Podcast

Hello and Welcome to IEEE RAS Soft Robotics Podcast. The soft robotics podcast is dedicated to the soft robotics community and audience who are interested in soft robotics technology. We interview guests from both academia and industry where we discuss their latest research besides highlighting the challenges that face soft robotics in the academic and industrial worlds. Since technology should interact with not only scientists, we are also interviewing philosophers, kids and laypeople how do they feel and think about robotics. The podcast is available on SoundCloud, iTunes, Spotify, and Google podcast.

For questions and inquires simply you can send me through twitter @MarwaEldiwiny

Soft Robotics With Sam Kriegman

Intriguing discussion with Sam Kriegman “computer-designed organisms” Ph.D. graduate student at the university of Vermont “. How do the machines design the body shape and predict the global behavior of the complex structure? Besides highlighting the challenges, limitations, and potential of using merging AI with soft robotics morphological design.

Gary Marcus “The Next Decade of AI & Robotics”

Thoughtful discussion with Gary Marcus founder of Robust.AI and Geometric Intelligence (acquired by Uber in 2016), author of Rebooting AI: Gary illustrates the limits of the current deep learning and how the envisioned hybrid approaches: deep learning and symbolic AI can contribute towards human level-AI. What could be beyond the hybrid approaches?

Robotics & AGI With Ben Goertzel

In this episode, we thrilled to have Dr.Ben Goertzel the founder and CEO of SingularityNET, a blockchain-based AI marketplace. Dr.Ben spoke Robotics, AGI, decentralized AI blockchain services. I hope you would enjoy this episode.

Joel Simon” Art, Machine Intelligence, and Soft Robotics Design”

Compelling discourse with Joel Simon about Art, Machine Intelligence and soft robotics, Joel is a multidisciplinary artist who does work on a generative design (GAN) and collaborative creative tool and network. We discuss interesting points about what’s happening in the artbreeder. How will AI systems enhance and augment human creativity, how generative design could be a solution for the future of soft robotics design.

Soft Robotics With Xinyu Liu

“Skin-like sensors can stretch up to 400 percent of its length without breaking compared to human skin can only stretch about 50 percent ” Interesting discussion with Prof.Xinyu Liu, the head of Microfluidics and BioMEMS Lab at the University of Toronto, Prof.Xinyu shares their research about Skin-like sensors, challenges: durability, bio-compatibility, and fabrication. I hope you find it useful.

Soft Robotics With Eric Diller

Interesting discussion with Eric Diller ” Micro-Soft Robotics” In this episode, Prof.Eric Diller, a professor at the University of Toronto What are the challenges in terms of actuation/ sensing/ control/ design when the soft robotics systems are reduced to micro-scale? What we have to consider in the designing/Fabrication process? could AI contribute to selecting the best structures for such microsystems? and more discourse points in the episode. I hope you enjoy it.

Growing Soft Robotics with Allison Okamura

In this episode, we interviewed Allison Okamura, a professor at the Mechanical Engineering Dept, Stanford University, and the leader of the CHARM LAB. Allison Okamura received the BS degree from the University of California at Berkeley, and the MS and Ph.D. degrees from Stanford University. She is Professor in the mechanical engineering department at Stanford University, with a courtesy appointment in computer science. She is an IEEE Fellow and is currently the Editor-in-Chief of the journal IEEE Robotics and Automation Letters. Her awards include the IEEE Technical Committee on Haptics Early Career Award, the IEEE Robotics and Automation Society Early Academic Career Award, and the NSF CAREER Award. Her academic interests include haptics, teleoperation, virtual reality, medical robotics, soft robotics, rehabilitation, and education.

Soft Robotics With George Whitesides

It such an honor to have prof. George Whitesides, Founding Core Faculty
Wyss Institute at Harvard University, bright minds came out from him like “Robert Sheperd, AdamStokes, Conor Walsh”. He also co-founder of SoftRoboticsInc. Prof.Whitesides shared with us his very rich experience in soft robotics, I was amazed at how wisdom, intelligence, and simplicity he has. I hope you would enjoy this episode.

