Mark Blakey & Ruben Inzunza | Behind The Scenes: How Pipeline Developed EZ Motion

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What if mechanical engineers could automate motors, pneumatic actuators, and testing equipment without needing to write complex code or rely on a dedicated controls engineer? 

In this episode of Being An Engineer, host Aaron Moncur welcomes two members of the Pipeline Design & Engineering team: Ruben Inzunza, Director of Automation, and Mark Blakey, Senior Mechanical Engineer. Together, they take listeners behind the scenes of Easy Motion, an automation platform developed to simplify motion control and make automated testing more accessible to engineers. 

The journey wasn't without setbacks. Early versions of Easy Motion encountered hardware limitations, programming challenges, and integration issues that nearly brought development to a halt. Mark and Ruben share how they revisited previous engineering work, combined existing technologies, and collaborated across disciplines to overcome these obstacles. Their experience highlights the importance of rapid prototyping, learning from failure, and creating an environment where engineers feel comfortable experimenting and asking for help. 

The conversation also explores how Easy Motion is being used in real-world engineering applications, from automated cycle testing to production equipment. One particularly impressive example involves a customer testing solar panel tracking systems. By implementing Easy Motion, the customer reduced a testing process from approximately 10 months to just 2 months—an 80% reduction in testing time. 

Beyond the technology, this episode offers valuable lessons about engineering teamwork, effective communication, and knowing when to simplify a problem rather than overcomplicate a solution. Whether you're a mechanical engineer exploring automation, a controls engineer looking to streamline development, or an engineering leader trying to improve your team's efficiency, this conversation offers practical insights into building better products and accelerating innovation. 

Learn more about Pipeline Design & Engineering and explore Easy Motion at https://teampipeline.us/ 

LINKS: 

Mark Blakey LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markrblakey/ 

Ruben Inzunza LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruben-inzunza-852978110/ 

Website: https://teampipeline.us/ez-motion/ 

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The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.us

Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus