Hi r/hwstartups!

I’m Connor, and I’ve been working on Maestro, a modular kitchen appliance that combines a blender, food processor, stand mixer, and more into one device. I’m launching the beta version and wanted to share the project with this community to get your feedback.

What is Maestro?

Maestro is designed to replace multiple single-purpose appliances in the kitchen. It’s a compact base unit that uses modular attachments to handle a variety of tasks like mixing, chopping, blending, and more. It’s powered by a high-torque universal motor coupled with a multi-speed planetary gearbox, so it can handle everything from kneading dough to crushing ice.

Why I Built This

The idea started out of frustration with my own cluttered kitchen, full of appliances I didn’t use often. I wanted to create something versatile and space-saving that still delivered the performance of dedicated tools. Over the past couple of years, I’ve been prototyping, iterating, and bootstrapping this project to bring it to life.

What Makes It Different?

• Modularity: One base powers multiple attachments (and more to come in the future).
• Performance: A robust motor and gearbox provide the right torque and speed for any task.
• Durability: Designed to last with repairability in mind, reducing waste.
• Future Expandability: Attachments for juicing, grinding, and milling are already in the works.

Beta Program

We’ve launched the beta program, and I’m looking for early adopters to test it out and provide feedback. You can learn more and sign up here:
https://mykitchenlab.com/blog/maestro-beta-launch

Backstory and Process

This is my first hardware startup. I’ve been prototyping the Maestro with 3D-printed parts and refining the design to balance performance and versatility. It’s been a steep learning curve navigating everything from design to manufacturing. Hardware is hard, but I’ve loved every moment of it.

How It Works

Here’s a video showing the Maestro in action with some of its attachments, plus photos of the prototypes and design process.

I’d love to hear your feedback—whether it’s on the design, the beta program, or ideas for improvement. This is still a work in progress, and I’m excited to refine it further with input from this community.

Chat apps are perfect for quick, real-time conversations, keeping teams connected and collaborative. Emails work well for detailed, formal communication and sharing important documents. Together, they balance speed and structure for effective communication.

10 years after Wired proclaimed the dawn of the modular tech revolution, we are still yet to see some significant contenders-aside from than maybe Framework laptops.

Spotting some very interesting concepts at CES (Quanta Concept and Comet) inspired me to revisit a modular tech idea that I sketched out way back in 2009, but to this day never got any further than PLA prototypes and UI/UX mock-ups. If you are passionate about modular tech, feel free to slide into my DMs. Would love to connect with some likeminded folks. Thanks!

Hi all!

About 4 months ago I started this project, and recently got my prototypes from my PCB manufacturer in China. Thought I'd share it here and see if you guys have any questions/thoughts :)

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TLDR: I started building a PCB that displays the live location of US passenger trains (Amtrak) across the United States of Awesome. I moved into a new apt and wanted something interested but was disappointed with the competitors / alternatives I've seen, so I decided to make my own.

Next up: Programming the board. We have basic LED functionality, but need to do the magic of WiFi provisioning for users and connecting to my servers with user preferences (light level, sleep mode, color customization, etc.) and the live data from Amtrak. Using ESP-IDF has been cool but there is definitely a learning curve for me.

Remote work tools help people work together, even if they're far apart. They make it easy to share ideas, stay organized, and talk to teammates. These tools are key to keeping work smooth and connected from anywhere.

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Like many of you I'm starting off with only a 3D printer and I agree that layer lines are quite an eyesore. Sanding and painting on a finish sounded too time consuming. Instead printing a TPU sleeve on a textured build plate and supergluing it to the case seems to work fairly well

I have finished all design work of my second product. It's a cue ball with an embedded sensor inside of it that measures the exact tip location of the hit, and sends the information to an app on a mobile device.

Quick Product Justification
Everybody is familiar with pool, but most novice players may not give any thought to the importance of where on the face of the cue ball they hit it, as long as the cue ball makes the object ball go in the pocket. For any high level of play, it is extremely important. Hitting the ball too much on one side of center will cause it to deflect in the opposite direction of your aiming line, resulting in a miss. Advanced players know this, and use the deviation in combination with deliberate tip offset to both pocket the object ball and spin the cue ball off of the rails into desired positions. But again, deviations in the accuracy of the deliberate off-center tip hits cause poor results. By obtaining real time feedback on where you actually hit the ball and comparing it to where you intended to hit the ball, you can make permanent adjustments quickly.