Soft Robotics With Alin Albu-Schäffer

Alin Albu-Schäffer, the head of the mechatronics and robotics at German Aerospace Centre DLR speaks about their research and challenges to solve, I hope you enjoy it.

Soft Robotics With Jamie Paik

In this episode, We have Prof. Jamie Paik, the founder of the Reconfigurable Robotics Lab at EPFL. I really enjoyed this interesting and thoughtful discussion by Prof.Jamie. I hope you would find this episode useful.

Soft Robotics with Cecilia Laschi

In this episode, we have interviewed Prof.Cecilia Laschi, a professor at the BioRobotics Institute of the Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna in Pisa. I really enjoyed this talk, we spoke about different topics starting from her research, and philosophical related to the field.

Soft Robotics with Antonio Bicci

In this episode, we interviewed Antonio Bicchi who is a Professor of Robotics at the University of Pisa, and Senior Scientist at the Italian Institute of Technology in Genoa. He graduated from the University of Bologna in 1988 and was a postdoc scholar at M.I.T. Artificial Intelligence lab in 1988–1990. He teaches Robotics and Control Systems in the Department of Information Engineering (DII) of the University of Pisa. He leads the Robotics Group at the Research Center “E. Piaggio” of the University of Pisa since 1990, where he was Director from 2003 to 2012. He is the head of the SoftRobotics Lab for Human Cooperation and Rehabilitation at IIT in Genoa. Since 2013 he serves ad Adjunct Professor at the School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering of Arizona State University.

Soft Robotics With Fumiya Iida

An insightful and outspoken episode with Dr. Fumiya Iida, the leader of the bio-inspired robotics lab at Cambridge University, and co-chair of IEEE RAS Soft Robotics TC. In this episode, we discussed different topics besides exposing dr.Fumiya’s thoughts about the field. Special thanks to Dr.Fumiya for his sincere support for the podcast.

Soft Robotics with Adam Stokes

An inspiring and intriguing episode with Dr.Adam A. Stokes, the Director of The Soft Systems Group at The University of Edinburgh. In this episode, Dr.Adam shares his broad experience with soft robotics and related interdisciplinary research fields besides highlighting his thoughts about challenges that could soft robotics.

Soft Robotics with Josh Bongard

A fascinating and in-depth discussion with Josh Bongard, a professor at the University of Vermont about soft robotics and AI. We discussed different topics about sim2real and shape-changing morphology in soft robotics, it was a very informative discussion.

Soft Robotics With Guang-Zhong Yang

Very thoughtful and interesting discussion with Prof.Guang-Zhong Yang, the co-founder and former director of Hamlyn Centre for Robotic Surgery and former chairman of the UK-RAS Network. Prof.Guang shares with us his profound vision and thoughts about the field.

“Xenobot” Soft Robotics With Michael Levin

“What is the Living robots” Which level of understanding is required for AI algorithms to predict the best structure of these robots, how they communicate with each other to make emergent behavior “swarm” #Xenobot. Very thoughtful and intriguing discussion with Michael Levin, a professor in the Biology department at Tufts, director of the Tufts Center for Regenerative and Developmental Biology. Prof.Levin spoke about living robots, modeling aspects, morphological computation, limitations, challenges, and more interesting points.

Soft Robotics With Rahim Mutlu

Very interesting and thoughtful discourse with Dr.Rahim Mutlu, Lecturer at Wollongong University, associate investigator at ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials. Dr.Rahim stressed the importance of design and modeling of understanding smart soft materials behavior and more interesting points highlighted in the episode. I hope you enjoy the episode.

Soft Robotics With Oliver Brock

Profound and outspoken discussion with Prof.Oliver Brock, the director of the Robotics and Biology Laboratory at Berlin Institute of Technology. In this episode, a different spectrum of topics is discussed: the hype of using AI in robotics research to reproducibility problems and what could be the solution. I hope you would enjoy it.

