# 490: Wait Until Physics Has Happened

- Show: [Embedded.fm](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm)
- Published: 2024-11-28
- Length: 1h 05m
- Episode: 490
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2024-11-28-490-wait-until-physics-has-happened
- Listen: https://embedded.fm/episodes/490

## Summary

Professor Nikolaus Correll of the University of Colorado discusses his open-source book and Coursera specialization, "Introduction to Autonomous Robots," explaining why he uses the Webots simulator to teach computer science students discrete algorithms without the distraction of complex embedded systems. He argues that humanoid robots are essential for retrofitting existing "brownfield" manufacturing environments because their form factor allows them to integrate seamlessly with human workflows, unlike specialized arms that disrupt production flow. Correll also details his research into using generative AI and humanoids for battery disassembly, highlighting the safety and flexibility benefits of mobile, human-like robots in handling diverse lithium-ion battery types.

## Chapters

- [0:06](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2024-11-28-490-wait-until-physics-has-happened#t=6) Introduction: Nikolaus Correll and University of Colorado
- [2:52](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2024-11-28-490-wait-until-physics-has-happened#t=172) Introduction to Autonomous Robots book and Webots simulator
- [7:38](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2024-11-28-490-wait-until-physics-has-happened#t=458) Physics simulation challenges in Webots
- [14:57](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2024-11-28-490-wait-until-physics-has-happened#t=897) Teaching robotics to computer science students
- [40:16](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2024-11-28-490-wait-until-physics-has-happened#t=2416) Generative AI and humanoid robotics research
- [44:27](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2024-11-28-490-wait-until-physics-has-happened#t=2667) The case for humanoid robots in brownfield manufacturing
- [54:28](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2024-11-28-490-wait-until-physics-has-happened#t=3268) Humanoid battery disassembly and recycling

## Topics

- [Robotics & autonomy](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/robotics-and-autonomy)
- [Embedded firmware](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/embedded-firmware)
- [AI & machine learning](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/ai-and-machine-learning)
- [Careers & education](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/engineering-careers-and-education)
- [Sustainability & circular products](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sustainability-and-circularity)

## Most relevant to

established companies

## Mentioned

- Webots (tool)
- University of Colorado (company)
- Coursera (other)
- Baxter robot (product)
- Sparki (product)
- TIAGo robot (product)
- Amazon Racer (product)
- Rivian (company)
- BMW (company)
- Figure (product)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [How Humanoid Robots Are Already Transforming Production Lines w/ Colin Webb and Paul Baker](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2026-02-17-how-humanoid-robots-are-already-transforming-production-lines-w-colin-webb-and-p) (The Manufacturing Executive)
- [Inside 1x's plan to test humanoids in homes](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2024-10-04-inside-1xs-plan-to-test-humanoids-in-homes) (The Robot Report Podcast)
- [Episode Thirty-Eight: Jonathan Aitken](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2023-02-24-episode-thirty-eight-jonathan-aitken) (Robot Talk)
- [Beyond Manufacturing: AI-Powered Robotics and the Long Tail of Commercial Innovation](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2025-08-15-beyond-manufacturing-ai-powered-robotics-and-the-long-tail-of-commercial-innovat) (The Robot Report Podcast)
- [Agility Robotics' Melonee Wise on role of humanoids](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2023-09-14-agility-robotics-melonee-wise-on-role-of-humanoids) (The Robot Report Podcast)

## Citing this page

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