Latest news with #MarkRober
News18
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- News18
A YouTuber Is Taking Humans To Space For Free. You Can Keep The Astronaut Suit At Home
Last Updated: Mark Rober, a NASA engineer turned YouTube launched a selfie satellite 'SAT GUS' to space for humans to capture a selfie with Earth in the background. Who Is In Space? A website devised just for space nerds gives us real-time updates of the humans currently living far away from our pale, blue dot. And if you are curious, there are 13 humans in the space at the time of writing this article. Here comes the fun part: You can be the next human up there. Assuming (politely) that you do not have a bunch of spare crores lying around to book a seat on one of those ridiculous commercial space joyrides that billionaires routinely take, a NASA engineer turned YouTuber is here to save you money and the effort. 'I Spent $5,000,000 So You Can Go To Space For FREE," Mark Rober titled his most recent YouTube video. There must be some catch, right? Mark Rober YouTube's very own science educator and inventor Mark Rober is no ordinary online content creator. Rober has spent nine years at NASA, seven of which were spent on working on the Curiosity rover at the agency's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. The 45-year-old has also worked at the tech giant Apple. Here, he was employed as a product designer in company's Special Projects Group and worked on virtual reality projects. The enginerd 's resume is as impressive as they come but now he's found fighting seed-stealing squirrels and glittery porch pirates in a corner of the Internet. Rober's newest project, however, has cost him over Rs 42 crore and it could perhaps be his most ambitious project on YouTube yet. Crunch Labs Created by Rober, Crunch Labs is a toy company for kids who 'think like an engineer". The Build Boxes work the same way as assembling a Lego does, except, Rober teaches a science lesson with every new box sent out while the kids get busy building their new toy. (Crunch Labs) Rober's recent Space Selfie project comes under his toy company and pet project Crunch Labs. Space Selfie The science educator, along with his dedicated team, launched a satellite in January this year to help humans take a Space Selfie. Made up of 7836 parts, the satellite nicknamed 'SAT GUS" left the planet aboard Elon Musk's SpaceX Falcon 9. He, in his video, revealed he and his team spent three years on this project. 'I slept as poorly last night as I have in over a year," Rober said on the day of the launch of satellite named after the channel's beloved squirrel 'Phat Gus". 'I am very nervous. There's just a lot at stake here. There's just so many things that could go wrong, not just today, but as the satellite goes up that… it's like that nervous excitement pit in your stomach that makes you want to jump for joy and puke in the toilet." How To Apply? Carrying a Google Pixel screen, the YouTuber's satellite is decked with a Redwire Argus camera. All you have to do is submit your selfie to the website The team will then transfer your selfie wirelessly to the SAT GUS satellite. The onboard camera will snap a photo of the Earth while displaying your selfie on the mounted screen in the foreground. 'I made a secret promise. If we somehow pull this off, I will make use of the selfie satellite free forever to anyone on the planet." Those who have seen Mark Rober accumulate nearly 70 million subscribers on the platform were left in complete awe when the video dropped on May 24. 'Mark Rober just redefined what YouTube should be in 2025: turning childhood dreams into reality, sending selfies to space, and proving that with science, passion, and $5 million, even a squirrel can make history. Thank you for the inspiration, the tears, and the reminder that 'impossible' is just another challenge to solve," a YouTube commenter wrote. 'Mark is actually such a talented engineer despite retiring from NASA, respect to him, he also influenced me a lot into becoming a Mechanical Engineer," another wrote. 'My selfie's gonna be out of this world," a third added. Watch India Pakistan Breaking News on CNN-News18. Get Latest Updates on Movies, Breaking News On India, World, Live Cricket Scores, And Stock Market Updates. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : mark rober YouTube Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: May 30, 2025, 12:29 IST News explainers A YouTuber Is Taking Humans To Space For Free. You Can Keep The Astronaut Suit At Home
Time of India
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Former NASA engineer and influencer Mark Rober on his visit to India, trying Vada Pav, and love for Bahubali
