Star Simpson

In this episode, Brian Cantrell and Jess for sale welcome Star Simpson, a prominent figure in the hardware and software interface domain known for her experience with drones and creating custom electronic boards. The conversation kicks off with Brian expressing his long-standing interest in having Star on the podcast, citing her fascinating contributions to the field.

Star recounts her early fascination with computers, programming, and hardware, starting from a young age. Intrigued by the concept of programming at seven years old, she sought to delve deeper into coding but faced challenges that ultimately led her to explore hardware development. Star shares her initial encounters with circuit building, explaining how her experiences shaped her eventual career path.

The discussion moves towards Star's infamous TacoCopter project, highlighting its origin and the media frenzy it generated. Star explains her lighthearted vision to utilize drones for food delivery, which unexpectedly caught the attention of the public and media, resulting in viral coverage. The impactful stories shared about TacoCopter serve as a reflection of how innovative ideas can capture the imagination and lead to broader conversations around technology.

Star dives into her deep-rooted interest in drones, especially autonomous aircraft. She explains the evolution of drone technology and the accompanying need for regulation. The conversation explores the significant shifts in FAA regulations allowing commercial drone operations, marking a pivotal moment for innovation in the field. Both Star and the hosts discuss the balance between regulatory constraints and fostering technological advancements.

As the podcast progresses, the importance of rigorous engineering practices comes into focus. Star emphasizes the need for thorough documentation, checklists, and systematic approaches to ensure safety and efficiency in engineering projects. This discussion reinforces how implementing structured processes can lead to successful product development while navigating the complexities of hardware and software integration.

Wrapping up, the hosts reflect on the broader implications of technological advancements and the optimism required to innovate. Star’s perspective highlights the importance of nurturing a positive outlook towards future technologies and engineering solutions. The episode concludes with a sense of hope, emphasizing the need to continue questioning, exploring, and pushing boundaries in technology.