Grant Imahara

Life in space isn't easy. It's full of challenges that push the limits of technology, and often requires truly innovative solutions.

I love looking at machines that mimic human behavior.

I wasn't in the AV club. I was the AV club.

I never really wanted to be, I don't want to say, an average engineer. I always wanted to do something different, something more exciting.

There's nothing like experiencing the sights and sounds of a live robot combat event.

As a former competitor, robot combat is near and dear to my heart. I enjoy the mix of creativity and mayhem that are essential to this sport.

The general public perception is that fighting robots were popular, and then went away for a long time, but in reality, there have been live robot combat events happening continuously since 1994. And all the while, the robots have been getting better and meaner and tougher.

People always ask why I would leave ILM, and it's because 'Mythbusters' sounded like fun.

Working on movies and TV is a blast, and ILM has the most talented people in the world. But on 'Mythbusters' I've been able to go places I would never have access to otherwise.

I worked at ILM the same time Masi Oka was there. Who would have thought that two Asian-American nerds from ILM would be on hit shows?

Everybody has stories about using duct tape. Of course, most don't try to lift a car with it.

What you need to have is that link between your education and what you do. Make creativity part of the subject.

In the '60s astronauts were rockstars. Everyone wanted to be an astronaut.

Contrary to popular belief, not a significant amount of research goes into cockroach radiation.

I've seen how they make the Chicken McNuggets and exactly what goes into them.

Any sport that turns a squash into a lethal projectile is safest watched from the comfort of your couch.

The people who are changing our world are starting from an idea and bringing it all the way through to finished product with the power of their intellect, training, tools and available products.

Drones can be a huge advantage to agencies fighting natural disasters. They can launch immediately, gather vital data about an emergency situation, and help efficiently relay that information to all agencies involved, all without putting further lives at risk.

Walking the streets of Porto and speaking with the top engineers at Veniam, I am struck by the passion that they bring to the world with their designs.

Augmented and virtual reality technologies are the future of smart construction and we are just starting to see the possibilities.

Drones, with their agility and small size, seem perfect for search and rescue operations.

Not only will innovative technology create a more connected human race; it will normalize access to our most basic needs.

Worldwide access to electronic parts has truly opened up the opportunity for innovation for engineers of all levels. It's an incredible time to be alive.

Technology has always been a catalyst for change, such as the invention of the airplane or the Internet.

I remember when I was a kid and I was interested in robots, there was really nothing out there but Erector Sets and Tinker Toys.