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ewilhelm

  • Date Joined:Mar 7, 2005
  • Instructables:140
  • Total Views:3,182,337
  • Featured %:45%
  • Subscribers:701
  • Answers:70
  • Best Answers %:17%
  • Topics:469
  • Comments:2,403
About
Eric J. Wilhelm is the founder of Instructables. He has a Ph.D. from MIT in Mechanical Engineering. Eric believes in making technology accessible through understanding, and strives to inspire others to learn as much as they can and share it with those around them. Read about Instructables' history: http://www.instructables.com/id/How_to_Start_a_Business_1/ and meet the others on the Instructables team [http://www.instructables.com/about/ .

In addition to his doctorate, Eric earned his SB, and SM degrees in mechanical engineering from MIT, where he developed methods to print electronics and micro-electromechanical systems using nanoparticles. He co-founded Squid Labs http://www.squid-labs.com, an innovation and design partnership, and a number of Squid Labs spin-off companies including Potenco http://www.potenco.com, producing a human-powered generator for cell phones and laptops; Makani http://www.makanipower.com, an energy company seeking to harness high-altitude wind; and OptiOpia http://www.optiopia.com, developing low-cost portable vision-testing and lens-fabricating devices.

Eric has been recognized as one of the top innovators under 35 years old by Technology Review :http://www.instructables.com/community/Eric_wins_TR35_Innovation_Award/, and was awarded the National Inventors Hall of Fame Collegiate Inventors Award for the development of a printing technique used to create patterns in films of nanoparticles or polymers with resolutions reaching into the 10's of nanometers.

Contact him at his Instructables profile by clicking the "Private Message Me" button, or by guessing his email address @instructables.com (it's easy).

You can also follow his work here by clicking the "subscribe" button, or on Twitter http://twitter.com/ericwilhelm or Facebook http://www.facebook.com/ewilhelm
Location
San Francisco, California
Age: 35
Gender: MALE

 

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1281 comments
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Apr 1, 2012. 6:05 PMDipankar says:
My Dear Eric, do you know that you have a serious problem in the UPLOADING of Photo's in Instructables for the last 6 months.
I am using my mobile for Internet which is slow but cheap but I do not have any problem uploading Photographs to Facebook or Google, then why am I having Problems with Instructables?
Error 10 is a constant headache.
You have so many highly qualified people so please look into it.
I have to go to my friends house and use his internet connection to upload my projects to Instructables.
Hope you will take Prompt Action.
Thanks...........
Apr 1, 2012. 5:59 PMDipankar says:
My Dear Eric, do you know that you have a serious problem in the UPLOADING of Photo's in Instructables for the last 6 months.
I am using my mobile for Internet which is slow but cheap but I do not have any problem uploading Photographs to Facebook or Google, then why am I having Problems with Instructables?
Error 10 is a constant headache.
You have so many highly qualified people so please look into it.
I have to go to my friends house and use his internet connection to upload my projects to Instructables.
Hope you will take Prompt Action.
Thanks...........
Mar 27, 2012. 11:06 PMelektronichouse says:
Informative instructions, bookmarked.

iphoneaccessories-supplier .com
Jan 16, 2012. 11:09 PMcanucksgirl says:
Hello Eric,

I just wanted to say that the links on the "how to help out around instructables" page do not work and several comments have been left about this.

Thanks for bringing us Instructables, I am still a noob around here, but I am making myself at home. :D

canucksgirl
Nov 9, 2011. 2:04 PMbuilderkidj says:
When I joined I didnt get a welcome message :(
Dec 27, 2011. 2:46 PMPotatoCoffee says:
Same.
Nov 1, 2011. 8:51 AMmischka says:
Thanks for your halloween postcard! I had it in the mailbox today.
Oct 30, 2011. 3:33 PMDipankar says:
Hi Erick, Thank you for putting my "USB Mini Fan" on your homepage.
I like to make simple and use-able projects, because many of the Instructables published is beyond my understanding, expensive and not easy to make.
Thanks again.
Sep 11, 2011. 9:52 PMsparky3489 says:
It's the oddest thing. I found an instructable I like and wanted to get the PDF of it. So I go do download it but I couldn't click the link. It was then I saw something about having to get a PRO account because the free trial period expired.

Here's the kicker. On the same page as that announcement, I found this:

"Remember, all of the content on Instructables is available for free, and it's free to post Instructables. We have absolutely no plans to change that."

Someone misspelled the word SOME !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jul 21, 2011. 2:33 PMNE patsrock says:
DUDE THANX FOR THIS SITE THIS IS LIKE THE ONLY SITE I GO ON WHITH OUT IT I'D BE NO WHERE!!!!!
May 28, 2011. 6:06 AMM4industries says:
It was nice meeting you in person at Maker Faire. You are a role-model for me and I also wanted to thank you for the shirt.