In a rare, whirlwind visit to India, YouTube's beloved science communicator and former NASA engineer Mark Rober took in the chaos, culture, and curiosity of the country — all with wide-eyed enthusiasm and a backpack full of physics. In his first-ever visit to India, Rober sat down for a candid chat about jugaad , Bollywood, and his plans to experience Mumbai in its most unfiltered form. 'To me, India is innovation.' Mark Rober's perception of India was instantly framed by its dynamic nature — not just the traffic, but the talent. 'India is the most populous country on the planet… They produce more engineers than any other country,' he said. 'And right now I get more views in India than any other country, even more than the United States.' 'The fact that you have a word like jugaad is amazing.' Rober's admiration goes deeper than numbers — he's fascinated by India's grassroots engineering culture. He's even running a contest while in the country: ₹50 lakh in prizes for the best examples of jugaad. 'We're doing a contest while we're here because it's like where we have 50 lakhs and in 5 lakhs per person, 10 people total. The best examples of jugaad that people can like come up with and submit. This is like MrBeast meets Mark Rober but for science. The simplest solution, the simplest engineering solution is always the best one. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trading CFD dengan Teknologi dan Kecepatan Lebih Baik IC Markets Mendaftar Undo The Indian people sort of capture that. You have a word for it. We don't even have a word for that in the United States. The fact that you have word like jugaad is amazing' he quipped. 'At NASA or Apple, we had millions to solve problems. But sometimes, the best solutions are made with junk lying around the house.' 'I want to ride a Mumbai local train. At rush hour.' Always the experimenter, Rober has big (and slightly risky) plans for content in India. 'I want to ride a local train at rush hour,' he said, despite being warned it's 'literally dangerous.' He laughed off the caution, determined to capture the intensity of the experience. 'It's better content if it's at rush hour!' 'My palate is not street-food ready… but I will try vada pav.' While Rober is cautious about Indian street food, he's not shying away from the experience. 'Vada Pav is on the list!' he promised, adding that Indian food ranks in his personal top three cuisines in the U.S. 'Bahubali made me question physics — and my career path.' When it comes to Bollywood, Mark Rober lights up. 'Bahubali,' he said, without hesitation, when asked about his favorite Indian film. 'There are some scenes… I wish I knew how to harness the laws of physics the way they do. I could come up with some good inventions!' He admires not just the spectacle but the unique visual language of Indian cinema. 'There's a curiosity in Indian culture — and that's why we click.' Beyond data and spectacle, Rober believes his deep connection with Indian audiences is rooted in shared values. 'There's a curiosity that seems to permeate Indian culture,' he observed. 'This trip is exploratory — a curiosity-gap-filling trip. And it's just the first step in building something deeper.' One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Business Upturn
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Upturn
Mark Rober's Spark of Innovation Lights Up Indian Youth with ₹50 Lakh Jugaad Challenge
India has always been a land of jugaad—clever, low-cost innovations born out of necessity and pure imagination. And now, that spirit has found its global spotlight, thanks to none other than Mark Rober, the YouTube superstar and former NASA engineer who's made backyard science a global phenomenon. In his maiden visit to India, Rober isn't just meeting fans—he's unlocking a wave of grassroots creativity with his ambitious ₹50 lakh 'Jugaad Innovation Contest.' Rober's visit has quickly evolved into a cultural and scientific phenomenon. He's toured cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru, connecting with students, creators, and DIY innovators. At each stop, his message is simple but powerful: Science is for everyone—especially when it's fun. It's this very mindset that fuels the contest he's launched specifically for India: a mission to uncover the country's most original, mind-bending inventions using nothing but everyday items. The #MarkRoberJugaad contest, open from April 30 to September 15, 2025, is inviting Indian residents aged 8 and above to post a video of their unique homemade solution on Facebook, Instagram, X, or YouTube. Whether it's a bottle cap fan or a makeshift washing machine powered by a cycle, creativity is the only currency here. Contestants must ensure their social media profiles are public, and most importantly, submit their video link at posting alone doesn't qualify as an entry. But this trip isn't just about competitions. Rober is truly immersing himself in Indian creator culture. In Mumbai, he visited the studios of CarryMinati, India's roasting king, for a wild video where science meets sarcasm. In Delhi, he filmed with Tech Burner, breaking down the secret tech behind India's best jugaads. In Pune, he