Yonas Tadesse: 4D Printing, Humanoid Robots, Bionic Humans, AI for Engineers | Hard Tech Podcast #19

Hard Tech Podcast · 26 May 2024 · 1h 43m

What this episode covers

Yonas Tadesse, a professor of mechanical engineering at the University of Texas at Dallas, discusses his research in soft robotics, 4D printing, and bionic humanoids. He explains how shape-memory polymers and alloys enable structures to change form over time, with applications in medical devices like dynamic hand orthoses for stroke rehabilitation. Tadesse also analyzes the shift in humanoid robotics from hydraulic to electric systems, citing Boston Dynamics' Atlas as a key driver of US research leadership, and offers advice on engineering education and funding.

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