I was the kid with the black tshirt with the schematic on it.
May 22, 2011. 12:54 AMMadBricoleur says:
Hi Eric! It was awesome to see you at the Maker Faire today... I was the tall-ish asian highschool guy in the green hoodie and instructables tshirt... whose "style" you liked :) and who you took a pic with. It was really a dream come true for me to finally be able to meet the founder of my favorite website/obsession ever. (you don't even know how often I advertise your site to my friends, haha)

I was sort of tired (lack of sleep from school) so I wasn't on my game and didn't talk to you about as much stuff as I would have liked to... but anyway

KEEP IT UP! and thx so much.
Apr 15, 2011. 4:49 PMknex_builder_freak says:
Hey Eric!

I just wanted to tell you that yesterday (14th) this is my 4th year on instructables!

Congratulations for having the coolest website ever!
Apr 6, 2011. 5:21 PMtankthelineman says:
you should check out my instructables and also thanks for making this site its so awesome so now i can share my paintings thanks so much :D
Mar 29, 2011. 4:44 PMjohnglenn says:
Please delete my account...It did not provide what I was seeking

Thank you
Feb 10, 2011. 5:04 AMElvenChild says:
Hello I know you can flag comments but recenlty some really inappropriate instructable's have been appearing on the home page (all of carlevy or however you spell it's underwear instructable's and I was wondering if there was a way to flag instructable's.
Feb 6, 2011. 12:33 AMThe Jamalam says:
Hey eric, I didn't know if you'd see this or not so I thought I'd post it on your orangeboard, hope you don't mind.
Here
Jan 28, 2011. 4:34 AMElvenChild says:
hello the links on the how to help out around instructables page aren't working is there any other way we can help.
Dec 8, 2010. 8:46 AMacidbass says:
Hey there I just wanted to see if I could get some more support on the instructables movie that I am constructing. The main thing I need is people willing to take part in it. Thanks
AB
Nov 17, 2010. 10:30 PMelcontestador says:
Why U-Boat?
Oct 29, 2010. 10:24 AMknex_builder_freak says:
Hey, just received my halloween card!

Here is a picture of last years and this years card.
Nov 1, 2010. 4:15 PMknex_builder_freak says:
:)

Thanks for it man, It's really awesome
Nov 1, 2010. 3:01 PM~KGB~ says:
thanks for the postcard! i really appreciate it!
Oct 29, 2010. 7:18 PMRobot Lover says:
Thank you so much for the halloween postcard! Me luvs so much!
Oct 21, 2010. 10:58 AMknex_builder_freak says:
Hey Eric.

I didn't get a halloween postcard private message this year. Do you think you could send one out to me?
Oct 21, 2010. 12:50 PMknex_builder_freak says:
Thanks, you are a life saver :-)
Oct 9, 2010. 6:27 PMlphillips094 says:
i showed my sister your page and she wants to know if you are German.
Jul 7, 2010. 4:43 PMjamesdude says:
Lol are you ever going to post a knex gun?
Jul 6, 2010. 10:03 PMlockpick says:
Hey Eric me and some of my friends who use instructables were wondering if you could make a live chat room for help when your building projects or just bored. Thanks in advance.
Jul 4, 2010. 11:10 PMbacklinkin1 says:
hello this is cool .
Jun 14, 2010. 3:23 PMRobot Lover says:
I was wondering if there is anything I could do for instuctables. I will not acept any pay. I could advertise, in other words wear Instructables t-shirts around hand out stickers. Please give this some thought. Thank-you! Robot Lover
Jun 9, 2010. 10:03 AMmikeyx says:
Wow your Profile so cool :p
May 22, 2010. 8:06 PMcoolknexcreations says:
hey eric, i was wondering if you could get rid of some impersonators of shadowman39 and axiys. They are shadow man39 (notice the space) and axiys. (notice the period) thanks!
May 14, 2010. 10:52 AMTornado96 says:
HI! I've been on since June 2009 and I can favourite things and make all the steps on one page. My friends that are also on ibles cant. They say it comes up with pro membership only. Is there something wrong with my computer or something like that? Please answer

Also I was wondering how much it costs to become pro. I want to see if I can afford it

Thanks :-)

T96-
Apr 21, 2010. 1:39 PMknex_builder_freak says:
Yo bro, Just thought you might like to know that I've been here for 3 years and a few days.

