Tesla’s Push Towards 3D Printing and more

Hello dear friends,

Isn't it simply incredible how times have changed? In our modern era where we're used to accessing a universe of knowledge with a single click, I can't help but chuckle when I remember that the very first "computer bug" was quite literally... a moth! Back in 1947, this little critter found its way into the Harvard Mark II computer. Makes our current tech troubles seem a bit more sophisticated, doesn't it?

Transitioning from the past to the present, Elon Musk is once again capturing my attention. Whether it's his battle over a new California bill concerning content moderation or the whispers surrounding Twitter's data privacy, the news about Musk never seems to stop. And just when I thought I knew it all, Walter Isaacson has penned a fresh perspective on this enigmatic entrepreneur.

But before I dive into these tales, I've been pondering something and I'd love to get your take. What's been your personal tech 'bug' or hiccup? Do you have any memorable stories, insights, or perhaps a piece of tech trivia that made you smile? As the tech world continues its rapid evolution, know that I'm right here, sharing in the journey with all of you.

Tech Flashpoint: Power Plays and Pivots Dominating the Week

?? Firefly Aerospace Sets New Responsive Launch Record: Firefly Aerospace demonstrates rapid launch capabilities, successfully launching a U.S. Space Force satellite in a record 24 hours after notice.

?? TikTok Fined $379M Over Kids' Data in EU: The platform breached GDPR in its handling of children's data and is fined by the Irish Data Protection Commission.

?? India's Koo Seeks Strategic Partnership Amid Funding Woes: The Twitter alternative is exploring partners with "distribution strength" as market conditions strain the startup.

?? Revel Raises $123M to Boost Digital Car Subscription Service: The Spanish startup provides a flexible car lease model inclusive of insurance and maintenance.

?? French Battery Maker Verkor Secures $2.1B for Gigafactory: Backed by Renault, Verkor receives over €2 billion to accelerate the construction of its Dunkirk gigafactory.

?? California Fines Google $93M Over Location Data Deception: The tech giant settles over misleading location data management options, promising new consumer protections.

?? LastMile AI Lands $10M Seed Funding: The platform aids software engineers in integrating AI models, with Google's AI venture fund leading the round.

?? Databricks Gets $500M Boost, Valuation Climbs to $43B: Despite wider funding slowdowns, the data analytics and AI software maker sees a significant increase in its valuation.

?? Swan banking Raises $40M for Embedded Banking in Europe: The French fintech startup, focusing on embedded finance, secures a significant Series B funding.

?? Bluesky Reaches 1 Million Users Milestone: The social platform, a competitor to X (formerly Twitter), celebrates a major user base achievement.

?? Apple Announces iPhone 15 & Enhanced iCloud: Apple debuts iPhone 15 with USB-C and an exclusive titanium body for the Pro model. Also unveiled are expanded iCloud+ storage options up to 12 TB, catering to professionals like photographers and filmmakers.

?? Tech Viewpoint

Tesla ’s Push Towards 3D Printing: A Potential Game-Changer in EV Manufacturing

In an era where technology is perpetually on the brink of the next big innovation, Tesla is once again tearing up the rulebook, turning heads and raising eyebrows.

As pioneers of electric vehicles, Tesla's audacious approach has often made headlines. But their latest venture is about more than just cars—it's about revolutionizing the very fabric of automobile manufacturing. By fusing the futuristic potential of 3D printing with the raw power of industrial sand casting, Elon Musk’s brainchild is gearing up to challenge traditional car manufacturing methods and redefine what it means to build a car in the 21st century. Prepare to witness a seismic shift in the automotive world.

Snapshot:

1. Production Pioneering: Tesla is once again aiming to reinvent the wheel in electric car manufacturing by adopting a novel combination of 3D printing and industrial sand to cast virtually the entire body of a car.
2. Cost and Design Flexibility: The utilization of 3D-printed sand molds is a major shift from conventional metal molds, offering significant leeway in design adjustments, cost modifications, and time efficiency.
3. Significant Pressure Requirements: To realize this vision, the new manufacturing method would necessitate clamping pressures exceeding 16,000 tons – a significantly higher figure compared to the 6,000-9,000 tons used in the Model Y’s gigacasting process.

Personal takes:

1. Speed and Cost Efficiency: By drawing parallels to Apple’s unibody design, this manufacturing technique has the potential to drastically reduce assembly costs. Furthermore, the capacity to produce a Model Y three times faster than competitors already sets Tesla apart. With this new technique, this speed advantage could be further amplified.
2. Economies of Scale: The sand mold process provides a cost-effective alternative to traditional molds. The initial cost of creating a large-scale mold stands at $4 million. However, with this innovative technique, making adjustments after initial tests would cost just $1.5 million. This could lead to significant savings when applied to large-scale production.
3. Accelerated Development Cycle: A reduced car development timeline from 3-4 years (the industry standard) to 18-24 months will allow Tesla to rapidly introduce new models and respond swiftly to market demands.

