Next Generation Hardware

FountainBlue’s July 8 VIP Roundtable was on the topic of ‘Next Generation Hardware’, with opening remarks by Honda. Please join me in thanking our executives in attendance for their remarks and input.Collaboration and integration were both themes in this morning’s far-ranging discussion about the next generation of hardware. Hardware must integrate with software and processes to deliver full-featured customized solutions which add value, are safe, protect privacy, and, ideally, also be cost-effective, efficient and sustainable. This is no small task, but our experienced and dynamic executives in attendance shared many best practices on doing this well.

• Embrace carbon-neutral, sustainable solutions because the customers demand it and because it’s the right thing to do.
• Look for interconnections between solutions, problems, customers, etc., as it may be a basis future innovations.
• When designing hardware prototypes, understand the stressors which would impact the integrity of the hardware, including temperature variations, SW integration requirements, power needs, etc.,
• Accept that managing material availability and supply chain challenges is part of the hardware innovation challenge.
• Optimize for efficiency and effectiveness while ensuring low-failure rates, sustainability, reliability, and compatibility. 
• When designing and producing prototypes, assume that speeds will continue to double and that there will be a shorter time to market.
• Differentiate on user experience and ease of use.
• Work with researchers as well as engineering, business and operations staff to address the design, prototyping, manufacturing, production, and distribution challenges inherent with hardware innovations.

Below are some thoughts on some hardware innovation ideas to watch for:

• Scenario-based, photo-realistic renderings are driving real-world innovations
• Optimization for power consumption
• Novel memory processors which don’t require additional capability, packaging or overhead
• 3D Printing options which minimize risk and optimize for efficiency and functionality
• Digital Twin technology to do prototyping with software to better inform hardware design and layout, hardware requirements and even hardware development and integration.

The bottom line is that hardware innovations are continuing to evolve at breakneck speed, and it’s the innovative leaders, like the ones in attendance, and their organizations who are collaborating with others to stay in front of the curve.

Advertisement