Soft Robotics with Robert Shepherd

In this episode, we interviewed Robert Sheperd, associate professor at Cornell University, Rob Shepherd received his B.S. (2002) and Ph.D. (2010) in Material Science at the University of Illinois where his research focused on developing polymeric and colloidal suspensions as ‘inks’ for 3D printers. He also fabricated microfluidic devices to synthesize single micron to millimeter-scale parts (e.g., glass and silicon microgears). Concurrently to performing this research, he received his M.B.A. (2009) at U of I and started a company, worked with several other startups, and gained significant experience with the details of market research, financials, accounting issues, and legal aspects of entrepreneurship. In 2010, he continued his education as a post-doctoral fellow at Harvard University in George Whitesides’s research group in the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology. In this group, he developed pneumatic actuators in soft elastomers that took the form of a machine capable of moving in multiple gaits: walking and undulating. These actuators have also been used for low-cost manipulators, and in concert with a microfluidic system for biomimetic camouflage & display.

Soft Robotics With Helge Wurdemann

An intriguing and insightful discussion with Dr. Helge Wurdemann, Head of the Soft Haptics and Robotics Lab at UCL. In this episode, Dr.Helge highlights interesting applications of soft robotics and the challenges they face, besides reflecting his musing about the field I hope you would enjoy this episode.

Soft Robotics With Helmut Hauser

A well-thought and an intriguing episode with Dr. Helmut Hauser, a Senior Lecturer in Robotics at Bristol Robotics Laboratory. In this episode, Helmut highlights the latest research and challenges they face besides exposing his thoughts about the field. I hope you would find it useful.

Soft Robotics with Guy Hoffman

In this episode, we were delighted to have Prof.Guy Hoffman, an Assistant Professor at Cornell University. I really enjoyed this discussion, we discussed a variety of topics and issues in the field of Soft Robotics and human-robot interaction.

Artash and Arushi “What Do Kids Think About Soft(Robotics)?”

What do kids think about Soft(Robotics)? I am impressed and proud by the amazing Artash and Arushi,
The Winners: NASA SpaceApps 2019/2018/2017/2014.
Artash and Arushi spoke about their projects, ideas, how the education system is supposed to be, their goals, advices. I think we must listen to the younger generation and their thoughts because sometimes they are more aware than us. I hope you enjoy the episode.

Trailer: What Do Kids Think About Robotics?

What do kids think about Soft(Robotics)? I am impressed and proud of the amazing kids at istwente international school. In the trailer, they exposing their thoughts about robotics.

Foldaway Haptics With Stefano Mintchev

Very interesting episode with Stefano Mintchev, the co-Founder and CTO at Foldaway haptics a spin-off-EPFL, Foldaway-haptics developed origami-inspired robots to Mercedes-Benz for their VISION AVTR concept car. We spoke about the challenges they face to bring the product to markets, the on-going upgrades for fold way-haptics and robotics, I hope you enjoy.

Robotics With Christoph Bartneck

It was fun and interesting discussion with prof. Christoph Bartneck, associate Professor (Reader) and Director of Postgraduate Studies at University of Canterbury, and the host of Human-Robot Interaction podcast. In this episode, we discussed aspects of human robotics interaction, funding robotics research, and many interesting points in the episode.
More information about the Human Robot Interaction podcast:www.human-robot-interaction.org/podcast-overview/

Soft Robotics With Tommaso Ranzani

Thoughtful and interesting discussion with Prof.Tommaso Ranzani, the head of Morphable Biorobotics, Boston University. His work on fabricating novel reconfigurable soft-bodied across different scales is highlighted (more in the episode). His research focuses on exploring different technologies and developing manufacturing paradigms to design and fabricate innovative robotic systems. His main research area is soft robotics. He has explored soft robotic technologies to develop novel manipulators, which integrate design principles from biological systems to perform advanced procedures in minimally invasive surgery (MIS).