AND, I'm 13 finally (on the 21st, which is today.) =)

PS. Best website I've ever been on in my life... =D
Apr 23, 2010. 3:17 PMknex_builder_freak says:
NP!, You guys are really.. the best!
Apr 11, 2010. 12:51 PMHiyadudez says:
Hey Eric,

Sorry for the spam and all, but I'd appreciate it if you took a moment of your time to check this out:

CLICKY

Thanks for your time :-D
Feb 25, 2010. 10:26 AMHiyadudez says:
Hey Eric,

I just wanted to show you my newest Instructable. I like getting opinions of my work from people 'higher up' in the Ibles community.

http://www.instructables.com/id/VCR-Robot-Wars/

Thanks. :-)
Feb 21, 2010. 2:50 PMDon,t try this at home says:
I hate the new setup of instructables can you change it back?
Feb 17, 2010. 7:40 PMknex_builder_freak says:
Hey, I have found a faker that you should check out, Here he is, www.instructables.com/member/dutchwarIord/


Here is the REAL dutchwarlord
www.instructables.com/member/dutchwarlord/


Thanks, K_B_F
Jan 12, 2010. 2:25 PMKryptonite says:
Hello!

I'd just like to leave this comment here and say thank you for creating such an amazing sight, and I'd also like to ask; will you be posting another Instructable soon? I always love yours but I haven't seen one for a while.
Jan 21, 2010. 4:58 PMLithium Rain says:
At the SAME TIME? That sounds positively disastrous.
Jan 15, 2010. 11:27 PMKryptonite says:
Sounds great! Definitely looking forward to it.
Jan 19, 2010. 3:28 PMKnexFreek says:
 Dear Mr.Ewilhelm,
 
         I know you are probably very busy, but if you could take a minute out of your day to check out my forum topic,  you would make my day. It is not knex related, and the link is below. Please drop me a comment on it :)
Thankyou very much.
 
Sincerely, 
Jan 18, 2010. 9:39 AMKnexFreek says:
 Dear Mr.Ewilhelm,
 
         I know you are probably very busy, but if you could take a minute out of your day to check out my forum topic,  you would make my day. It is not knex related, and the link is below. Please drop me a comment on it :)
Thankyou very much.
 
Sincerely, 
-Kevin C.
 
Jan 15, 2010. 5:52 AMMplinnc says:
I am patchwes can u give me a patch.
Jan 15, 2010. 5:53 AMMplinnc says:
You Better help me or IM GONNA BLOWWW!!!!!!
Jan 13, 2010. 4:19 PMkoolkidd says:
I am sorry. I NEVER use this anymore. Feel free to delete my account.
Jan 12, 2010. 1:51 PMsharlston says:
please join the ibles fansite everyone

http://instructables-fansite.socialgo.com/
Jan 9, 2010. 9:11 AMKnexFreek says:
Dear Mr.Ewilhelm,

         I know you are probably very busy, but if you could take a minute out of your day to check out my forum topic,  you would make my day. It is not knex related, and the link is below. Please drop me a comment on it :)
Thankyou very much.

Sincerely,
-Kevin C.

www.instructables.com/community/Ill-SUBSCRIBE-to-you-Just-leave-me-a-comment-/
Jan 9, 2010. 8:55 PMpossum888 says:
 Just letting you know its Mr. Wilhelm. The E stands for his first name, Eric
Jan 8, 2010. 9:17 PMKnexFreek says:
Dear Mr.Ewilhelm,

         I know you are probably very busy, but if you could take a minute out of your day to check out my forum topic,  you would make my day. It is not knex related, and the link is below. Please drop me a comment on it :)
Thankyou very much.

Sincerely,
-Kevin C.

www.instructables.com/community/Ill-SUBSCRIBE-to-you-Just-leave-me-a-comment-/
Jan 6, 2010. 8:31 AMjerjod says:
 Thanks again for everything.  - Jerry
Dec 29, 2009. 8:06 AMHiyadudez says:
Hey Eric!

Check out this instructable, I THINK YOU'LL LIKE IT :-)

