Corey Axelowitz has contributed to many groundbreaking design innovations, from the two-pound 12” MacBook to Plano AI’s early wildfire detection cameras that meld computer vision and modern hardware.
He also played a pivotal role in the 10-month-to-mass-production development cycle for the huupe mini—the world’s first smart mini-basketball-hoop game console that allows real-time multiplayer games to happen around the world.
Recently, Axelowitz launched the Axel Hardware Design consultancy, which puts advanced electrical engineering equipment, technologies, and know-how—along with a full laboratory—within reach of startups and other companies.
And? He’s one of Computing’s Top 30 Early Career Professionals for 2024. In the following Q&A, Axelowitz describes
The challenges of being lead system engineer on the Mac Pro and the “badass” tower they ultimately developed
How his team approached getting the 12-inch MacBook to weigh in at approximately two pounds, which required innovation in practically every subsystem
The need for both engineering and operational excellence to meet the punishing 10-month deadline to mass produce the huuge mini
How Pano AI’s innovative wildfire detection cameras are being used both in early detection and fighting wildfires today
You established and founded Axel Hardware Design, LLC. Can you share the vision behind starting your own hardware design and electrical engineering consulting practice, as well as some of the most rewarding projects that you’ve worked on?
The vision for Axel Hardware Design is an electrical engineering consultancy that companies of all sizes (mostly startups) can utilize as an extension of their engineering internal division. Electrical engineering includes so many technical specialties and specialized equipment that it’s hard for a small company to develop. Therefore, they can come to Axel Hardware Design and get access to multiple electrical engineering domains—such as power, RF, signal integrity, and PCB design—and a full laboratory.
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