TED Radio Hour
Augmenting Humans
Oct 4, 2024
In this engaging discussion, guests Catie Cuan, a robot choreographer, and Hugh Herr, an MIT professor and expert in prosthetics, share insights on blending technology with human experience. Anna Maria Coclite, a materials scientist, unveils her groundbreaking work on artificial skin that mimics touch, while Jennifer Doudna reveals the revolutionary potential of CRISPR in health. Together, they explore how advancements in robotics, prosthetics, and genetics can enhance human capabilities and redefine our relationship with technology.
49:39
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Quick takeaways
- Katie Kwan emphasizes designing robots that enhance human emotions and interactions, ensuring they invoke feelings of safety and comfort.
- Hugh Herr's groundbreaking prosthetic technique restores natural motor dynamics and sensory feedback, significantly improving life quality for amputees.
Deep dives
Katie Kwan's Journey to Human-Centric Robotics
Katie Kwan transitioned from being a professional dancer to a robot choreographer after experiencing her father's struggles with hospital technologies during his recovery. This encounter sparked her interest in the relationship between humans and machines, leading her to pursue advanced education in mechanical engineering and computer science. At Stanford University, she focused on designing robots that would enhance human interactions and emotions, rather than instill fear or anxiety. Kwan emphasizes the importance of designing robots that are not only functional but also evoke feelings of safety and comfort in their human counterparts.
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