — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 02:19:09 +0000

Large language models have fundamentally changed how software is written, reviewed, and maintained, often faster than the industry has had time to reflect on the consequences. While AI-assisted coding can dramatically increase productivity, it has also given rise to practices that quietly undermine engineering discipline. One of the most visible is vibe coding, where working output is prioritized over understanding. This article examines why that approach is risky, not because AI is incapable,

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Apple Could Be Looking For New Chip Foundries

Robin Mitchell — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 14:28:36 +0000

Apple’s quiet look beyond TSMC this week has certainly caught my eye because supply chains matter as much as transistor counts, and this feels like a story worth following. After years of tight coupling, Apple is testing options while AI demand reshapes foundry priorities, and that shift affects everyone building silicon. I’m cautiously optimistic because spreading risk can strengthen resilience, and lower tier chips rarely need the bleeding edge. In this story, Intel’s name surfaces again,

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SpaceX Formalizes Plan To Build 1 Million Satellite Orbital Data Center System

Robin Mitchell — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 06:05:06 +0000

SpaceX’s plan to launch a million satellites as orbital data centers is audacious, and it caught my attention not just because of the scale but because of the engineering implications. While the idea of AI compute in orbit is fascinating and potentially game-changing, the sheer density raises concerns about collisions and space debris, which could hinder future launches. I find it hard not to admire the ambition, yet we also need to reckon with the practical limits of orbital management,

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The AI Bubble: The Blessing In Disguise

Robin Mitchell — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 15:18:33 +0000

Artificial intelligence has grown from a niche research curiosity into a technology that touches nearly every part of daily life, from the apps we use to the machines that run our industries. Over the past few years, AI has evolved at a pace few could have predicted, moving from simple neural networks to systems capable of intelligent conversation, creative production, and problem-solving that rivals human performance in specific domains.

This rapid expansion has captured the imagination of investors,

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Why Open-Source Matters For The Future Of Hardware

Robin Mitchell — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 13:38:01 +0000

For most of modern technological history, hardware development has been dominated by closed and proprietary design practices. Schematics are hidden, firmware is locked down, and manufacturing details are treated as closely guarded trade secrets. While this model has enabled many foundational technologies by protecting investment and encouraging commercial risk-taking, its limitations are becoming increasingly visible. Repairability is declining, product lifespans are shortening, and innovation is often constrained by legal rather than technical barriers. So in this article,

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Why Open-Source Matters For the Future of Hardware

Robin Mitchell — Tue, 13 Jan 2026 07:24:08 +0000

So in this article,

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Startup Claims A First For Manufacturing Semiconductors In Space

Robin Mitchell — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 17:00:00 +0000

Space Forge has sparked plasma aboard ForgeStar-1, and must admire the audacity of this development because it’s the first commercial satellite to attempt semiconductor manufacturing in orbit. While many dream of space-based tech, this step proves extreme conditions for crystal growth can be tamed outside Earth’s gravity, and it hints at cleaner, higher-performance materials for power electronics and quantum systems. I find the hybrid model particularly intriguing, as returning space-grown seeds to Earth bridges ambition with practicality,

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EPA Launches Clean Air Act Resource For Data Centers

Robin Mitchell — Wed, 17 Dec 2025 13:53:58 +0000

The EPA has just launched a Clean Air Act resource tailored for data centers. It gathers guidance on permits, emissions limits, and construction rules, and even offers direct access to EPA staff for questions, which is surprisingly practical. While some may see government guidance as bureaucracy at its finest, this actually feels like a step toward making AI infrastructure expansion more predictable and manageable, and it’s worth a look if you’re involved in data center development.

