Today we’d like to introduce you to Branden Christensen.
Hi Branden, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
Raspberry Shake is an innovative seismology instrument company based in Panama, specializing in telling the stories of earthquakes.
In 2016, we produced our first “personal” professional-grade seismograph designed to be simple enough for anyone to use. We went on to win an award for innovation from Panama’s equivalent of the National Science Foundation and four years later, in October 2020, we won a second prize in the same competition.
For the first time, hobbyists, citizen scientists, and educators can access a plug-and-play professional Earth monitor and institutes can take advantage of this same technology to easily densify their existing networks with affordable seismographs.
Today the Raspberry Shake community is the largest seismic network in the world with our seismographs now on every continent.
See: https://youtu.be/EIT8ks2-ov0,
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
At Raspberry Shake, our journey has been filled with challenges, but we firmly believe that challenges are opportunities to grow and innovate, ultimately making our products and services even better. Let me share some of the key challenges we’ve encountered along the way:
1. Keeping things affordable: Our first major challenge came during the development of the Raspberry Shake. To create an affordable yet reliable seismic monitoring device, we needed to find a cost-effective computer to power it. After some trial and error, we discovered the Raspberry Pi, the world’s most popular single-board computer. This discovery not only made our product affordable but also inspired our name, Raspberry Shake.
2. Adapting to success: When we initially launched our product on Kickstarter, we anticipated interest primarily from seismologists buying a Raspberry Shake for a hobby. However, to our surprise, we garnered massive interest from tech enthusiasts and Raspberry Pi fans worldwide. This required us to pivot during the campaign, transforming the Raspberry Shake from a mere gadget to a professional-grade seismograph that could be used for scientific research. Today, our network is the largest online streaming seismic network globally, thanks to the support of our passionate community.
3. Lockdown: The COVID-19 pandemic presented another significant challenge. We had to temporarily close our offices and halt production while finding a way to continue generating sales without shipping any products. Our incredible community played a key role during this time.
We openly communicated our situation, and our community continued to purchase Raspberry Shakes and support us. Additionally, the quietness brought about by lockdowns allowed our devices to capture data that showcased how the world was changing, ultimately contributing to a peer-reviewed article in Science Magazine: https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.abd2438. This experience highlighted the strength of our community and the potential impact of our data.
In summary, challenges have been an integral part of our journey at Raspberry Shake. However, each challenge has pushed us to think creatively, improve our products, and strengthen our global network of supporters. We owe our success to the dedication of our team and community, and the passion for “Watching the Earth move” that unites us all.
We’ve been impressed with Raspberry Shake, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
At Raspberry Shake, we specialize in creating professional-grade seismographs and infrasound monitors that anyone can use to record and visualize both natural and human activity. Raspberry Shake is probably the smallest seismograph of its caliber in existence, but don’t let its size fool you. It can record earthquakes of all magnitudes. From the vanishingly small blips that are imperceptible to human senses, to the big destructive earthquakes that regularly happen around the world.
What sets Raspberry Shake apart is its commitment to democratizing technology, science, and information that was once the exclusive domain of government institutions with substantial budgets. In the past, measuring the Earth’s subtle vibrations, monitoring earthquakes, and issuing timely alerts were tasks reserved for deep-pocketed government agencies. The prohibitive cost of traditional seismographs hindered collective earthquake studies. However, with the advent of Raspberry Shake, the status quo has been changed.
Raspberry Shake brings the joy of science and technology to the people, empowering them to collaborate across borders and be their independent source of earthquake information.
As citizen scientists and hobbyists we have grown into the largest community-powered seismic network on the planet, monitoring earthquakes globally, unrestrained by borders, politics, and money. Our devices complement existing professional earthquake networks around the globe and our data is increasingly being used as part of scientific studies and research. What’s more, people have harnessed the versatility of our devices for purposes we could never have imagined when we started this journey. From protecting wildlife on the African Savannah to supporting the conservation of the Black-Footed Ferret at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, and even capturing the excitement of events like rocket launches, cheering crowds at football games, concerts, and much more!
We envision a future where the fastest and most accurate earthquake information stems from collaborative efforts among citizen scientists, educators, and local geophysical institutes, transcending reliance on governmental organizations alone. This collaborative approach fuels innovation and advances science and technology, aligning with Raspberry Shake’s core values.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
The Future of Raspberry Shake: Riding the Seismic Wave of Innovation
In the dynamic landscape of geophysical monitoring and seismology, Raspberry Shake has established itself as a revolutionary force to be reckoned with. As we peer into the crystal ball to anticipate the next 5-10 years for our industry, it’s evident that Raspberry Shake is set to lead the way in seismic data acquisition and analysis. Here’s a glimpse of the big shifts, changes, and trends we foresee on the horizon.
1. Expanding Global Seismic Monitoring Network: In the coming years, the demand for reliable seismic data will continue to grow, driven by a heightened focus on disaster preparedness and early warning systems. Raspberry Shake, with its affordable and accessible seismometers, is poised to play a pivotal role in expanding the global seismic monitoring network. Expect to see more Raspberry Shake devices deployed in remote regions and developing countries, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of seismic activity worldwide.
2. Advancements in Sensor Technology: The Raspberry Shake team has consistently demonstrated a commitment to innovation. We anticipate significant improvements in sensor technology, with the integration of cutting-edge components that enhance data quality and accuracy. This will not only benefit the scientific community but also empower citizen scientists and educators to explore the Earth’s dynamics in unprecedented detail.
3. AI and Machine Learning in Seismology: Over the next decade, artificial intelligence and machine learning will revolutionize the field of seismology. Raspberry Shake is well-positioned to leverage these technologies to automate event detection, rapidly analyze data, and provide real-time insights. This shift will enable quicker response times during seismic events and lead to more effective disaster mitigation strategies.
4. Community Engagement and Citizen Science: Raspberry Shake has fostered a vibrant community of users and contributors worldwide. In the coming years, we expect this community to grow even stronger, with increased collaboration and knowledge sharing. Raspberry Shake will continue to facilitate citizen science projects, empowering individuals to contribute to seismic research and earthquake monitoring in meaningful ways.
5. Data Accessibility and Open Source Initiatives: The trend towards open data and open-source software will remain strong in the seismic monitoring industry. Raspberry Shake is at the forefront of this movement, providing users with open access to their data and actively participating in open-source initiatives. This commitment to transparency and collaboration will continue to shape the industry’s future.
In conclusion, Raspberry Shake is not just a device; it’s a catalyst for change in the seismic monitoring industry. As we look ahead to the next 5-10 years, we anticipate a seismic shift toward a more interconnected, innovative, and collaborative future.
Raspberry Shake will undoubtedly be at the forefront of these developments, driving progress in seismology, citizen science, and disaster preparedness. The journey has just begun, and we can’t wait to see where Raspberry Shake takes us next.
Pricing:
- DIY models start from $175
- Turnkey models start from $425
Contact Info:
- Website: https://raspberryshake.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raspishake/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/raspishake
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/raspberryshake
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/raspishake
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/RaspberryShake
- Other: https://youtu.be/_y7m3d6CnIM
Image Credits
Raspberry Shake
