# Episode Thirteen – Robot evolution: survival of the fittest

- Show: [Robot Talk](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk)
- Published: 2022-01-28
- Length: 39m
- Episode: 13
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2022-01-28-episode-thirteen-robot-evolution-survival-of-the-fittest
- Listen: https://ukrobotics.libsyn.com/episode-thirteen-robotic-evolution-survival-of-the-fittest

## Summary

Edgar Buchanan of the University of York explains the Autonomous Robot Evolution project, which uses evolutionary algorithms to design and fabricate robots via a 'RoboFab' system for unknown environments like space or nuclear sites. Prof Fumiya Iida of the University of Cambridge discusses his 'On the Origins of Robot Species' project, where mother robots generate diverse child robots through stochastic mutation and selection to solve complex locomotion problems. Dr Hemma Philamore of the University of Bristol describes bio-hybrid robots using microbial fuel cells to convert organic matter into energy, enabling environmental sensing and long-term autonomous operation in ecosystems.

## Chapters

- [0:07](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2022-01-28-episode-thirteen-robot-evolution-survival-of-the-fittest#t=7) Introduction: Robot Evolution Overview
- [1:17](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2022-01-28-episode-thirteen-robot-evolution-survival-of-the-fittest#t=77) Edgar Buchanan: Autonomous Robot Evolution and RoboFab
- [14:15](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2022-01-28-episode-thirteen-robot-evolution-survival-of-the-fittest#t=855) Fumiya Iida: On the Origins of Robot Species and Genome Encoding
- [26:32](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2022-01-28-episode-thirteen-robot-evolution-survival-of-the-fittest#t=1592) Hemma Philamore: Bio-hybrid Robots and Microbial Fuel Cells
- [37:46](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2022-01-28-episode-thirteen-robot-evolution-survival-of-the-fittest#t=2266) Conclusion: Future of Bio-inspired Robotics

## Topics

- [Robotics & autonomy](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/robotics-and-autonomy)
- [Materials & manufacturing processes](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/materials-and-processes)
- [Batteries & low-power design](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/batteries-and-low-power)
- [Sensors & measurement in products](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sensors)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- University of York (company)
- RoboFab (product)
- University of Cambridge (company)
- University of Bristol (company)
- microbial fuel cell (tool)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [133. Mighty Morphing All Terrain Robots Made By Nature](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2023-08-01-133-mighty-morphing-all-terrain-robots-made-by-nature) (The Next Byte Podcast)
- [75. Size Matters: Tiny Biomimicry Leads to Big Breakthroughs](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2022-06-21-75-size-matters-tiny-biomimicry-leads-to-big-breakthroughs) (The Next Byte Podcast)
- [35. The Feisty Crustacean That Inspired A New Generation of Super Robots](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2021-09-14-35-the-feisty-crustacean-that-inspired-a-new-generation-of-super-robots) (The Next Byte Podcast)
- [49. What Robots Can Learn from Starfish and Falcons](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2021-12-21-49-what-robots-can-learn-from-starfish-and-falcons) (The Next Byte Podcast)
- [59. AI For Better Battery Design & Training Microrobots](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2022-03-01-59-ai-for-better-battery-design-training-microrobots) (The Next Byte Podcast)

## Citing this page

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