joined forces with Mr. Indian Hacker for one of the most explosive, large-scale experiments the internet has ever seen—think water rockets, explosive rice cookers, and gravity-defying machines made from scrap. Meanwhile, a flavorful adventure unfolded with Curly Tales, where Rober explored Indian street food science, turning pani puri into a molecular gastronomy experiment. And with Slay Point, viewers can expect a hilarious deep dive into everyday Indian life, peppered with unexpected scientific solutions to common problems. Perhaps the most unexpected collaboration is his special episode with Indian cricket star Hardik Pandya. Together, they analyzed the physics of swing bowling, tested bat angles, and even built a device to measure reaction time. 'This isn't just about cricket,' Rober said. 'It's about showing how science powers everything we love.' Rober's presence also shook up India's educational landscape when he made a surprise appearance at the Summit of Future at Jain University in Kochi. As a key guest at the RoboVerse exhibit, Rober explored India's rising potential in robotics, coding, and STEM education. Students at the summit got a chance to interact with robot dogs, AI-led tech labs, and Mark himself. 'This is the most energized I've ever felt in a student environment,' he remarked during his keynote. Behind all the cameras and collaborations, Rober's goal is deeply personal. Through his company CrunchLabs, he has long promoted STEM learning through play and creativity. With India's rich culture of improvisation and resourcefulness, he saw a natural partnership. 'Jugaad is engineering in its purest form,' he shared. 'You don't need a lab or funding—just imagination and a little bit of duct tape.' The contest will crown ten winners, each receiving ₹5 lakh and the chance to feature in a global video alongside Mark Rober. The judging panel will consider creativity, functionality, and the cleverness of how household materials are repurposed. With videos pouring in daily, and Indian youth now dreaming in cardboard, motors, and string, this visit is achieving more than just viral views. It's creating a shift in how science and creativity are seen—not as subjects or careers, but as tools for daily life. Rober's India chapter is still unfolding, but one thing is certain: he came for innovation, and he found a nation overflowing with it.
Business Upturn
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Upturn
Techburner Explores CrunchLabs Tech with Mark Rober
When the worlds of innovative education and gadget wizardry collide, magic happens—and that's exactly what unfolded when Indian tech creator Techburner (Shlok Srivastava) stepped into the colorful, curiosity-fueled universe of CrunchLabs, led by none other than American YouTube engineer and ex-NASA scientist Mark Rober. The meeting wasn't just a content crossover; it was a deep dive into what it means to inspire, build, and learn through hands-on exploration. Mark Rober, globally famous for his viral science experiments—glitter bombs for porch pirates, squirrel obstacle courses, and Guinness World Record-worthy inventions—has evolved into a mission-driven educator. His brainchild, CrunchLabs, is more than a creative studio. It's a subscription-based learning ecosystem that delivers buildable STEM projects right to kids' doors—designed to turn curiosity into capability. For the first time, CrunchLabs' playful engineering spirit met the vibrant energy of Indian tech storytelling, as Techburner visited the lab during Rober's India trip for the Waves Summit 2025. But this wasn't just about touring a lab—it was a chance to explore how engineering, creativity, and content can merge across cultures. From the get-go, this was not a passive walkthrough. With his trademark energy, Techburner explored the builds—like the domino launcher, safecracker kit, and inertia cart—but Rober had something more ambitious in mind. He invited Techburner to modify and remix these projects using parts from both CrunchLabs kits and Techburner's own gadget collection. The highlight? A collaborative build of a motion-sensing delivery drone, blending CrunchLabs' hands-on philosophy with Techburner's sleek, tech-forward mindset. It buzzed. It hovered. It dropped snacks. And yes—it crashed into a studio light. But it was thrilling, joyful, and deeply educational. Throughout the process, what resonated was a shared belief: engineering belongs to everyone. It's not confined to labs or classrooms; it thrives in living rooms, on smartphones, and in the minds of curious young creators everywhere. This message couldn't have been more timely, especially as Rober announced a nationwide Jugaad Contest in India—a challenge that calls on everyday inventors, young and old, to bring their wildest ideas to life using household materials. Enter the Jugaad Contest 2025 Mark Rober is inviting India's most creative minds to show off their Jugaad spirit! He's giving away ₹5 lakh each to 10 lucky inventors. Whether you're 8 or 80, this is your moment. How to Enter: Post a video of your best 'Jugaad' invention using everyday items on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, or X . . Include #MarkRoberJugaad in the post. in the post. Go to submit your entry with the link to your post . . Entries without a submission link will notbe accepted! Contest runs from April 30 to September 15, 2025 . . Official Rules: CrunchLabs Contest Page 'Tech is the new universal language,' Techburner said as they wrapped. 