Best Mechatronics Podcasts (2025)

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Designed for Life - In conversation with Amazon Mechatronics Engineering Apprentice Olivia Lane 1:02:22

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20d ago1:02:22

1:02:22

One pattern that has repeated across the 108 podcasts published since Designed for Life launched in the summer of 2020 is the role of serendipity in aligning people and their careers. Today's podcast is a case in point. Driven by a primal desire to help people, Olivia set her heart on a career in medicine. School and academia did not come easily to…

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US Workers Ponder the Threat of Robotics 18:22

2M ago18:22

18:22

The march of automation and manufacturing has always been associated with the fear of job loss. The rapid advancement of industrial robotics in the last 20 years has created a cottage industry of speculation over the economic and societal shift caused by a reduced need for workers on the assembly line. US manufacturing workers live in a high wage n…

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Designed for Life - In conversation with Julie Brierley (Head of Learning and Engagement, RAF Museum, Midlands). 57:25

2M ago57:25

57:25

You can cover so much learning within the confines of the classroom, but with design & technology education, whether at the primary or secondary level, a carefully planned educational visit can add so much. At the Design & Technology Association, we are always seeking potential visits to recommend to teachers and their students. With this in mind, …

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Designed for Life - Reset Short Update 10:40

2M ago10:40

10:40

We have been offline for a short while whilst we evaluate, reconsider where the podcast is heading and reset. This is the first of what will be a regular series of brief updates between the main podcasts. In these, we aim to tell you what we are up to at the Design & Technology Association, highlight any primary areas of work you might not be aware…

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Italian machine tech and why it endures in uncertain times 16:05

3M ago16:05

16:05

The Trump Administration’s tariff regime has sent shockwaves around the manufacturing world, and has made ”re-shoring" the new word in American manufacturing. Machinery, however, is a global commodity, and some of the highest technology machinery is from European and Asian sources that previously enjoyed an open trading relationship with the US. Dr…

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Robots, drones, AGVs: it’s all about navigation 21:13

3M ago21:13

21:13

Self-driving cars, drones, humanoid robots. They are all over the news and popular culture today and are technologies that need a critical capability: navigation. It’s been true for thousands of years, and for most of human history, dead reckoning was a rare skill, and a black art. “Shooting” stars with the sextant is still an option for sport sail…

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Drone helicopters with multiple applications 17:07

3M ago17:07

17:07

Drones are everywhere today, from suburban backyards to battlefields. In between these extremes is a huge market for useful pilotless aircraft for remote inspection, payload delivery and remote sensing. SwissDrones is one of a new breed of small aerospace companies that use advanced design and development tools to deliver complex projects quickly a…

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One tool, to make everything? 20:26

3M ago20:26

20:26

Manufacturing engineers call it the “death zone”. Some call it the “scaling conundrum”. Once a design is finalized, and a prototype made, it’s frequently expensive and difficult to create the pilot runs and small volume production that’s essential to test market and validate a new product. It’s far too expensive to tool up for mass production of a …

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AI powered mass collaboration for engineering 17:51

3M ago17:51

17:51

COVID 19 generated an unprecedented demand for remote work and created a demand for mass collaboration tools that let designers work as unified teams, without a physical presence. For many tasks, it’s relatively simple, but in the architecture, engineering and construction space, substantially different systems, designs and skills must be sequenced…

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An AI first: building electrical layout 16:04

3M ago16:04

16:04

Building engineering is a unique form of craft and science, blending multiple materials, processes and design methodologies. Cabling a modern structure means coping with power and signal conductors which must be routed efficiently through complex structures, a 3D puzzle which challenges even the most experienced engineers. Toronto-based Augment is …

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The future of artificial intelligence isn’t what you think 16:28

3M ago16:28

16:28

Few emerging technologies have generated as much interest, research and concern as AI, and in the engineering space, it’s no different. It is now clear that AI represents a tool of unprecedented power to streamline engineering workflows, but at the rapid pace of development, it is quickly evolving into something more. The art and science of enginee…

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Designed for Life - In conversation with Chris Black 59:08

3M ago59:08

59:08

In this podcast, we are going to test your knowledge of UK manufacturing, your memory, and empathy for items that, by their very nature, invoke nostalgia, as we take you through a journey that transcends technological change and leads through a combination of determination, an 'old-fashioned' desire to be the very best in a field, and contains equa…

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Why the future is mechatronic 17:40

4M ago17:40

17:40

Mechatronics blends mechanical engineering, electronics, control systems, and computing into one intelligent system. Without it, self-parking cars, smart thermostats, and precision robotics simply won’t work reliably in the real world. This blend of mechanical systems, electronics and software has blurred the lines between traditional engineering d…

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What happens when edge computing with AI comes to the shop floor? 19:42

