Apr 19, 2022
Designing Tech Products w/ David Schie of Linear Dimensions
- BRT S03 EP16 (115) 4-17-2022
Things We Learned This Week
- Linear Dimensions develops machine learning systems for the fast grow consumer wearables mkt
- Wearables & health industries growing to $130 by 2030 b/c of advances in AI, Cloud, Chips, AR, VR
- EEG – headsets and sensors, get feedback to brain
- Microchip, sensors – built by Linear ie: heart rate monitor, of small size
- Turnkey Develop – draw up plans, product definitions, prototype, testing, software, manufacturing and ship
Guest: David Schie, Founder / CEO of AI Storm
aistorm.ai / www.lineardimensions.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-schie-9b02784
David Schie is a tech industry veteran who runs two companies – AI Strom (started 2018), and Linear Dimensions (c 2011) with their HQ in Texas. Prior to staring Linear he worked as a VP at Semtech, and Micrel Semiconductor before that, and worked at Maxim Integrated Products.
Linear Dimensions develops machine learning systems for the fast growing consumer wearables market. Linear is focused on powering and interfacing sensors and microelectromechanical systems (MEMs) for use in industrial, communications, and biotechnology devices. Linear's innovations include flexible analog front ends (AFEs), mixed-signal integrated circuits including ARM based SoCs, and extraction and security algorithms & software.
Linear continues to define the future of the wearables industry, as presented by Linear CEO, David Schie in his keynote speech at CES 2014. Our collaborative industry partners such as BodyMedia/Jawbone, Orbital Research, Freescale Semiconductor, and others, bring next generation solutions to market.
Product examples include physiological and heart rate monitors, head worn wearable devices, ECG and EEG harnesses and bands, and other sensor based products. In addition to customers in consumer fitness tech and digital health, we also support developments for governmental agencies such as NASA, DMEA, Navy, AFRL, and the Air Force. Linear Dimensions is headquartered in Houston, TX.
Notes:
Founder/inventor – bring ideas and design to Linear
Microchip, sensors – built by Linear
Example: heart rate monitor, of small size
Develop, clinical trials, make products and ship.
Chip design
Turnkey develop – draw up plans, product definitions, prototype, testing, software, manufacturing and ship
Research what if questions, prototypes and test
Has backend delivery and manufacturing in Asia
Engineering only is not profitable
Some requests are difficult, if not possible
Example: glucose or alcohol measurements, heart wave form, blood monitoring, camera on glasses.
Startup raises money, kickstarter and go to Linear Dimensions to design and see if even possible.
Early design always has a budget
Repeat customers – Silicon Co
Big and small companies as clients
Linear has a lot of patents
Big companies can have multiple departments
Products –
Wearables with cameras and sensors
Optimal sensors, shoulder straps, car seats,medical devices, watches – sensors through light, can actually read blood and heart rate
Muscle and eye movements, can combine sensors
Measurements – of glucose, alcohol
Identify people through sensors. Can be in cars, cards.
Keychain data storage
Chips for all of these devices
Fit bit for dogs on harness
Camera with AI – face recognition, security
Security camera / sensors – can differentiate from animals and people.
Monitor people for health reasons, can monitor farms and food growth. Improve pollution, health, society IOT and sensor work will be involved in many things (already being used).
Healthcare – can monitor diseases early and catch more issues early. Non invasive monitoring (with AI) for more data. AI will look for anomalies with edge devices.
Earlier you detect a health issue, save money on health care
Need for more R&D and investment L/T to get prices down.
Glasses – AR / VR, wearable goggles are big now, but features will be added to current glasses
Example: glasses that read to you, monitor your eyes.
IOT devices in cameras, smart city monitors
Occupancy sensors and adjust thermostats
AI been added to cameras
Companies analyze data of how their products are being used.
Clothing form factor
Watches, jewelry, wrist bands
Car sensors – check if people are falling asleep with multiple cameras and sensors.
Edge computing and IOT data – trying to collect less data, just collect end data.
Link to David Schie’s 1st Guest spot on BRT 3/2021: HERE
Guest: Vardhman Sheth, Director of Design Engineering
Linear Dimensions
https://www.linkedin.com/in/vardhmansheth
Vardhman Sheth is the Director of Design Engineering at Linear Dimensions. Linear Dimensions is a product design company that develops custom and semi-custom system solutions for customers, including wearables, healthcare, industrial and medical products.
Vardhman studied Electrical Engineering at the University of North Texas with a focus on Signal Processing and Control Systems. His initial projects included working at startups as an intern before joining Linear Dimensions. Vardhman’s expertise lies in Hardware Designing, Firmware and Algorithms Development. He has worked on several products currently in the market, either in their prototyping stage or being used in research and development. For his current role, he is involved in the design and management of the company’s various electronic products. In his free time, Vardhman likes to travel and play outdoor sports.
Notes:
Consumer design products
One stop shop – of customer IP client has an idea for a product. Example: create wearable headset health wear product or finger sensor, forehead chest strap. Specialty in hardware, AI. AP company wants to create a product :
- Design document and testing
- Prototype
- Manufacturing
ETA – could be 6 months to a year or more. Design can go fast but testing can be open ended and take a year - depends on how complex design is.
Works in a lab area at Linear Dimensions, then engineers build test prototype hardware boards, then outsource to China factory, then ship back.
No carpet in lab, disturbs electronics. Some chips no short circuit protection, plus grounding precautions – no static.
Wearable and health industries growing to $130 bill industry by 2030 because advancement in AI, Cloud, Chips, AR, VR
Bio signals from pets – with harness and electronics
GPS tracking industry part of more products. People want more info (data) with their health and body, when to hydrate and drink water , reduce stress, feedback
ECG – Electro Cardiogram, body readings.
EEG – headsets and sensors, get feedback to brain. Wearables will be common in everyday use , in health offices and telemedicine – virtual appointments and telemedicine.
Health monitors, band for wrist. Future patches will give signals to medical providers.
VR – headset, manage body better with headset, not get nauseous, monitor health of a gamer. Bio - feedback.
Tech Topic: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Tech-Startup-VC-Cybersecurity-Energy-Science
Best of Tech: HERE
Thanks for Listening.
Please Subscribe to the BRT Podcast.
Business Roundtable with Matt Battaglia
The show where Entrepreneurs, High Level Executives, Business Owners, and Investors come to share insight and ideas about the future of business. BRT 2.0 looks at the new trends in business, and how classic industries are evolving.
Common Topics Discussed: Business, Entrepreneurship, Investing, Stocks, Cannabis, Tech, Blockchain / Crypto, Real Estate, Legal, Sales, Charity, and more…
BRT Podcast Home Page: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/
‘Best Of’ BRT Podcast: Click Here
BRT Podcast on Google: Click Here
BRT Podcast on Spotify: Click Here
More Info: https://www.economicknight.com/podcast-brt-home/
KFNX Info: https://1100kfnx.com/weekend-featured-shows/
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the Hosts, Guests and Speakers, and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent (or affiliates, members, managers, employees or partners), or any Station, Podcast Platform, Website or Social Media that this show may air on. All information provided is for educational and entertainment purposes. Nothing said on this program should be considered advice or recommendations in: business, legal, real estate, crypto, tax accounting, investment, etc. Always seek the advice of a professional in all business ventures, including but not limited to: investments, tax, loans, legal, accounting, real estate, crypto, contracts, sales, marketing, other business arrangements, etc.