'And if CrunchLabs is like a playground for inventors, then today, we just played the most fun game ever.' About Mark Rober With over 68 million YouTube subscribers and more than 11 billion views, Mark Rober is one of the most influential science creators of our time. He's known for everything from building the world's largest Nerf gun to launching the #TeamTrees and #TeamSeas movements with MrBeast, which raised tens of millions for global environmental causes. In 2022, he launched CrunchLabs, a Willy Wonka-style engineering playground in the Bay Area. CrunchLabs offers monthly subscriptions for kids and teens, delivering mechanical builds like the 'Build Box' and robotics kits like 'Hack Pack.' The platform now has hundreds of thousands of subscribers, with some lucky fans even winning a chance to visit Rober's secret lab. This collaboration with Techburner marked a step toward globalizing STEM education, with Rober even hinting that CrunchLabs may soon tailor kits for India, potentially with collaborators like Techburner helping bridge cultural and educational nuances. Whether it's through drone crashes, glitter bombs, or late-night builds, one thing is clear: Mark Rober and Techburner are making learning fun again—and proving that when you mix passion with play, education becomes unforgettable. Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with a PR agency. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same.
Time of India
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
‘With AI, some of the world's greatest storytellers will come from the most random places'
According to some estimates, YouTube's creator economy touched $250 billion last year, making it slightly smaller than the economy of New Zealand. The mini-media empires of its most popular creators, built out of bedrooms and backyards, now reach billions and earn as much in dollars. A huge slice of the viewers comes from India, YouTube's biggest market, with more than 460 million users, according to industry estimates. #Operation Sindoor India-Pakistan Clash Live Updates| Pak moving troops to border areas? All that's happening Why India chose to abstain instead of 'No Vote' against IMF billion-dollar funding to Pakistan How Pak's jihadi general Munir became trapped in his own vice The Google-owned video-sharing platform recently flew down to India three of its most popular global creators—Mark Rober, Mayo Japan and Brandon B . The country is, unsurprisingly, the largest contributor of views to Rober and Mayo Japan. While Rober engages in STEM storytelling, merging scientific concepts with data-driven experiments and savvy storytelling, Mayo Japan, 'the Hindi bolnewali Japani ladki', makes cross-cultural content on India and Japan, and Brandon, who calls himself a 'Hogwarts dropout', makes videos that intersect fantasy, physics and VFX. The three of them have a combined subscriber base of 85 million. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Switch to UnionBank Rewards Card UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo In an interview with Anirban Chowdhury and Dia Rekhi, they discuss how this is the most exciting and scariest time to be in the content creation space, thanks to a fast-evolving audience, new revenue streams and AI bridging the gap between those who have technical knowledge and those who haven't. Edited excerpts: Mark Rober , how did a NASA engineer become a content creator? Live Events MR: I started in 2012, when people couldn't make a career or money off YouTube. I had a jugaad idea for a Halloween costume with two iPads, which made it look like I had a hole in my body. It kind of went viral. Since then, I've been making one video every month. I quit my job at Apple when I reached 10 million subscribers. That was five years ago. And now my team has 100 people and we have 70 million subscribers. Discover the stories of your interest Blockchain 5 Stories Cyber-safety 7 Stories Fintech 9 Stories E-comm 9 Stories ML 8 Stories Edtech 6 Stories Mayo Japan, what sparked the idea of bringing together two completely different cultures—Indian and Japanese? MJ: My journey started when I chose to study Hindi as a major in university. This was suggested by my father, who used to climb the Himalayas and loves India. I was in a boring corporate job and started making Hindi YouTube videos on the side so that I wouldn't forget the language. The