Episode 442 | Elliot Simon - Collaborating with Robots

Guest:

Elliot Simon

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Elliot Simon talks with Dave Rael about asking for help, working with robotics, the appeal of software, and interacting with many types of subject matter experts

Elliot Simon is a principal software engineer at Veo Robotics working on embedded systems and robot interfaces. Prior to joining Veo, he worked on embedded RTOS for applications in automotive and defense at Green Hills Software followed by an embedded application at Sonos. He received his Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology where he was involved in IEEE. In addition to developing embedded software, he is an Automotive SPICE Certified Provisional Assessor.

Chapters: 0:15 - Dave introduces the show and Elliot Simon1:47 - How Elliot got started in technology, software, and robotics5:35 - Elliot's experience at Veo Robotics10:43 - Robotics in real life and Asimov's Laws of Robotics12:36 - The importance of quality in software with physical safety concerns17:58 - Testing software and hardware in robotics20:01 - The appeal of software and contrast with more nondeterministic and activities with more nonlinear skills acquisition curves24:21 - Elliot's story of failure - silently languishing30:28 - The many subject matter experts in dealing with robotics and software as engineering35:04 - Elliot's book recommendations37:14 - Programming languages and compilers in use at Veo40:01 - Elliot's top 3 tips for delivering more value43:13 - Keeping up with Elliot

Resources: Veo Robotics Big Hero 6 The Robot Series ( 4 Book Set ) - Isaac Asimov Peopleware: Productive Projects and Teams (3rd Edition) - Tom DeMarco Tom DeMarco on the Ditching Hourly Podcast with Jonathan Stark Jonathan Stark on Developer On Fire

Elliot's book recommendation: Making Embedded Systems: Design Patterns for Great Software - Elecia White Effective Modern C++: 42 Specific Ways to Improve Your Use of C++11 and C++14 - Scott Meyers

Elliot's top 3 tips for delivering more value: Don't be afraid to do something new - to learn a new skill or tool Make time to think Find ways to work more efficiently, not faster