http://www.instructables.com/id/Instructables-How-much-I-love-you/?comments=all#CVW3P1VG3KYBVQF
Dec 25, 2009. 8:24 AMdjr6789 says:
dude whats up with the fake anti virus scan popping up everytime i visit the site. my computer is clean ive scanned itwith norton mcafee and avg  but it keeps popping up
Dec 11, 2009. 10:20 AMsammyb says:
Can I be a pro please Eric as I think i am up to the task if I am brutally honest. Thanks BIG E!
Dec 23, 2009. 6:47 PMJoe Martin says:
http://www.instructables.com/account/gopro
Dec 21, 2009. 7:35 PMReCreate says:
I noticed that the HTML of instructables is invalid. Is that intentional?
Dec 3, 2009. 10:03 PMCRAZYCREATOR187 says:
 if you are able can you please change my name to CRAZYCREATOR187
Nov 27, 2009. 8:13 AMDon,t try this at home says:
Hi can you please feature this instructable www.instructables.com/id/How-to-properly-fold-a-american-flag/
Nov 30, 2009. 8:26 PMDJ Radio says:
Begging won't help anything.
Dec 1, 2009. 11:53 AMDon,t try this at home says:
I only asked  you never know he mite.
Oct 24, 2009. 12:39 AMRedFlash says:
(removed by author or community request)
Oct 24, 2009. 12:40 AMRedFlash says:
(removed by author or community request)
Oct 24, 2009. 2:52 AMjames.mcglashan says:
(removed by author or community request)
Oct 24, 2009. 9:01 PMRedFlash says:
(removed by author or community request)
Oct 31, 2009. 3:52 AMKryptonite says:
What, clicker finger too lazy? Please just PM ewilhelm instead of clogging up the orange board. Please.
Nov 30, 2009. 8:27 PMDJ Radio says:
If you want to see a clogged up orangeboard, click my name.
Dec 1, 2009. 12:39 AMKryptonite says:
I release my powers of envy upon you. I think I have, what, 25 on mine? Oops, 26.
Nov 17, 2009. 4:03 PMKnexFreek says:
LOL !!!  Hey up to anything new??

Check this out  !!!

http://www.instructables.com/id/knex-repeating-crossbow-1/
Nov 19, 2009. 4:17 AMKnexFreek says:
 cool! i checked out all the links! did you see my link?
Nov 22, 2009. 5:33 PMKryptonite says:
 Yeah, but I got a new computer and it doesn't have the version of Flash to see the slideshow, sorry.
Nov 22, 2009. 5:48 PMKnexFreek says:
 that stinks!!! i cant see slideshows on my iphone lol!
Nov 24, 2009. 1:59 AMKryptonite says:
Oh really? I don't have an iPhone or an iPod Touch but pretty much every one I know has one.
Nov 24, 2009. 4:07 AMKnexFreek says:
 get one !!!! i bought mine new but you can get one cheap via craigslist :)
Nov 25, 2009. 12:04 AMKryptonite says:
What's Craiglist? I thought it was a scam.
Nov 25, 2009. 8:58 AMKnexFreek says:
 *jaw drops*


u have never bought off craigslist!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!@?????????????????

It is SCAM-FREE not scam filled!!!!!!! You buy locally !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! GET ON THE SITE AND PUT IN WHAT U WANT OMG!!!
Nov 25, 2009. 3:15 PMKryptonite says:
 Hmm ok, I'll check it out when I get home.
Nov 25, 2009. 6:04 PMKnexFreek says:
 Good. :)
Oct 25, 2009. 9:21 PMDJ Radio says:
It's either Limited ibles, or No ibles at all.
Nov 25, 2009. 6:29 PMbassclarinet23 says:
"Erik Wilhelm" was a quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals in the 80s and 90s...I enjoy your work much more though.
Nov 17, 2009. 3:58 PMKnexFreek says:
 YOU ROCK!!!
Please check this out! And leave a comment ! Thankyou!!

http://www.instructables.com/id/knex-repeating-crossbow-1/

Thanks so much!!!
Nov 17, 2009. 1:46 AMJoe Martin says:
Sorry for the lateness but I just wish to thank you for sending me a halloween postcard and some stickers to all the way here across the pond.

I really appreciate all the time and effort that you and all the other put into sending these cards out, it was such a kind gesture.

All the best to you and you family and also everyone at Instructables!

Joe Martin.
Nov 5, 2009. 4:02 PMlancmaltby says:
Just wanted to say - thanks so much for the halloween card. It really made my day :). Thank you for taking the time out of your busy day to sign each and every one - I do have one question??? And sorry if this was already asked somewhere out there in instructable land -  How many cards did you sign and how long did it take you - How did you plan out the day(s). Did you have to take some home with you to sign, while driving in your car, eating your breakfast?? I could only imagine how many you did and how long it really took !

Again thanks so much
lancmaltby
Oct 23, 2009. 10:02 PMjianqiang says:
Thanks for the Halloween card. I appreciate that you signed it yourself.

Cheers
Oct 29, 2009. 6:16 PMsanty22 says:
 Just got it today, was playing with the envelope and WOOTZ! Stickers!
Glad you signed it yourself.
Oct 30, 2009. 4:47 PMratolibre1 says:
Hi there! Thanks for the Halloween card, it arrived yesterday here, to Chile, and was a really pleasant surprise :P

Hope you really enjoy this Halloween! (And hope to participate on a new contest soon too :P)

Cheers!

______________________________________________
Arturo Vial Arqueros (a.k.a. Ratolibre1) from Santiago, Chile.
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