Sanjeev Mane is a veteran engineer with deep experience in electrical engineering, robotics, and semiconductor technology. Along the way, he has become one of the most important and influential voices calling for open hardware standards in the semiconductor industry. He has a conviction that working together, in partnership, is necessary for the project’s success. His vision speaks to a need for addressing the complicated issues brought on by more acute supply chain shocks. Mane is taking a smart hybrid approach to improving data accuracy and increasing velocity. This strategy enables them to avoid the bottlenecks often associated with proprietary systems.
Mane’s childhood experiences inform how he sees the world. They had educated him on how important speedy product development and time to market is. He notes that using open hardware standards is intended to benefit the organizations. This methodology provides them the flexibility to more swiftly respond to evolving technologies and industry needs. Mane understands that open collaboration is crucial for emerging innovations. With exciting new advances such as 5G and mmWave technologies, ongoing engagement between antenna developers is important.
The Importance of Collaboration in Open Hardware
That’s why Mane says it’s key to work with outside partners and manufacturers. This collaboration is key to realizing the potential of open hardware standards in semiconductor robotics. He is convinced that these types of partnerships are critical to charting paths through the complicated thickets of today’s engineering problems.
“Open collaboration with external partners and manufacturers plays an extremely important role in successfully implementing open standards for semiconductor robotics.” – Sanjeev Mane
Mane’s strategic vision includes both the intellectual property implications of technology use and the need for open standards. He understands that protecting trade secrets is very important to keeping a competitive edge. To him, open hardware standards are a significant multiplier in terms of team efficiency. These standards greatly assist in streamlining the selection of electrical components and allow for faster iterations of design concepts.
Mane further emphasizes that while these collaborative efforts may seem abstract, they become essential in real-world impact, especially when it comes to changing established workflows. He adds, “By using open hardware standards, the team has been able to streamline the process of choosing the right electrical components.
A Concrete Strategy for Innovation
Mane rounds out his advice with a specific, down-in-the-trenches example of how he’s made this strategy work creatively and successfully inside his department. He took an approach that weighs the interests of intellectual property against open hardware standards. In doing so, he has cut unnecessary costs and sped up innovation.
He elaborates on this strategy by stating, “Since these components are less expensive and all related sources are easily available, it helps to prove design concepts and make it First Time Right.” This process makes it cheaper and quicker to prototype, which reduces the cost burden and risk that comes with developing new products. In turn, businesses are able to pivot quickly in a changing market.
Mane also underscores unique harms caused by the current supply chain crises. He points to the importance of accessing critical connectors such as EtherCAT and EtherNet. He cautions that any shortages in these components can cause costly operational delays.
“For specific technology, we need some specific connectors like EtherCAT and EtherNet, and if those are not available due to supply chain crisis, wars, or other issues, then we face a line down of issues and loss for the organization.” – Sanjeev Mane
A Vision for the Future of Semiconductor Engineering
Going forward, Mane ultimately expects a wider adoption of open hardware standards to take root across the semiconductor industry. Beyond that, he feels companies are really wrestling with continued supply chain disruptions. For that reason, many will find alignment in the need for better, more effective standards to address these major issues.
“Yes, a major part of the semiconductor industry might look for open hardware standards to address the challenges of supply-chain disruptions.” – Sanjeev Mane
Mane’s insights are a testament to how in-tuned today’s engineers need to be with the technical and the business imperatives that are driving today’s engineering. He claims that engineering’s foundational principles should inform the decision-making so that the goals are realized internally within our companies and organizations.
He continues to inspire those around him to take these principles to heart as they tackle the challenges that come with today’s rapid pace of product innovation. Including open hardware is about more than just a technical decision. Rather, it’s a sound business strategy that will ultimately propel long-term success.
