Robotics at Harvard | Summary and Q&A

Summary

In this video, the speaker discusses the field of robotics and its potential impact on various aspects of society. They highlight the challenges and opportunities in robotics, with a focus on soft robotics and wearable technologies for assisting individuals with mobility issues. The speaker also explores applications such as search-and-rescue, hazardous environment exploration, and biomedical applications. They mention the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and the increasing number of robotic startups. Finally, they predict that robotics will play a significant role in shaping the future, much like the internet has done in the past.

Questions & Answers

Q: What do robotics at Harvard focus on?

The focus of robotics at Harvard is on figuring out what makes things function intelligently in the world, including sensing, control, and mechanical design. The robotics lab at Harvard has an experimental approach, building and testing things in the real world rather than just a theoretical exercise.

Q: What is soft robotics?

Soft robotics is an emerging field within robotics that explores the application of small to moderate levels of assistance to people. The goal is not to give superhuman strength, but rather to improve mobility and quality of life. Soft robotics can be particularly beneficial for individuals who have suffered a stroke, elderly people, and children with cerebral palsy. The lab at Harvard is working on developing new wearable technologies that enable natural movement for these individuals.

Q: What are some example applications of robotics?

Robotics has a wide range of applications, including search-and-rescue operations, exploration of hazardous environments, and biomedical applications. For instance, robots can be used in scenarios where it is not safe or feasible to send humans or animals, such as inside the body during medical procedures.

Q: How can robots be used in disaster areas?

One interesting application of robotics is in disaster areas or areas affected by floods. Instead of sending a bunch of people into a dangerous area, robots can be deployed to construct walls and levees by picking up sandbags. This not only ensures safety but also improves the efficiency of the response.

Q: What are the key disciplines required for building robots?

Building robots requires knowledge in various disciplines such as mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, and even biology. Understanding biology is particularly important as it provides the best examples of autonomous systems. The speaker emphasizes the importance of working closely with people from different disciplines to create effective and innovative robotics solutions.

Q: Why is Harvard a great place for robotics research?

Harvard provides a conducive environment for robotics research due to its ease of interdisciplinary collaboration. The speaker finds it easy to work with collaborators from different disciplines and mentions that Harvard is a great place to find academic and medical collaborators. The advantageous aspect of the Harvard Center for the Interface of Engineering and Medicine (C's) is their ability to quickly assemble interdisciplinary teams.

Q: What is the current state of robotics?

According to the speaker, we have reached an important cusp in robotics. They predict that robots will have numerous important applications in various settings, including industry, households, hospitals, and factory floors. The speaker envisions a future where multiple robots work together to assist with tasks that are difficult or dangerous. Additionally, they note that the number of robotic startups is increasing, indicating the practical application of research ideas.

Q: How does the speaker compare the impact of the internet and robotics?

The speaker mentions that while the internet has transformed our lives and society over the past 20 years, they believe that robotics will play an even bigger role in the future. Robotics has the potential to impact numerous aspects of life, just as the internet has done, and will likely shape the way society operates moving forward.

Takeaways

The speaker highlights the challenges and opportunities in the field of robotics, particularly focusing on soft robotics and wearable technologies for assisting individuals with mobility issues. They emphasize the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and the potential impact of robotics in various domains, including industry, households, hospitals, and disaster areas. The increasing number of robotic startups reflects the practical application of research ideas. Overall, the speaker predicts that robotics will play a significant role in shaping the future, akin to the transformative role the internet has played in recent history.