Best Bets:

1. Expand Collaborations: While IDRA Group has been a reliable partner for Tesla, exploring collaborations with other manufacturers could offer diverse insights and potentially result in further enhancements in the 3D printing process.
2. Invest in Research and Development: Given the preliminary nature of this process, Tesla should allocate resources towards refining the technique, ensuring durability, safety, and the longevity of the vehicles produced.
3. Public Awareness and Branding: Tesla should consider gradually releasing details about this revolutionary process to the public, highlighting its commitment to innovation and ensuring its position as a market leader in EV manufacturing.
4. Factory Expansion: With the increased pressure requirements and space needs, Tesla’s move to double the size of its Berlin factory and expand into India is strategic. The company should continue to scout for more locations that can accommodate the massive equipment and scale of production.
5. Regulatory Compliance: Given the unique nature of this production technique, Tesla should work closely with automobile regulatory bodies to ensure that the vehicles produced meet safety and environmental standards.

In conclusion, Tesla's experiment with 3D printing its car bodies, if successful, could significantly disrupt the electric vehicle manufacturing landscape. With potential advantages in cost, design flexibility, and production speed, this approach might just be the stepping stone towards Elon Musk's vision of affordable and efficient electric vehicles.

?? B2Baxis Corner - September Edition

Here's quick three updates:

1. Streamlining Our Focus

It's with mixed emotions that we announce our decision to bid adieu to our agency operations and downsize that specific team. This strategic move allows us to direct all our attention to our tech analysis platform. We aim to empower enterprise and mid-market software buyer groups, assisting them in making informed decisions when purchasing software. At this juncture, our mission is to achieve Product-Market Fit, and to this end, we are embracing a lean approach.

Transition Opportunities: If you are hiring for roles across various departments, kindly DM me. I am more than willing to share profiles of my wonderful team members who are currently exploring new opportunities.

2. India Innovation Week

We are excited to announce the upcoming India Innovation Week from Dec 1-6 in Chennai, a proud collaboration between Industry Atom, The Southern India Chamber of Commerce and Industry , and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology , Government of India.

Highlights:

• Duration: 6 Days
• Topics: 8 Themes
• Sessions: 120
• Exhibitors: 200
• Speakers: 200
• Delegates: 10,000 from 14 countries

Our Vision: Innovation without boundaries. We dream of a world where ideas transform lives and where technology advocates for societal and planetary wellness. Bound together by collaboration and creativity, our commitment to a brighter, sustainable, and inclusive future never wavers.

Get Involved: If the spirit of innovation speaks to you and you wish to partner, volunteer, propose a speaker, or exhibit your product/service, please reach out. Email me at [email protected] (joseph[at]industryatom[dot]com) with the subject line 'IIW - I'm interested'.

3. Coming Soon: Learning Pathway App Stay tuned for exciting updates about our upcoming Learning Pathway App tailored for enterprise and business leaders. We are fueled by our mission to empower business leaders in their software procurement journey, ensuring they invest in the best-fit and most effective solutions for their needs.

The Touchstone Series: People Who've Shaped My Journey

The Art of Connection: Praveen Gnanasekaran , the Master Networker"

Diving into the world of a visionary who doesn't just build networks, but fosters genuine, impactful relationships across the tech landscape.

It’s often the case that the people who shape us the most, do so quietly. Their influence is pervasive, consistent, and gentle, much like the river that eventually carves its path through the mountain, not by force but by persistence. Praveen Gnanasekaran is one such figure in my life.

Currently donning the role of Executive Vice President at Xebia NDS, with an illustrious past as Founder CEO of TrueTech Digital, and Co-Founder of Screenit Labs, Praveen is a force to be reckoned with in the tech world. Beyond his titles, he serves as a Regional Council Member at NASSCOM TN Reg and his identity as a "Chennai Entrepreneur" and a "Tech Enthusiast" further highlight his dedication to the field.

When you first meet Praveen, you might be tempted to label him as reserved. But first impressions can be misleading. Beneath that composed exterior lies a heart brimming with warmth and passion.

From my time with him, I've gleaned:

1. Networking Mastery: Praveen effortlessly draws connections between individuals, acting as a hub in the vast network of professionals. It’s through this skill that our paths first crossed. He doesn’t just connect; he empowers those around him.
2. The Enabler: Praveen has an uncanny ability to help you see the potential within yourself. His actions speak louder than words, always ready to lend a hand, or in my case, an office space, without a second thought.
3. An Anchor in Convictions: Close interactions with Praveen highlight his steadfast adherence to his values. Whether it's nurturing a culture within his team, making financial decisions, or formulating growth strategies, he stands firm by his principles.
4. A Model of Balance: In a world where burnout is all too common, Praveen is a testament to the power of balance. His discipline, be it in his dietary choices or his work hours, showcases his commitment not just to his work but to a holistic lifestyle.
5. The Humble Learner: Perhaps what I admire most about Praveen is his willingness to admit when he doesn’t have all the answers. In doing so, he opens himself up to continuous learning.

Now, in collaboration with Naren Vijay , Praveen is venturing into the world of HR with their innovative app, Screenit Labs . Knowing him, I have no doubt that this will be yet another feather in his already impressive cap.

It’s a privilege to know Praveen and to have him as one of the touchstones on my journey. His story serves as a reminder that true influence is not about clamoring the loudest but about making genuine connections, holding onto one's values, and striving for balance and growth.

?? AI Tools of the Week ??

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Disclaimer: I do not receive any monetary benefits from these product mentions.

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Your engagement fuels my passion. As we venture into a new week, let's approach it with wonder, inspiration, and the promise to reach new heights together. Wishing you a week bursting with brilliance and discovery! ???