Lex Fridman Podcast

#217 – Rodney Brooks: Robotics

Sep 3, 2021

Rodney Brooks, a renowned roboticist and co-founder of iRobot and Rethink Robotics, shares fascinating insights about the interplay between design and functionality in robotics. He discusses the challenges of enabling robots to perceive and manipulate their environments akin to humans. Brooks emphasizes the importance of optimism in innovation and reflects on advancements in autonomous vehicles and AI. The conversation also touches on the emotional connections humans can form with machines, exploring the future possibilities of robotic companionship.

02:30:51

Creator website

Episode guests

Rodney Brooks

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Intro

2min

Exploring Machine Learning Resources and Transformative Philanthropy

2min

Optimizing Health with Magnesium and Daily Rituals

2min

The Art and Engineering of Robotics: Exploring the Beauty of Domo

3min

The Evolution of Robotics and Computation

15min

Redefining Computation and Intelligence

14min

Understanding Robot Manipulation and Learning

6min

Navigating AI's Complex Landscape

19min

Advancements in Autonomous Vehicle Technology

19min

10.

The Importance of Belief and Optimism in Robotics

2min

11.

Elon Musk: Innovation and Expectation

8min

12.

Navigating the Future of Autonomous Vehicles

10min

13.

Innovations and Challenges in Robotics

14min

14.

The Dynamics of Force Control in Robotics

2min

15.

Navigating Acquisition Challenges in Robotics

2min

16.

Emotional Robotics: Bridging Machines and Humanity

9min

17.

Reflections on AI and Human Conversation

18min

18.

Contemplating Existence and the Legacy of Robotics

3min

Rodney Brooks is a roboticist, former head of CSAIL at MIT, and co-founder of iRobot, Rethink Robotics, and Robust.AI. Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors:
– Paperspace: https://gradient.run/lex to get $15 credit
– GiveDirectly: https://givedirectly.org/lex to get gift matched up to $300
– BiOptimizers: http://www.magbreakthrough.com/lex to get 10% off
– Four Sigmatic: https://foursigmatic.com/lex and use code LexPod to get up to 60% off
– SimpliSafe: https://simplisafe.com/lex and use code LEX to get a free security camera

EPISODE LINKS:
Rodney’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/rodneyabrooks
Rodney’s Blog: http://rodneybrooks.com/blog/

PODCAST INFO:
Podcast website: https://lexfridman.com/podcast
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2lwqZIr
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2nEwCF8
RSS: https://lexfridman.com/feed/podcast/
YouTube Full Episodes: https://youtube.com/lexfridman
YouTube Clips: https://youtube.com/lexclips

SUPPORT & CONNECT:
– Check out the sponsors above, it’s the best way to support this podcast
– Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lexfridman
– Twitter: https://twitter.com/lexfridman
– Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lexfridman
– LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lexfridman
– Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lexfridman
– Medium: https://medium.com/@lexfridman

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
(07:33) – First robots
(28:58) – Brains and computers
(1:01:47) – Self-driving cars
(1:21:57) – Believing in the impossible
(1:32:47) – Predictions
(1:43:49) – iRobot
(2:11:11) – Sharing an office with AI experts
(2:23:21) – Advice for young people
(2:27:07) – Meaning of life

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts

Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.