Kobuk the Destroyer
Summary
Journalist Alex Davies explores the hidden world of test engineering, from grizzly bears destroying canisters to chickens shot into jet engines. The discussion covers the history of Underwriters Laboratories, the balance between safety and usability in product design, and the concept of "disintegration testing" for infrastructure. Davies also examines how modern technologies like AirTags and self-driving cars are tested against malicious misuse and real-world dynamics, highlighting the critical role of rigorous testing in ensuring everyday safety.
Topics discussed
Sponsors: Instagram teen safety and PNC Bank
Introduction: Bear canisters and testing methods
Kobuk the Destroyer: Bears testing canisters
Alex Davies and the concept of limit testing
History of Underwriters Laboratories and electrical safety
Standardization and fire resistance testing for safes
Determining safety thresholds and risk calculus
Aviation bird ingestion tests using chicken cannons
Foolproofing products for unintended user behavior
SawStop: Balancing safety and cost in table saws
Disintegration testing and car crash safety origins
Infrastructure design with failure in mind (Netherlands)
Sponsors: Star Wars, Mazda, Quince, and AT&T
Golden Gate Bridge: Unintended acoustic effects of nets
Testing for malicious use: Apple AirTags and stalking
The importance of understanding test engineering
Credits and final sponsors
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