How does one become Tony Stark? (the Engineer, not the Iron

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

To become an engineer akin to Tony Stark, one must start with foundational knowledge in mechanical engineering, followed by hands-on experience with tools like 3D printers, Arduino, and Raspberry Pi. Essential steps include generating innovative ideas, actively creating prototypes, and continuously learning to overcome challenges. Engaging with technical military roles can also provide valuable skills and discipline. This journey requires a commitment to experimentation and iteration.

PREREQUISITES
  • Basic understanding of mechanical engineering principles
  • Familiarity with 3D printing technology
  • Experience with Arduino and Raspberry Pi platforms
  • Knowledge of Linux server management
NEXT STEPS
  • Research mechanical engineering textbooks and online courses
  • Learn about 3D printing techniques and materials
  • Explore Arduino and Raspberry Pi project tutorials
  • Study Linux server setup and smart home automation systems
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for aspiring engineers, makers, and inventors who seek to develop a broad skill set in engineering, prototyping, and technology integration.

Ryan McCarty
Messages
6
Reaction score
1
If you were starting with no applicable background, no engineering degree, nothing except for a lot of free time and a moderate amount of money to spend, how would you become Tony Stark? No limits on time, whether it's 6 months or 60 years, how would you go from Joe the VCR clock programmer to Tony the Engineer?

I'd like to learn how to make things. If you were a young, impressionable, pre-Iron Man Tony Stark, where would you begin? I know this is an ambiguous question, but think along the lines of: "First I'd get my hands on a primer to mechanical engineering. Then I'd get my hands dirty with a 3D printer and an Arduino or Raspberry Pi. Read these books." but in more detail. Specific books, technologies, anything to fulfill the goals of this though experiment are welcome. Software, hardware, whatever. I'm not looking for information on how to make anything in particular, I'd like to set the foundation to make anything. (or at least attempt to)

Obviously we all know that being an engineer/maker/inventor isn't just sitting around and creating robots or faster than light warp drives, I'm using Tony Stark to illustrate an ideal. I know it's very hard. But I'm curious as to what steps you guys would take to get from point A to point B. Point B being the point where one could think "I want to turn my house into a smart-house over the next year with a central Linux server and some off the shelf sensors in my spare time" and get it done, or you know what, maybe even the point where you think "I want to build a robot or a faster than light warp drive." Sky's the limit. What is the recipe to make the ultimate Maker?
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: venomnert
Physics news on Phys.org
Enlist in the military. Get into a good technical MOS. I did nuclear power and retired at 47 y.o.
 
Step 1. Generate an awesome idea. You can do this by reading about awesome ideas that others have had.
Step 2. Start making your awesome idea.
Step 3. When you run into something you don't know how to do, learn how to do it.
Step 4. Repeat.

There are a lot of different paths towards learning the skills that you need.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
5K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
8K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
8K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
2K
Replies
16
Views
2K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K