5M ago19:42

19:42

Edge computing is the logical extension of the smart sensor technology which drastically improved control of manufacturing processes in the 1980s and ‘90s. Moving the computational burden down to the plant floor has multiple benefits, but it has also created new challenges. Where does artificial intelligence fit in? What does process control really…

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Why gallium nitride is the next big thing in semiconductors 22:05

5M ago22:05

22:05

Wide band gap semiconductors like gallium nitride appear to be a case where you can have your cake and eat it too. With a high breakdown voltage, and a higher switching frequency compared to silicon, the technology would lend itself to multiple applications, but GaN devices also offer higher power density and high thermal conductivity, making them …

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Designed for Life - New Blades 2025 1:02:50

5M ago1:02:50

1:02:50

New Blades is an annual model-making exhibition and recruitment fair held in London each year, showcasing the work of graduating students from various UK universities and colleges. It's a key event for connecting emerging talent in the model-making industry with employers and professionals. The event is organized by 4D Modelshop, a major supplier t…

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New materials for safer, better surgical procedures 22:19

6M ago22:19

22:19

Minimally invasive, catheter-based surgical procedures have drastically improved outcomes and recovery times in critical procedures such as heart valve replacement, and as the technology advances, new procedures are evolving which promise the same benefits enjoyed by cardiac patients to patients suffering from renal, prostate and other diseases. Th…

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Designed for Life - In conversation with Helen Cuthill (CEO Smallpeice Trust) 1:01:39

6M ago1:01:39

1:01:39

The Smallpeice Trust is a charity dedicated to inspiring young people to explore careers in science and engineering. It was founded in 1966 by the British engineer and entrepreneur Dr. Cosby Smallpeice (who invented the Smallpeice Lathe). The trust exists to help young people turn their passion and ideas into reality. In 1991, a group of committed …

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Still waiting for that personal humanoid robot? It’s coming. 20:30

6M ago20:30

20:30

In 1962, an animated sitcom debuted on television called the Jetsons. It predicted a future with extensive automation of every aspect of life, from cleaning the floors to operating factories. Much of it has come true, with extensive robotic operation now commonplace in manufacturing, supply chain services and increasingly, in medicine. But that hum…

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Designed for Life - In conversation with STEM Racing's Andrew Denford 1:01:26

6M ago1:01:26

1:01:26

Many people familiar with this podcast will recognise the name 'F1 in Schools', a design, teamwork and engineering challenge that has existed in schools for over two decades. Some of you will have competed in either regional or, if you are fortunate enough, national finals. Others...I want to say the elite few, as getting there is some achievement,…

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E8: Engineering Smarter with EPLAN for Electrical, Automation & Mechatronic Design 24:21

6M ago24:21

24:21

In this episode of Run Mode, host Terry Busch sits down with Mitch Lawrence from Eplan to discuss the powerful capabilities of the Eplan platform. From electrical design to automation and mechatronics, we explore how Eplan helps engineers streamline workflows, reduce design errors, and accelerate project timelines. Mitch shares insights on how Epla…

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Electric actuators were predicted to replace fluid power. What happened? 16:43

7M ago16:43

16:43

20 years ago, many mechanical engineering experts predicted that hydraulics were dead. Rapid advancements in electric linear and rotary actuators promised an oil-less future, with cleaner, quieter and more energy efficient equipment, with lower overall cost of ownership and operating costs. Despite considerable advancements in electric actuator tec…

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Designed for Life - In conversation with Senior Lecturer in Primary Education Janine Pavlis 59:09

7M ago59:09

59:09

In this episode, we focus on primary education, specifically design and technology education in the primary phase. Our guest in this episode is Senior Lecturer in Primary Education at St.Mary's University, Twickenham, Janine Pavlis. In recent years, we at the Design & Technology Association have seen significant growth in our primary membership cat…

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Designed for Life - In conversation with Aakeen Parikh 57:48

7M ago57:48

57:48

Dr Aakeen Parikh is a mechanical engineer with a background in research, design, sustainable technologies, and social impact. She currently works as the Project Manager for the Vehicle Future Hub at Imperial College London. Aakeen discovered engineering through her passion for product design, and she has worked on numerous projects over the years. …

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Designed for Life - Live at Simon Langton Boys School, Kent (Part 2) 1:06:13

7M ago1:06:13

1:06:13

In this, the second episode of a two-part mini-series, we continue exploring the journey of school design and technology leaders and departments as we visit and speak with staff, students, and parents at Simon Langton Boys' Grammar School in Canterbury, Kent. Before anyone assumes this is a story of overprivileged students enjoying an experience fa…

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Electrification delivers sustainability to off-highway applications 28:35

