I’m Simone Hertz, the Inventor of Robots, and That’s How I Work
If you’ve recently seen a video of a robot doing something stupid elegantly, it’s most likely the work of Simone Hertz . Some say she quickly became the queen of shitty robots.
Maybe elegant is not the right word to describe analarm clock that hits you in the face . Many of Simone’s amusing inventions are a mesmerizing mix of Jetson’s wonders with a touch of black humor. These are automatic devices designed to make life easier – almost!
But only recently I realized that all these robots, which, as I have seen, generate GIF-files on the Internet –Machine for disputes inthe Internet ,automatic machine for lipstick and more – were the work of a single inventor. (Of course, Simone’s real goal with these crazy robots is to get people to learn about electronics.) Now Simone has joined the Tested team, and her first project, in collaboration with Adam Savage , is anautomatic popcorn dispenser on her head.
Since our goal here is often to improve life with technology, I reached out to the inventor of robotics to learn a little about how it works.
Location: Stockholm, Sweden. Current concert: I have my own Youtube channel and co-hosting. Tested with Adam Savage and Norm Chan. One word that best describes the way you work: creative chaos. These are two words. Fuck the system. Current mobile device: iPhone 6S. Current computer: Late 2013 Macbook Pro running OS X El Capitan.
What apps, software or tools can’t you live without?
Internet. It’s like Narnia, but instead of going to the closet, you just open your browser. I also love to have hands.
How is your workplace arranged?
I am currently a parasite in the office and workshop of my friend Hokan. There are three of us here who build everything from drum machines to superhero gear.
What’s your best time-saving shortcut or life hack? Are you automating something that used to be a time catcher? Are you cutting your email down to an hour a day?
Getting a manager was a great life hack. All of a sudden, I have time to reflect and practice handstand between appointments. In terms of emails, the most urgent (and funniest) I reply to during the day and try to check everything about twice a week. But still, sometimes my mailbox collapses on its own and turns into a black hole that just won’t let me go.
What’s your favorite to-do list manager?
Wunderlist is the only one I’ve actually used. I like it.
What device, besides a phone and a computer, can you not live without and why?
My bicycle. I ride my bike almost everywhere. It’s also great for talking to yourself.
What are some of your best everyday activities?
Humility. I conquer everyone in humility.
What do you listen to while you work? Have a favorite playlist? Maybe we can talk on the radio? Or do you prefer silence?
I focus better when the sound surrounds me, and I usually listen to music when I work. But recently I just had an AMAZING live stream of an eagle’s nest in the background. My mom and I have been obsessed with these birds for the past couple of weeks and have dedicated an entire chat thread to them. The birds are the best.
What are you reading now? A novel, a comic strip, a website, a magazine?
I read a lot of books, mostly fantasy. I am currently reading Bernard Cornwell’s The Winter King . I don’t like it yet, but at least it makes me fall asleep.
How do you replenish?
I dance lindy hop, hang out with friends whose refrigerator can be searched without asking, and do my best to stay away from my phone and computer. I go on an Internet diet almost every weekend.
What is your sleep pattern? Are you a night owl or get up early?
I sleep about 8 hours a day and get very, very whiny and grumpy if I don’t sleep. My sister calls me an orc when I sleep too little. Contrary to popular belief, I use a regular alarm clock, nota wake-up machine .
Fill in the blank: I would like _________ to answer these same questions.
80-year-old Simona. I bet she’s pretty cool.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? Doesn’t have to be job-related or performance-related.
Not using nail polish remover to remove eye make-up is pretty smart. Thank you mom.