Science Quickly Movie Magic Meets Practical Robotics for Netflix’s The Electric State
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Mar 14, 2025 
Dennis Hong, a professor at UCLA and director of the Robotics and Mechanisms Laboratory, shares his passion for robotics inspired by Star Wars. He discusses the fascinating creation of Cosmo, the robot from The Electric State, highlighting the blend of practical robotics and Hollywood imagination. Hong delves into innovative robot designs, including a unique helium balloon concept, and addresses the challenges of integrating AI with these robots. He also celebrates the life-enhancing potential of robotics while reflecting on its ethical implications.
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Star Wars Inspiration
- Dennis Hong's passion for robotics ignited at age seven after watching Star Wars.
- The "droids" C-3PO and R2-D2 captivated him and inspired his career path.
Cosmo Creation
- Dennis Hong's team built a real-life version of Cosmo, the robot from Netflix's The Electric State.
- The physical Cosmo appeared at promotional events.
Entertainment vs. Functional Robots
- Building entertainment robots requires different considerations than functional robots.
- Entertainment robots prioritize personality and aesthetics over pure efficiency, posing design challenges.