8M ago28:35

28:35

This episode is brought to you by Parker. Sustainability is no longer marketing hype, it’s a fundamental part of the way machines are engineered in the 21st century. The electric vehicle revolution is in full swing in the automotive industry, but internal combustion engines power a lot more than on-the-road vehicles. Equipment in the mining, constr…

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Designed for Life - Live at Simon Langton Boys School, Kent (Part 1) 58:13

8M ago58:13

58:13

In this episode, we continue exploring the journey of school design and technology leaders and departments as we visit and talk with staff, students, and parents at the Simon Langton Boys Grammar School in Canterbury, Kent. Before anyone decides this is a story of overprivileged students enjoying an experience created by money and connections, plea…

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How digital is digital manufacturing in 2025? 19:38

8M ago19:38

19:38

Computer-aided manufacturing has been around in one form or another since the 1960s, but the ability to program CNC equipment was only the beginning. Today, manufacturers are expected to aggregate, integrate and act on vast amounts of data generated on the shop floor, as well as from multiple departments within the organization, and on down the sup…

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The truth about AI in manufacturing 21:27

8M ago21:27

21:27

Engineering.com senior editor Michael Ouellette covers global manufacturing, including the hottest topic today, artificial intelligence. But is it all it’s cracked up to be? Ouellete is skeptical, and pulls no punches in conversation with host of the Industry Insights & Trends podcast edition, Jim Anderton. * * * engineering.com produces a number o…

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Designed for Life - In conversation with Dean Kamen & Chris Hatherall 59:51

8M ago59:51

59:51

This is a big episode for Designed for Life, as we proudly reach number 100! We are delighted to have Dean Kamen, an American engineer, inventor, and businessman, on the show. Dean is known for his inventions of the Segway, iBOT, and Slingshot (a water purification system) and for founding what he proudly calls his greatest invention, FIRST. In thi…

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Will simulation replace engineers? 20:17

9M ago20:17

20:17

Today’s advanced design software often includes the capability to do advanced computational tasks that ere traditionally done by physical testing. The original engineering methodology was always iterative. Design, test, break and redesign has been the hallmark of engineering for millennia, but a new generation of advanced tools suggest a future whe…

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What’s the state-of-the-art in additive manufacturing? 17:02

9M ago17:02

17:02

It’s been said that additive manufacturing is the newest 25-year-old technology in industry. The science-fiction quality of complex part making from powder or liquid precursors does seem like magic, but it has evolved from a laboratory curiosity to a serious manufacturing technology. The aerospace industry has fully embraced 3D printing, and many c…

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Designed forn Life - Live at Newstead Wood School 1:16:51

9M ago1:16:51

1:16:51

How do you build a successful design & technology department from the ground up with an entirely new staff? What curriculum changes should you make at KS3, KS4 and KS5 to ensure you stretch and challenge what are undoubtedly very bright students? What physical changes can you make to the department's look, feel and function when the budget is tight…

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Designed for Life - In conversation with Marisa Kurimbokus IET Young Woman Engineer of the Year 2024 59:58

10M ago59:58

59:58

In this episode, we are delighted to welcome Marisa Kurimbokus, who was announced as the IET Young Woman Engineer of the Year 2024 at the end of last year. In the podcast, we follow Marisa's journey from primary school, where a teacher dropped what I can only assume was a casual comment, but it is one that sticks with her to this day. Through secon…

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E7: Global Standards, Personalized Touch with Rittal 16:51

10M ago16:51

16:51

Rittal is renowned for its comprehensive range of enclosures and housing solutions tailored to diverse industrial needs. From the innovative TS 8 Power Isolation Enclosure system, designed for optimal space utilization and modularity, to specialized enclosures for hygienic applications in the food and beverage industry, Rittal ensures robust, adapt…

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Designed for Life - Live at Arts University Bournemouth 1:00:33

10M ago1:00:33

1:00:33

In this episode, we take the podcast on the road to Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) and talk with YouTube stalwarts Brothers Make, Louise Dennis, Curator at MoDiP (Museum of Design in Plastics) and Will Strange, Senior Lecturer and Course Leader (Sustainable Design) at AUB. The podcast was recorded on February 5th in the main lecture theatre at t…

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Resilience, Revolution, and Reflection 1:18:55

11M ago1:18:55

1:18:55

Talk to us! 🎙️ We're Back! The first episode of our new season is finally here, and it's packed with heartfelt conversations and powerful reflections! We kicked things off by addressing our struggle with consistency (yes, we admit it!) and shared our exciting new plan to keep The Castronics Podcast alive and thriving. Then, we dived into a deeply m…

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Designed for Life - In conversation with Titi Oliyide 55:55

12M ago55:55

55:55

Growing up with a love of mathematics, Titi thought a career as a maths teacher was beckoning until a conversation with one of her sister's friends opened up the possibility of becoming an engineer. A comment that stood out for me in this conversation was her sister's friend's statement, "You don't have to love chemistry or be brilliant at it to be…