Soft Robotics With Ali Sadeghi

Prof.Ali, an assistant professor at the Department of Biomechanical Engineering at the University of Twente and one of the tenure trackers of the 4TU Dutch Soft Robotics Program. After several years of working in the industry, he began his academic career as a lecturer and researcher at the Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Tehran (2004-2010), where he developed several service robots (e.g. power line pole climbing and domestic robots), as well as polymer micromachining facilities. His passion for soft robotics was born and grown at the Center for Micro-Bio Robotics of Italian Institute of Technology (IIT) where I worked from January 2010 to July 2019. During this period, he mainly focused on the design and unconventional manufacturing of soft-bodied robots, particularly inspired by biological models such as plants, sea urchin, and octopus. Inspired by plant movements, I pioneered the new concept of Growing Robots (robots moving and adapting by creating their own structure) and succeeded in inventing the world’s first examples of these robots by incorporating additive manufacturing technology as part of the robot structure.

Soft Robotics With Mark Rentschler

In this episode, we are pleased to have to prof. Mark Rentschler, The head of, advanced Medical Technologies Laboratory at the University of Colorado, and Co-founder & CTO at Aspero Medical. Prof.Mark spokes about the role of soft robotics in surgical robotics and how AI could contribute to soft robotics morphological computation. I hope you would enjoy the episode.

Soft Robotics with Julian Martijn

Everyone has a story that could give them an impetus to come up with new solutions. Intriguing discussion with Julian Martijn, the founder of the first soft sleeping robot, we discussed different topics about how someone is human-friendly designed, regulations, and the next-generations features.

Swarm Robotics With Sabine Hauert

Interesting episode with Sabine Hauert, an Assistant Professor in the Bristol Robotics Laboratory. I hope you would enjoy this discussion about her work in Swarm Robotics and how it would go hand in hand at some point with Soft Robotics. I hope you would enjoy it

Soft Robotics with Ian Walker

In this episode, we interviewed Ian Walker, a professor at Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Clemson University. Walker’s research centers on robotics, particularly novel manipulators and manipulation. His group is conducting basic research in the construction, modeling, and application of biologically-inspired “trunk, tentacle, and worm” robots. Their work is strongly motivated by the dexterous appendages found in cephalopods, particularly the arms and suckers of octopus, and the arms and tentacles of a squid. The ongoing investigation of these animals reveals interesting functional aspects of their structure and behavior.

Soft Robotics with Carmel Majidi

In this episode, we interviewed Carmel Majidi who is an Associate Professor at Carnegie Mellon University. Carmel’s mission is to discover materials, hardware architectures, and fabrication methods that allow robots and machines to behave like soft biological organisms and be safe for contact with humans. The aim is to replace the bulky and rigid hardware in existing robots with soft, lightweight, and deformable technologies that match the functionality of natural biological tissue. Currently, his group is focused on filled-elastomer composites and soft microfluidic systems that exhibit unique combinations of mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties and can function as “artificial” skin, nervous tissue, and muscle for soft robotics and wearables. I’m particularly interested in approaches that are practical from a rapid prototyping and robotics implementation perspective. This includes efforts to enable robust mechanical and electrical interfacing between soft-matter systems and conventional microelectronics and hardware.

Soft Robotics with Bram Vanderborght

In this episode, we interviewed Bram Vanderborght is professor robotics at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel. he is a member of the interdisciplinary Brussels Human Robotics Research Center (BruBotics). His research interests include cognitive and physical human-robot interaction, robot-assisted therapy, humanoids and rehabilitation robotics with the core technology of using variable impedance actuators.

Soft Robotics with Gursel Alici

In this episode, we are delighted to have prof. Gursel Alici, the Soft Robotics Theme Leader and a Senior Professor at the University of Wollongong. Prof.Gursel shares with us his profound and rich expertise over twenty years besides reflecting his thoughts about the field. I hope you would find this episode useful.

Part 1: Noel Sharkey” How We Can Make Robotics Beneficial for Humanity As A Whole?”