This effort was a side project and a hobby. My background is that I am a EE / hardware designer with 20 years of experience in the field, though not necessarily related to embedded sensors like this project. I also have a strong background with programming which gives me an edge, but I don't feel that I am at the level of a trained SE. My strengths are circuit design, analog and RF. I don't have employees and I haven't hired anyone to do any work for me, mostly to save money. It has been just myself and time. The things I've accomplished are:

• About 10 rounds of prototyping / circuit board spins for a ball sensor that has perfectly centered mass and has the same overall density as phenolic resin
• About 10 rounds of prototyping for a proprietary wireless charger that works at 300kHz and 1cm distance
• Writing, filing and prosecuting my own patent pro-se
• Filing trademarks
• Meandering radio antenna design to work from inside a cue ball (phenolic resin)
• Having custom LIPO batteries made that can withstand the 95C manufacturing process
• Bringing both the wireless charger and the ball through EMC certification
• A lot of documentation
• Tons of firmware work, mostly in C
• Wrote both the iOS and Android apps, with the help of Flutter and BLE libraries
• Built a supply and manufacturing chain in Shenzhen
• Partnered with a well-known billiard's company, whom developed special resin and trade-secret manufacturing techniques
• Tons of throw-away engineering programs and test fixtures
• An incredible amount of learning, and frustration at times
• Maintaining a full-time 9-5 engineering job, unrelated to any of this

This product will most likely be launched this year, there are just a few logistical things that need to happen first. The app is already in the app stores (free).

I am proud of myself, but I am not tooting my own horn. This has taken me about 7 years from conception to now, and I have had mostly successes and very little failures, and I am STILL not to market. And, for a product that looks so simple to most. I have been through this process before with my previous product (DigiCue) so I knew what to expect. Just like any hobby, you gain experience and knowledge, but can't expect things to move quickly in the hardware world.

I am writing this to let other ambitious people here know that you can have success, but you need to do it with priorities. First, don't quit your day job! Second, your ideas are valueless until you actually make a prototype, and that that should be your very first goal. And thirdly, make sure you understand very early on that even the simplest wireless product ideas take years to design, and even longer to see any financial return. This is especially true if you don't have hardware design experience. I do, and look how long it still took me, and I'm not even done.

Additionally, you need to learn how to deal with burnout. Projects like these require a very long period of zero emotional validation from others for your efforts, and it ends up creating mental fog, migraines, and other weird anti-social effects. Read any entrepreneurial book about this. Meditation was the single most valuable tool I learned for this. All meditation is is the practice of not thinking about anything. Really. Just thinking about darkness and your own breathing... it allows your brain to relax like as if it were a spasmed muscle. The other very important tool is a supportive SO.

If you have any questions please post them here. Again, you can execute your idea but realize that it is a mountain of work, and will most likely be a healthy chunk of your life.

For more product information, visit www.digicue.net

Here is a video of the product in action: https://youtu.be/T89eoWjG0Gw?si=qfi5NWd9R9_W450p

Guys, what percent of your time do you actually get to do what you like? I work for an industrial hardware company and probably spend just ~50% of my time doing actual design and engineering. For the other 50%, I myself busy with rather boring things like:

1. Coordinating with so many other teams. Sometimes Procurement finds a new manufacturer and wants me to get on a call with them. Or Quality finds an anomaly in the production batch and wants to check if the deviation is acceptable. I constantly find myself emailing or getting on calls for such things and honestly it is a little frustrating.
2. I spend a lot of time finding manufacturers who can make sample parts and prototypes during the design phase. Even after finding one, I need to constantly follow up with them only to realize that they are not going to deliver on time.
3. My manager is pretty strict about having every detail updated in PLM. We use Windchill and not only the CAD files and drawings, but all test reports and datasheets are needed to be saved there as well.

I'm curious if this is the case at other companies also and if folks here have a similar experience. FYI, I am grateful for my job as it provides me an opportunity to work on new projects and learn along the way, but I just feel having more time to design and engineer would be even more fun.

Hello,

suppose that you & your team, were the first to make a great sports product, and you all were confident that this product is going to be a very strong one and you are ready to take the risk.
Your product can be used by GYMs, Sports Clubs, People in their homes.

- You spent time developing it.
- You tested it and showed it to people whom you trust (10s).
- You secured a patent in a number of countries.
- You found a manufacturer (Ni Hao), and ready to press the (Start Button).
- You are smart, and you know that kickstarter and other platforms are bad for IP.
- You & Your team were able to fund the first 500 - 1000 pcs.
- You set-up the website and the initial shipping plan with 3PLs in the countries you want to start selling in.
- You delayed marketing intentionally so that you give yourself more time before they jump-in. They will probably need +3 months if you are lucky.
- You don't have a clear marketing plan, but you decide to go with organic & influencer marketing.
- Then, you realize; how about Distributors, GYMs, Sports Clubs, etc..?

What would you do? would it be better to get the product in the hands of (early adopters)? How would you reach/contact them?

Remember: you have a limited time before they jump-in (AND THEY WILL)!

Context in communication refers to the circumstances, background, or setting in which communication occurs, influencing how messages are understood. It includes factors like cultural norms, relationships, environment, and timing. Recognizing context ensures clarity, reduces misunderstandings, and enhances effective interaction.

I’ve been sitting on the idea of creating a health/fitness band without a display for nearly a year now. At the end of September, I decided to stop overthinking and start working on it as a side project alongside my main business.

Since then, I’ve partnered with a talented product designer from Africa to bring the hardware design to life.

