For years, my world was Firmware: tight loops, precise timing, and the satisfaction of making hardware obey. It was a craft of control and predictability.

• The devices I helped build were no longer just obedient. They were being called smart. And I had built the body — but not the brain.

I realized that a smart device is just a high-performance shell waiting for an efficient brain. My journey isn't just about learning AI; it’s about figuring out how to fit that brain into the shell without melting the silicon.

The devices are getting smarter. The question is — are we keeping up?