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Researchers Create Robotic Skin To Restore Touch In Prosthetics

Robin Mitchell — Tue, 11 Nov 2025 18:31:51 +0000

Imagine a prosthetic hand that can actually feel the objects it touches, and robots navigating complex environments with the subtlety of human fingers. That’s what Arman Arezoomand is chasing with his soft, bio-inspired robotic skin, and it’s not just science fiction. While the project could transform prosthetics for amputees, it also pushes the boundaries of embodied AI and precision manufacturing, and I find it genuinely exciting because it blends engineering rigor with real-world human impact,

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ChatGPT Owner OpenAI Signs $38bn Deal With Amazon

Robin Mitchell — Mon, 03 Nov 2025 20:27:20 +0000

OpenAI’s new $38 billion partnership with Amazon marks a major step in securing the computing power needed for its next generation of AI models. The deal grants long-term access to Nvidia GPUs through AWS, expanding OpenAI’s infrastructure beyond Microsoft. From an engineering perspective, it highlights just how critical scalable hardware has become in modern AI development. It’s impressive to see such rapid growth in compute partnerships, though it also shows how resource-intensive these systems really are.

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Researchers Warn AI Can Be Weaponized To Plant Flaws In Computer Chips

Robin Mitchell — Mon, 20 Oct 2025 16:00:00 +0000

AI-generated hardware Trojans are no longer just theory, and NYU Tandon’s study demonstrates how generative models can embed subtle chip flaws while requiring minimal experience. These findings matter because hardware cannot be patched, yet the exercise also highlights an opportunity: it reinforces the importance of thorough design review and component provenance. While the risks are real, they encourage engineers to anticipate vulnerabilities and build more resilient systems, and this work offers a clear lens on how AI intersects with hardware evolution.

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People In Factories Are The Past. Robots Take Lead

Robin Mitchell — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 16:00:00 +0000

Factories without people sound like science fiction, yet physical AI is making it real. Robots that can see, understand, and act are leaving the lab and moving into warehouses, hospitals, and eventually full-scale manufacturing. What interests me most is how AI is taking on physical problem-solving. While humanoids still feel far away, task-focused machines are already proving their worth, and I think that’s where the real opportunity lies. For engineers, this shift is worth watching closely,

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SpaceX Starship Success. Lands In Ocean Mostly Intact

Robin Mitchell — Fri, 29 Aug 2025 16:00:00 +0000

SpaceX’s latest Starship test finally broke the streak of fiery failures, and I have to admit, it was exciting to watch. The massive rocket thundered off the pad, separated cleanly, and even coasted nearly 200 km above Earth before returning. Sure, the flaps caught fire and shook violently, but that’s part of stress-testing, and it shows SpaceX’s willingness to push hardware to its limits. With NASA banking on Starship for Artemis, this flight feels like a genuine turning point,

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US In Talks Over 10% Intel Stake, White House Confirms

Robin Mitchell — Fri, 22 Aug 2025 11:46:11 +0000

Intel may soon find itself with a rather unusual partner, the US government. Talks are underway for Washington to take a 10% stake in the chipmaker, a move tied to national security and America’s push for semiconductor independence. While it’s rare to see government equity in a healthy company, I can see the logic: Intel’s ability to manufacture advanced chips on home soil is strategically vital. For engineers like us, this signals just how central semiconductors have become in geopolitics.

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OpenMind Wants To Be The Android Operating System Of Humanoid Robots

Robin Mitchell — Fri, 08 Aug 2025 13:14:47 +0000

OpenMind’s ambition to become the “Android” of humanoid robots signals a notable shift in robotics, one where software and human-like interaction take center stage. Their focus on open, hardware-agnostic systems that allow machines to learn and collaborate quickly, is crucial for real-world adaptability. While the idea of robots sharing knowledge instantly is exciting, it’s also a reminder that the technology must remain practical and reliable. OpenMind’s approach of rapid iteration shows promise, and it’s worth watching how these systems evolve as they enter homes and daily life.

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Abu Dhabi Firm Looks To Build Data Centers In Space

Robin Mitchell — Mon, 28 Jul 2025 17:06:15 +0000

Datacenters have become the backbone of modern society, but for all their benefits they do present a number of challenges. One such challenge is their energy consumption, and how it is squeezing the capabilities of energy providers, while another challenge would be the resulting environmental challenges caused by the energy production. Now, a startup in Abu Dhabi is looking to put datacenters into space, with the hope of alleviating these difficulties while looking to unlock new opportunities.