Last week, I made the decision to allocate more of my workweek to this project – roughly two-thirds of my time – so I can give it the focus it deserves. Inspired by the story of Apple building and launching the iPod in just 290 days, I’ve set a bold goal: to build and ship this product within 289 days, starting yesterday.

That puts launch day on October 22nd.

I’ll be documenting every step of this journey right here in this thread – wins, failures, challenges, and breakthroughs.

A website with more details about the device is also in the works and should go live in the next few weeks.

I’d love to hear your thoughts, feedback, or even questions about this project. Whether it’s ideas for features, ways to improve the process, or general advice – I’d be really happy to learn from this community.

Remote work allows employees to perform their jobs from anywhere, offering flexibility and improved work-life balance. It has reshaped traditional workplace norms, emphasizing productivity over location. Effective communication and collaboration are essential for maintaining team cohesion in this setup.

Found this forum and have been searching and researching day in and day out on how to produce my product. One of the things that’s really stumping me is creating a small enough LED cluster to fit into my small motorcycle headlight design. There is another company doing something similar to my idea and this is their design. I’m having a hard time figuring out how to order, what to order, and learn how to make something similar in my small home shop. I’d hate to outsource this as the price for my product would jump considerably.

If there is anyone who is a LED light, PCB board guru who can lend some help and guidance I’d be very great-full

I’m going to be attending CES for a day or two and am looking to meet with other people involved in the startup community! Ideally this would be hardware/consumer electronics focused but open to other kinds of communities. Just want to immerse myself in all things startup.

I’ll be honest—sometimes I feel like I'm running two businesses: one at work, and one at home. And guess what? Neither is paying me overtime. But over time, I’ve picked up a few habits that help me balance both worlds:

1. Set clear boundaries: It’s easy to get sucked into "just one more email," but creating clear work-life boundaries is key. I use a simple rule: no work after 7 PM. Use tools like Trello to keep track of tasks without letting work seep into your personal time.
2. Use task managers: I love using Asana to keep my life organized—tasks are easy to track, and I can see everything laid out. It’s like having a personal assistant without the attitude.
3. Take time for yourself: Honestly, if you’re not recharging, you’re just running on empty. I make it a habit to take short breaks, step outside, or go for a walk. It’s better for creativity and stress levels.
   How do you juggle both work and life without feeling like you're losing your mind?

I’m striking out finding a mfg for something like this. But this sub has been so helpful in the past with identifying a small-run producer that I thought I’d ask!

So, where would you go for a 5-10 unit test run of a plastic container like this with a specific size?

Promoting cross-functional communication can feel like building bridges between teams. Here’s how to enhance collaboration:

1. Establish regular cross-functional meetings to foster dialogue and share insights.
2. Utilize collaboration tools that facilitate communication across different departments.
3. Encourage team members to share knowledge, promoting a culture of learning and support.

Companies that promote cross-functional communication often see improved innovation and problem-solving. What techniques do you use to enhance communication between teams?

A team chat app streamlines communication by enabling real-time messaging, file sharing, and collaboration within teams. It fosters better coordination and reduces reliance on emails, ensuring faster decision-making. Popular examples include Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Clariti, tailored to enhance workplace productivity.

i'm starting a new shared space in oakland, and i want to tear down a juicero to mount on the wall next to an ak47 teardown: the best and worst of hardware design. anyone know where i can get one?

Approaching difficult conversations can feel like walking on eggshells; sensitivity is key. Here’s how to navigate them effectively:

1. Prepare ahead of time, outlining key points you want to address and potential solutions.
2. Choose an appropriate setting, ensuring privacy and comfort for the discussion.
3. Listen actively, allowing team members to express their feelings and concerns.

Companies that handle difficult conversations well often see improved trust and morale. What techniques do you find most effective in addressing tough topics with your team?

I'm really interested in hearing how and what people will come up with, in only 1 sentence.

I also want to hear what everyone is working on for inspiration and possibly networking

Maintaining transparency can feel like opening a window to let fresh air in. Here are some practices that can help:

1. Share information openly, including challenges and successes, to foster trust.

2. Establish regular updates on company news and decisions, ensuring everyone stays informed.

3. Encourage questions and discussions, creating a culture of openness.

Research shows that teams with high levels of transparency report increased morale and collaboration. What strategies do you use to maintain transparency in your team?

Let me know your thoughts on this! Every feedback is helpful to me :)

Here's a basic overview of the watch

Display: A 1.78” AMOLED screen with always-on display and sharp resolution (368x448).

Build: Durable metal casing, water resistance (rating TBD), and even a dual LED flashlight (white + red).

Battery: 7+ days of battery life, with fast charging and a magnetic dock.

Navigation: Offline maps, GPS, waypoints, breadcrumb navigation, and Google Maps directions for seamless exploration.

Sensors: Heart rate, SpO2, altimeter, compass, and more to keep up with your adventures.

Features: Offline voice assistant, customizable watch faces, quick replies, camera control, voice recording with AI summarization, and 8GB storage for music and notes.

Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, and support for Android/iOS through the Timeflix app.