Building Robots with Function and Aesthetics

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In this chapter, they discuss their early experiences as builders and the balance between function and aesthetics in robotics. They share childhood memories of building rockets and reflect on their belief that function was everything in robotics. They emphasize the importance of creating machines with both task performance and aesthetic appeal.

Marc Raibert is founder and former long-time CEO of Boston Dynamics, and recently Executive Director of the newly-created Boston Dynamics AI Institute. Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors:
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Transcript: https://lexfridman.com/marc-raibert-transcript

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OUTLINE:
Here’s the timestamps for the episode. On some podcast players you should be able to click the timestamp to jump to that time.
(00:00) – Introduction
(10:12) – Early robots
(15:15) – Legged robots
(33:55) – Boston Dynamics
(37:13) – BigDog
(45:20) – Hydraulic actuation
(47:12) – Natural movement
(52:59) – Leg Lab
(59:51) – AI Institute
(1:03:09) – Athletic intelligence
(1:11:04) – Building a team
(1:14:05) – Videos
(1:21:53) – Engineering
(1:25:21) – Dancing robots
(1:30:08) – Hiring
(1:34:00) – Optimus robot
(1:42:30) – Future of robotics
(1:47:24) – Advice for young people