videos went viral. That was in 2017. I started by teaching Hindi to a Japanese audience. Then I flipped it and taught Japanese culture to an Indian audience. Brandon B, you started learning about VFX by watching YouTube videos in school… BB: I think I was part of the first generation of kids that grew up watching YouTube when it didn't hold the same prestige it does today. I almost remember hiding my obsession from my friends. In 2011, I started uploading fun, cute, short videos and they'd hit a grand total of about two views. (Laughs) I then spent four years in the television industry, learning how to use a camera and honing my editing skills. Then I jumped back into the wild west of YouTube and the rest is history. Two big catalysts for me were Covid and the birthing of YouTube Shorts. How do you guys ensure that your content is accessible and cuts across cultures and countries? MJ: I started my YouTube channel because I was passionate about Hindi. And I make content about India because I love India. I am passionate towards the things I make content about and I guess that resonates with people. MR: Same. I like to make videos on things I like, which is STEM storytelling. But I sneak in the science before you realise what's even happening. I call it 'hiding the vegetables'. So I'll make a video about a 15-tonne Jell-O pool but, before you know it, you are also learning chemistry. Do you guys talk to each other as content creators, exchange ideas, etc? BB: Yeah, Mark and I have known each other for two years. One of the really magical things about YouTube is the collaboration between creators. Because a bit of it is finding your way in the dark. There's no rule book for YouTube, and it's just a case of us getting together and being like: 'Hey, I've tried this. Is this also working for you?' And we all evolve together. What do you feel about AI and its impact on the work that you do? BB: AI is both scary and exciting: scary because as VFX artists, we have, for the past decade, been teaching ourselves hardcore technical skills. Now those are becoming less relevant. But it also excites me because this means the high entry barriers are breaking. The next generation of filmmakers and creators can start storytelling without spending years trying to learn software. They can just use all of these incredible apps on a phone. We live in a world where there are more phones than toothbrushes. And now these tools are everywhere and the largest distribution platform in the world (YouTube) is free. We are about to see some of the greatest storytellers in the world come up from the most random places, and I think that's beautiful. Your videos are cost-intensive. Which revenue streams sustain them? MJ: I don't depend on YouTube revenue. My main source of income is promoting Japanese company brands to the Indian audience. But I am choosy about who and what I promote. BB: I make short-form content, which is a little bit harder to monetise. So I've set up a separate production company called Studio B and we work with big brands, helping them create content. A lot of my content is also brand-funded. MR: For me, it costs a million dollars a month just to keep the lights on. My YouTube channel just about breaks even, with $10-15 million of annual revenue. But the channel primarily is an advertising platform for my company CrunchLabs. It sells DIY toys for kids which also, in the process, teach them about the physics that goes into making these toys. Is there a path from online to offline engagement? MJ: There are events, like Japanese festivals in India. I do a stage performance or a talk show. We also provide Japanese food during the festival. These aren't experiences you get online. Mark, in the age of lo-fi, raw and random content, are effort, investment and planning still big differentiators? MR: 30% of our videos are shot on a smartphone. Even though it might cost $500,000 for a video, we try to give it a backyard kinda feel so it looks more authentic than a TV show with 20 cameras. Having said that, it is really hard to go viral on YouTube without a month of planning and a decent amount of money these days. A cat playing the piano cannot be a viral video anymore. The audience has evolved. They have seen that cat. YouTube is becoming part of the living-room experience with people watching it on TV. How does that work for you as an opportunity? MR: It's great for me because the Jell-O pool video looks amazing on a 65-inch TV. The watch time of my videos on television is doubling and tripling. I think 30% of my viewership comes from there. BB: A good chunk of our Shorts viewership is on TV now. The first time you try watching Shorts on a TV set, it will blow your mind. It is so engaging. Where does India rank in your viewership? MR: My videos are watched the most in India. MJ: Same for me. Finally, one word from you that describes the future of content creation. BB: Mainstream. MR: Optimistic. MJ: Passion.
