Lex Fridman Podcast

Russ Tedrake is a renowned roboticist and professor at MIT, currently serving as vice president of robotics research at TRI. He discusses the fascinating world of underactuated robotics, where robots operate with fewer actuators than degrees of freedom. The conversation dives into the graceful movements of passive dynamic walkers and the complexity of bipedal walking. Tedrake shares insights on the importance of touch in human-robot interaction and how evolutionary principles shape our understanding of robotic movement. Plus, he explores the future of robotics in everyday life!

Manolis Kellis, a professor at MIT and head of the MIT Computational Biology Group, dives deep into the intricacies of the human genome and evolutionary dynamics. He discusses the relationship between our genetics and free will, challenging conventional notions of determinism. The conversation takes a turn into viral evolution, examining how SARS-CoV adaptations intersect with human health. Additionally, Kellis explores the role of technology in enhancing human perception and the philosophical implications of language, meaning, and existence.

Ian Hutchinson, a renowned nuclear engineer and plasma physicist from MIT, dives deep into the fascinating world of nuclear fusion and its potential as a sustainable energy source. He compares fusion with fission and discusses the challenges of practical energy production. The conversation takes a philosophical turn as Hutchinson explores the intersection of science and religion, addressing existential threats, the nature of God, and the significance of faith. He also examines humanity's relationship with suffering, consciousness, and the moral implications of artificial intelligence.

Richard Karp, a professor at Berkeley and a Turing Award recipient, dives deep into the world of algorithms and computational complexity. He shares insights on the beauty of geometric reasoning and its impact on algorithm design. Karp discusses the elusive P vs NP problem, reflecting on its significance in theoretical computer science. He also explores the connection between algorithms and human emotions, alongside the fascinating implications of randomization in problem-solving. Anecdotes from his teaching experiences highlight the joy of educating future minds in this complex field.

Jitendra Malik, a distinguished professor at UC Berkeley and a pioneer in computer vision, shares his insights on the complexities of replicating human visual perception. He discusses the challenges of Tesla's Autopilot, emphasizing the gap between human and computer processing. Malik explores how integrated approaches and knowledge schemas can enhance action recognition. He critiques current evaluation methods, advocating for measures that reflect true understanding. Additionally, he highlights the importance of interdisciplinary research and the need for children's experiences in AI development.

Brian Kernighan, a renowned professor at Princeton and co-author of 'The C Programming Language,' dives into the fascinating history of Unix and its evolution from proprietary to open-source. He discusses the artistry versus science debate in programming and highlights innovative languages like AWK, AMPL, and Go. Kernighan shares insights on learning new languages, the impact of programming on communication, and reflections on the early days of AI, merging nostalgia with a vision for the future of technology.

Sergey Levine, a UC Berkeley professor and expert in deep learning and robotics, shares insights on the intersection of human and robotic intelligence. He discusses how robotics might enhance our understanding of intelligence, the role of end-to-end learning, and the common challenges faced in developing adaptive machines. Levine also delves into reinforcement learning, the significance of common sense reasoning in robotics, and the future of autonomous vehicles like Tesla's Autopilot. His reflections prompt thoughts on technology's philosophical implications.

Peter Singer, a Princeton bioethics professor and champion of animal liberation and effective altruism, dives deep into the ethics of suffering. He reflects on the impact of historical trauma from WWII and explores moral courage amidst human suffering. The discussion also examines whether AI could experience suffering, questioning the rights of conscious machines. Singer emphasizes effective altruism, urging individuals to make meaningful contributions to those in extreme poverty and to align careers with impactful causes.

Matt Botvinick, Director of Neuroscience Research at DeepMind, bridges neuroscience and AI with his expertise in cognitive psychology. He discusses how much of the brain remains a mystery and the environmental factors shaping cognition. The conversation delves into the prefrontal cortex's adaptability, the complexities of neuronal communication, and insights into meta-reinforcement learning. Botvinick also raises intriguing questions about AI's potential for human connection and the ethical implications of creating emotionally aware machines.

Robert Langer, a renowned MIT professor and a towering figure in biotechnology, shares insights into his groundbreaking work in drug delivery systems and tissue engineering. He discusses the thrilling journey of drug discovery and its emotional highs and lows. Langer reveals his secrets for innovative thinking, the complexities of launching successful biotech startups, and the critical role of mentorship in shaping the next generation of scientists. He also touches on the intersection of science and magic, highlighting creativity in both fields.