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Ponoko Podcast EP02 – Legiit

Robin Mitchell — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 18:36:21 +0000

In the second episode of the Ponoko Podcast, we dive into the world of engineering, prototyping, and rapid product development, featuring conversations with some of the brightest minds in tech and business. In this episode, we talked to Chris M. Walker, founder of the Legit.com freelance marketplace and B2B growth expert, as he shares his journey from a “dead-end” IT job to building a thriving platform that empowers startups, small businesses, and engineers to launch and scale their ideas.

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First AI-powered Self-monitoring Satellite Launched Into Space

Robin Mitchell — Tue, 08 Jul 2025 08:34:19 +0000

A fridge-sized satellite is set to change space tech by using onboard AI to monitor and predict its own power system health, cutting design and launch time to just 13 months. This leap isn’t just about speed but about smarter autonomy in orbit, which will reduce reliance on ground control and improve mission resilience. While some may doubt AI’s role in critical systems, this project shows cautious optimism is warranted when innovation meets rigorous engineering.

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Top Surgical Robotics Companies Agree On Remote Surgery Guidelines

Robin Mitchell — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 14:24:33 +0000

Remote surgery just took a big step forward, as Sovato and leading surgical robotics firms have agreed on the first technical guidelines for robotic telesurgery. While many talk about transformative healthcare, productive industry collaboration like this can actually solve real problems, such as regional surgeon shortages. By prioritizing patient safety and technical standards, these guidelines create a much-needed foundation for progress; and although there’s much more work ahead, it’s encouraging to see practical innovation that could extend quality care worldwide.

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China To Trial Aged Care Robots

Robin Mitchell — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 15:18:39 +0000

If you’ve ever wondered what elder care will look like in 20 years, China may be giving us a preview. The country is greenlighting large-scale trials of aged care robots that can cook, clean, and even offer emotional support—and I have to admit, it’s both fascinating and slightly surreal. Personally, I’m curious to see whether this blend of robotics and real-world care hits the mark. Engineering like this can solve real problems, but I’ll always believe there’s no full substitute for human hands and human hearts.

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Intel Boasts Chip Package The Size Of A Dinner Plate

Robin Mitchell — Tue, 10 Jun 2025 16:00:00 +0000

Moore’s Law might be sputtering, but Intel isn’t backing down. Their latest packaging tech stitches together chips like a high-tech quilt, cramming over 10,000 mm² of silicon into a single package, roughly the size of four credit cards side by side. Now bigger isn’t always better, as thermal management and interconnect bottlenecks remain hurdles, but Intel’s EMIB-T and reinforced heat spreaders show promise. If they pull this off, it could keep AI’s hunger for compute at bay,

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Our New Infrastructure Equals New Experience

Robin Mitchell — Mon, 02 Jun 2025 16:00:00 +0000

This week we upgraded our core infrastructure to the latest long-term-support versions of Ubuntu, Ruby, and Rails. This refresh addressed security vulnerabilities and established our upgrade path through 2034. We also migrated from our previous background job system to Rails’ native job queue, eliminating two dedicated worker machines and reducing processing bottlenecks.

The practical impact: file uploads, quote generation, and order tracking now run faster based on our internal benchmarks. You’ll also see fewer latency spikes during high-traffic periods.

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Trump Wants Coal To Power AI Data Centers

Robin Mitchell — Tue, 27 May 2025 04:00:00 +0000

AI doesn’t run on dreams, it runs on power, and lots of it. With Trump calling for coal to fuel data centers, the conversation around energy and AI just got a lot hotter. As an engineer, I get the grid reliability argument—especially when demand is exploding—but I also see why the hyperscalers aren’t biting. There’s a tension here: keep the lights on, or keep the ESG folks happy. Whether you like the idea or not,

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