Lex Fridman Podcast #241 – Boris Sofman: Waymo, Cozmo, Self-Driving Cars, and the Future of Robotics
Nov 16, 2021
Boris Sofman, Senior Director of Engineering at Waymo and former co-founder of Anki, dives into the fascinating world of robotics and autonomous vehicles. He discusses the emotional design behind the Cosmo robot, showcasing how character development enhances user engagement. The conversation shifts to the future of trucking, revealing Waymo's innovative strategies for self-driving technology. Sofman also compares Waymo's approach to Tesla's, highlighting safety and societal transformations. Ultimately, he addresses the emotional complexities of integrating robotics into daily life.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Favorite Robots
- Boris Sofman's favorite robots include WALL-E and R2-D2 for their emotive communication.
- He also admires the Terminator series, highlighting the spectrum of AI and robotics.
Humanoid Robot Limitations
- Replicating human form in robots adds cost and design constraints.
- Non-humanoid forms offer design flexibility and manage expectations better.
Constraints and Emotional Expression
- Fewer constraints in design can make emotional expression more challenging, similar to cartoons.
- Focusing on minimal features allows for deeper exploration of emotions in human-robot interaction.