Soft Electronics

This talk explores the softer side of electronics, from electronic embroidery and e-textiles to soft robotics and flexible PCB design. We will take a look at some of the exciting technologies in this field, including industrial machines that embroider traces to microcontrollers, open source soft robotics, 'pick and place' sewable LEDs, e-textiles in space, fabric speakers and the world of flexible and stretchable PCB design. I will also share examples of how engineers, scientists and artists are using these soft electronics technologies in their work.

As well as this higher level overview, we will take a look at a number of accessible DIY projects, along with practical tips on materials and techniques, and suggestions for further learning. I will also talk about softness in electronics in a non-literal sense, looking at some cool projects from the community that link emotions, vulnerability and physical computing.

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Live Q&A - Soft Electronics

Live Q&A with Helen Leigh for the talk titled Soft Electronics

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Open Source Hardware

This talk will explore what open source hardware actually means and how engineers, academics and scientists are using it to work together and share knowledge all over the world. We’ll take a whistlestop tour of the exciting world of open hardware, from DEFCON-inspired PCB badge culture to the instruction sets used in the chips that go on them. We’ll also learn about some inspiring open source hardware engineers, including Twitch streamers, successful independent product designers and the team on a mission to create a computer system that is open source all the way down to the lowest level possible -- the transistor.

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Live Q&A - Open Source Hardware

Live Q&A with Helen Leigh for the talk titled Open Source Hardware

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