” How We Can Make Robotics Beneficial for Humanity As A Whole?” Very intriguing discussion with Noel Sharkey. Noel is best known to the British public for his appearances on television as an expert on robotics; including the BBC Two television series Robot Wars and Techno Games, and co-hosting Bright Sparks for BBC Northern Ireland. He is chair ICRAC and responsible robotics. In part1, we discussed diverse and broad topics of robotics and AI. I hope you would enjoy part 1.

Part 2: Noel Sharkey” How We Can Make Robotics Beneficial for Humanity As A Whole?”

” How We Can Make Robotics Beneficial for Humanity As A Whole?” Very intriguing discussion with Noel Sharkey. Noel is best known to the British public for his appearances on television as an expert on robotics; including the BBC Two television series Robot Wars and Techno Games, and co-hosting Bright Sparks for BBC Northern Ireland. He is chair ICRAC and responsible robotics. In part1, we discussed diverse and broad topics of robotics and AI. I hope you would enjoy part 2.

Evan Ackerman “What Do Tech Journalist Think About Robotics?”

What do tech journalists think about robots? In this theme, we are delighted to have Evan Ackerman, the senior writer for IEEE Spectrum’s award-winning robotics blog, Automaton. Since 2007, he has written over 6,000 articles on robotics and emerging technology, In this episode, Evan interestingly illustrates how tech journalists report about robotics and make sure there is no hype. I would enjoy this theme.

Mark van Rijmenam: How do organisations think about Robotics and AI?

Mark van Rijmenam: How do organizations think about Robotics and AI. In this episode, we are thrilled to have Dr.Mark Rijmenam, the founder of Datafloq. In this episode, Dr.Marc explains how do organizations think about Robotics and AI? Technology & Capitalism and its societal consequences and diverse related topics. Datafloq is the one-stop source for emerging tech, offering C-level Executives information, insights, knowledge and opportunities to drive innovation with data.

Chris Berrow: What does Television presenter Think about Robotics?

What does Television presenter Think about Robotics? Very interesting and enjoyable discussion with Chris Berrow, Chris is a Presenter @BBCWorldService, @BBCRadio3 @BBCRadioLincsBBC Radio Lincolnshire. He also hosts the New gaming podcast! @nakedgamingpod. In this theme, we discussed many interesting broad points, I hope you would enjoy it.

Ian Buck: What Does High School Teacher Think about Robotics?

Ian Buck: What Does High School Teacher Think about Robotics? A very informative and enjoyable discussion featuring how podcasting could be integrated into robotics education. Ian Buck is a podcaster and high school teacher focused on computer technology. He hosts the podcast The Extra Dimension, which explores the ethical and social implications of technology. He also narrated the audiobook Robots Will Steal Your Job, But That’s OK.

Soft Robotics with Yasmin Ansari

In this episode, we interviewed Yasmin Ansari who received her B.Sc. and M.Sc in electrical and computer engineering from the University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan in 2008 and 2011, respectively. From 2011 – 2014, she served as a full-time lecturer for undergraduate courses in computer engineering at Prince Muhammad bin Fahd University, Saudi Arabia. She then pursued her doctoral degree in Biorobotics as a Marie-curie research fellow from The BioRobotics Institute, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, Italy, graduating in 2018. Currently, she is a post-doctoral research fellow at The BioRobotics Institute. Her research interests lie in the control of soft robotic systems and artificial intelligence. She has previously worked in SMART-E and I-Support projects and is currently involved with the Grow-Bot project.

Soft Robotics with Gina Olson

In this episode, we interviewed Gina Olson who is a Ph.D. Candidate in Robotics and Mechanical Engineering at Oregon State University. Her current work focuses on understanding and improving single- and multiple-actuator soft robotic systems for underwater applications. She is specifically interested in models formulated for design and novel fabrication techniques. Gina earned her Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in 2010, and her Master of Science in Aeronautical Engineering from California Institute of Technology in 2011. Prior to attending Oregon State University, Gina worked as a Technical Lead Engineer at Meggitt Polymers and Composites, designing and certifying engine seals for commercial passenger aircraft.