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Designed for Life - 2024 Wrapped Compilation 1:05:54

12M ago1:05:54

1:05:54

Somehow, another year has passed, and it's time to look back on Designed for Life across 2024. Over the year, we released sixteen new episodes, reached over 31,000 streams, reached new audiences in Asia and America and, most importantly, got to speak with some amazing and inspiring guests. In this end-of-year episode, we look back and have selected…

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Designed for Life - In conversation with Hepzi Rattray 51:30

1y ago51:30

51:30

Imagine accidentally being put off from a career in engineering by your brilliant grandfather who, without realising, made a career in the sector sound unreachable. Hepzi Rattray is a structural engineer with the global engineering company Ramboll, but for many years, she attempted to avoid following this career trajectory. In this penultimate podc…

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E6: Powering Pneumatic Innovation with Festo 32:37

1y ago32:37

32:37

Join us in this episode of RUN MODE as we spotlight Festo, a trusted partner in industrial automation and pneumatics. Discover how Power/mation and Festo joined forces to meet customer needs, innovate pneumatic solutions, and improve automation processes. Featuring insights from Power/mation’s Lance Waffensmith and David Ellers, along with John Bau…

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Designed for Life - In conversation with Barnabas Shelbourne 58:28

1y ago58:28

58:28

Barnabas is the CEO of The Greenpower Education Trust. This charity works with young people nationally to introduce them to using their STEM education in a very practical way to create battery-driven vehicles that then compete in regional and national heats. Having experienced 'Greenpower' as a teacher, headteacher, and now as CEO of the Design & T…

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Time, Tea, or Temper Control? 53:52

1y ago53:52

53:52

Talk to us! In this special bonus episode marking the end of the season, we sat down to discuss a mix of relatable and thought-provoking topics! From navigating mental health challenges to the importance of organizing your time and planning ahead, we covered it all. We debated the pros and cons of cooking at home versus eating out, talked about the…

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E5: The Right Thing to Do with Jeff Johnson 28:49

1y ago28:49

28:49

Terry Busch sits down with Jeff Johnson, Business Development Manager for safety solutions and B11 LMSS™ Licensed Machinery Safety Specialist, to talk about the value of machine functional safety in manufacturing environments. As Jeff explains, first and foremost, protecting people is the right thing to do. Secondly, implementing industrial safety …

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Designed for Life - In conversation with Maria Dunbar (Leith's Education) 59:16

1y ago59:16

59:16

In this episode, we turn to Food and Nutrition in the school curriculum and look at the challenges facing this aspect of National Curriculum education. Over the last few weeks, I have been fortunate to be introduced to Leith's Education and walked through their curriculum resources from KS1 to Post 16 (and extracurricular). These come at a cost (se…

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Designed for Life - In conversation with Dr. Hilary Leevers 55:25

1y ago55:25

55:25

In this week’s episode of Designed for Life, we are fortunate to speak with Dr Hilary Leevers, the Chief Executive of Engineering UK. We break from the usual show format to explore some of the data surrounding entry to engineering as a profession and discuss Tomorrow’s Engineers Week, which this year runs from November 11th to 15th. EngineeringUK d…

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Designed for Life - In conversation with Jonty Deeley Williamson 57:38

1+ y ago57:38

57:38

Talk about battery power and people's attention automatically turns to electric vehicles, but in reality, this is one sector of a rapidly growing market. With this growth, there is an increasing need for young people to enter the sector and help design and make the power plants of the future. In this episode, we talk with Jonty Deely Williamson, wh…

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Designed for Life - In conversation with Nick Ford 58:36

1+ y ago58:36

58:36

In this episode, we talk with Nick Ford, founder of the design studio Pipsqueak and IP development specialist. Nick talks us through his school education, which took place at a time when neurodiversity was not so easily recognised or accounted for. Several very diverse jobs followed as Nick sought to find his way in the world of work from a mechani…

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E4: Dull, Dirty, or Dangerous? A Case for Robotics in Manufacturing 22:18

1+ y ago22:18

22:18

Welcome to RUN MODE, an industrial automation podcast hosted by Terry Busch. In this episode, Terry moderates a discussion with JD Teter, a robotics expert; Jeff Johnson, a safety expert; and Al Rausch, the president of Power/mation. Recorded live at the grand opening of our new fulfillment center in St. Paul, Minnesota, our expert panel discusses …

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Designed for Life - In conversation with Bill Williams 51:24

1+ y ago51:24

51:24

In this episode, we start a series in which we will talk with Design & Technology Association Trustees about their careers to date and the reasons why being a Trustee of the Association and being connected to its work is important to them. We start this series by talking with Bill Williams, Chair of D&TA Trustees. Bill is an experienced CEO across …