On Saturday, July 20th, the Qubit Bot robotics team had the incredible opportunity to host an in-person outreach event at Coach Vik’s garage. This event featured a remarkable guest: Greg Shippen, Chief Architect of Embedded Solutions at AMD. Our goal was to showcase the FTC robotics program, demonstrate our robot, and learn from Greg's extensive experience in the field of embedded systems. What followed was an engaging and educational experience that was rooted in the principles of gracious professionalism and cooperative competition and perfectly aligned with our team's plans for the upcoming season.
About the Speaker
Greg Shippen has an impressive background, with over 35 years in the industry and 14 years at AMD. He holds a degree in Electrical Engineering, specializing in Computer Engineering. At AMD, Greg has transitioned from hands-on chip design to a more strategic role, bridging the gap between customers and engineers to ensure the successful implementation of AMD's innovative solutions. His expertise in designing microchips for various applications, including supercomputers, laptops, gaming consoles, and automobiles, provided us with valuable insights into the cutting-edge technologies driving today's digital world.
Event Highlights
Our outreach event began with Greg sharing his professional journey and the critical role AMD plays in the tech industry. He explained that while AMD designs the chips, the actual production takes place in specialized factories in Taiwan. This introduction set the stage for an in-depth discussion on microchips and their applications.
Educating and Inspiring Through Practical Demonstrations
Greg brought along various microchips for us to examine, including a large server computer and a GPU used in older Tesla models. This hands-on experience was both fascinating and educational, allowing us to appreciate the complexity and precision involved in chip design. Greg explained the evolution of chip design, highlighting how advancements in technology have shifted from hand-drawn designs with thousands of transistors to software-assisted designs with billions of transistors.
AI and Self-Driving Cars: A Glimpse into the Future
A significant portion of Greg's presentation focused on the integration of AI in self-driving cars, an area he has personally contributed to by designing chips used in Tesla vehicles. He shared insights into how AI enables vehicles to interpret their surroundings, make informed decisions, and continuously learn to improve performance. Greg discussed the current state of autonomous driving, including the capabilities and limitations of systems like Tesla's Autopilot and Waymo's fully automated driving software.
Learnings and Applications for Qubit Bot
Greg's presentation was a treasure trove of knowledge, sparking ideas and discussions on how we can apply these learnings to our upcoming FTC season. Here are some key takeaways and how we plan to incorporate them:
Engage: Building Bridges Within Our Community
By hosting this outreach event, we strengthened our connections within the community and showcased the FTC program's impact. Greg's insights emphasized the importance of collaboration and communication, values we aim to foster in our interactions with other teams and community members.
Educate: Learning from Experts
Greg's expertise highlighted the importance of leveraging knowledge from industry leaders. We learned about the practical applications of AI and edge computing, inspiring us to explore these technologies in our robot design. Utilizing CAD and 3D printing tools, as Greg suggested, will streamline our design process and enhance our efficiency.
Encourage: Through Words and Deeds
Greg's willingness to share his knowledge and answer our questions was a powerful reminder of the value of mentorship. His example encourages us to support and guide each other, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
Empower: Ones in Need
Understanding the potential of AI and microchips to revolutionize industries and improve lives motivates us to think beyond our immediate goals. We are inspired to explore how our skills and knowledge can make a positive impact, empowering others through technology.
Excel: In All Aspects of FTC
Greg's discussion on self-driving cars made us realize the potential for AI in our autonomous period. We are excited to experiment with AI algorithms to enable our robot to recognize objects and make real-time decisions. This aligns with our commitment to excel in innovation, design, and performance in the upcoming season.
Conclusion
The Qubit Bot team is excited to incorporate these learnings into their preparations for the upcoming season. They plan to delve deeper into AI and machine learning, exploring how these technologies can be integrated into their robot's hardware and software. By continuously educating themselves, encouraging each other, and engaging with experts like Mr. Shippen, they are well on their way to excelling in all aspects of the FTC program.
In conclusion, the outreach event with Greg Shippen was a remarkable success, providing the Qubit Bot team with invaluable insights and inspiration. As they move forward, they remain committed to building more than just a robot, but a legacy of learning, community engagement, and technological excellence.
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