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Lexicon

Lexicon

Interesting Engineering 121 Episodes Oct 9, 2026

Lexicon by Interesting Engineering is a podcast that explores the future of innovation. It features conversations with leading experts in engineering and technology, diving into groundbreaking advancements. Each episode unravels the stories of inspiration, the mechanics of breakthroughs, and what the future may hold. The show highlights how today's ideas are shaping tomorrow's world.

Episodes

Beyond the hype: are humanoid robots ready for work?
Beyond the hype: are humanoid robots ready for work? Oct 9, 2026 00:36:41 In this episode, we sit down with Rick Balzano, Vice President of Go-to-Market for AI Services, Safety and Robotics at TaskUs, to explore what it will take to move humanoid robots from impressive demonstrations into real-world workplaces. We discuss embodied AI, simulation, training data, human oversight, and why safety could ultimately determine whether humanoid robots achieve mass adoption. Also
Ancient engineering: inside the portable toolkits of ancient humans
Ancient engineering: inside the portable toolkits of ancient humans Oct 2, 2026 00:47:51 In this episode, we sit down with Paleolithic archaeologist Dr. Ariel “Arik” Malinsky-Buller to reverse engineer the Stone Age. We explore how tiny fragments of obsidian and chert reveal the sophisticated toolmaking, long-distance travel, and shared knowledge that helped ancient hunter-gatherers survive the rugged Armenian Highlands tens of thousands of years ago.Also, don’t forget to subscribe to
Could autonomous bricklayers be the secret to cheaper houses?
Could autonomous bricklayers be the secret to cheaper houses? Sep 25, 2026 00:38:26 In this episode, we sit down with Salar al Khafaji, founder and CEO of Monumental, to explore how autonomous robots are moving beyond the lab and onto real construction sites. We discuss robot bricklayers, construction’s labor shortage, the challenge of building in unpredictable environments, and whether coordinated robot fleets could one day build a house in just 24 hours.Also, don’t forget to su
No gunpowder, no rockets: the electric future of defense
No gunpowder, no rockets: the electric future of defense Sep 18, 2026 00:34:42 In this episode, we are joined by Winnie Lai, founder and CEO of Auriga Space, to explore how electromagnetic launch technology could transform counter-drone defense. We discuss why using multimillion-dollar missiles against low-cost drones is becoming unsustainable, how Auriga’s frictionless magnetic-launch system works, and why the same core technology could one day help launch satellites, or ev
Philippe Berlan on the science behind sustainable textile dyeing
Philippe Berlan on the science behind sustainable textile dyeing Sep 11, 2026 00:29:54 In this episode of Lexicon, we sit down with Philippe Berlan, CEO of EverDye, to explore one of fashion's biggest environmental challenges: textile dyeing. With dyeing responsible for a significant share of the industry's carbon emissions, Philippe explains how new biobased technologies could dramatically reduce energy use, water consumption, and reliance on petrochemicals. Also, don’t for
The Turbine Lighting Up Africa: Ghana's Wind + Solar Breakthrough
The Turbine Lighting Up Africa: Ghana's Wind + Solar Breakthrough Sep 3, 2026 00:38:18 A boy who once woke up in his own sweat during blackouts grew up to build the machine ending them. In this episode we sit down with Johannes Amo Aye, founder of Minaji Energy, to talk about the Fusion Wind Turbine: a gearless, oil free hybrid system combining wind and solar in one unit, built to run 20 to 25 years with almost no maintenance. He shares the story of a night when midwives delivered a
AI is lowering the barrier to launching sophisticated cyberattacks
AI is lowering the barrier to launching sophisticated cyberattacks Aug 27, 2026 00:38:31 AI is making cyberattacks faster, cheaper, and more accessible by allowing attackers to automate tasks such as reconnaissance, vulnerability discovery, infrastructure mapping, and attack planning. In a recent Lexicon interview, Redsift CEO Rahul Pavar explains how AI is shifting cybersecurity from human speed toward machine speed, why critical infrastructure such as water utilities could become so
Can ordinary sand solve the global energy crisis?
Can ordinary sand solve the global energy crisis? Aug 20, 2026 00:29:31 Lithium runs out. Batteries degrade. But sand? It lasts billions of years.In this episode of Lexicon, Interesting Engineering sits down with Annette Haglund-Dones (CCO at Polar Night Energy) to reveal how they turned ordinary sand into a massive thermal battery—and survived one of Finland’s coldest winters on record.Here is what you’ll discover:Zero Degradation: Why sand beats lithium for long-dur
Can iron nitride magnets replace rare earth magnets?
Can iron nitride magnets replace rare earth magnets? Aug 13, 2026 00:42:52 In this episode of Lexicon by Interesting Engineering, Christopher McVadden speaks with Tom Granger of Niron Magnetics about iron nitride magnets, rare earth free permanent magnets, and the future of magnetic materials.They explore how iron nitride could transform electric vehicles, robotics, data centers, defense systems, electric motors, and global magnet supply chains, while reducing dependence
Karen Panetta on why engineering education needs a “kick in the pants”
Karen Panetta on why engineering education needs a “kick in the pants” Aug 7, 2026 00:38:41 In this episode of Lexicon, we sit down with IEEE Fellow Dr. Karen Panetta, Dean of Graduate Education at Tufts University and co-inventor of the first digital twin. From AI ethics to the soft skills engineers are missing, she argues that engineering education is overdue for a serious overhaul. Why are we still training students to pass exams instead of solving real-world problems? And in an age o
AI-enhanced, human-led: the modern marketing stack
AI-enhanced, human-led: the modern marketing stack Jul 29, 2026 00:43:23 In this episode of Lexicon, we sit down with Tiffany Nwahiri, founder and CEO of 3rd + Taylor, to unpack how marketing teams can still drive growth when budgets are tight, jobs are shrinking, and AI is changing the rules.Tiffany shares why “pipeline over perfection” matters, how to make your website your best salesperson, and why the winners will be marketers who learn to leverage AI, not fear it.
The Hidden Physical Side of AI: Steel, Wires, and Megawatts
The Hidden Physical Side of AI: Steel, Wires, and Megawatts Jul 22, 2026 00:25:45 In this episode, Diane Watkins, Vice President of New Initiatives & Outreach of the IEEE Power and Energy Society, joins us to unpack how AI-driven data centers are straining power grids, and what it will take to keep the lights on.Also, don’t forget to subscribe to IE+ for premium insights and exclusive content!

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