# Episode Forty-Seven: Helmut Hauser

- Show: [Robot Talk](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk)
- Published: 2023-05-05
- Length: 33m
- Episode: 47
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2023-05-05-episode-forty-seven-helmut-hauser
- Listen: https://ukrobotics.libsyn.com/episode-forty-seven-helmut-hauser

## Summary

Helmut Hauser, an Associate Professor in Robotics at the University of Bristol, explains morphological computation, where robot bodies exploit physical properties for sensing and control. He discusses bio-inspired examples like swimming dead trout and erodium seeds, and details a simulation project where a frog robot grows from a tadpole to optimize reinforcement learning. Hauser also describes using 3D-printed spider webs for flow sensing and the potential of growing robots using biological cells.

## Chapters

- [0:07](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2023-05-05-episode-forty-seven-helmut-hauser#t=7) Introduction: Helmut Hauser and morphological computation
- [1:43](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2023-05-05-episode-forty-seven-helmut-hauser#t=103) Bio-inspired examples: dead trout, erodium seeds, and pine cones
- [5:51](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2023-05-05-episode-forty-seven-helmut-hauser#t=351) Challenges in soft robotics and modeling complex bodies
- [10:21](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2023-05-05-episode-forty-seven-helmut-hauser#t=621) Growing a frog robot from a tadpole using reinforcement learning
- [16:56](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2023-05-05-episode-forty-seven-helmut-hauser#t=1016) Future plans: growing machines and self-sculpting biological cells
- [21:17](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2023-05-05-episode-forty-seven-helmut-hauser#t=1277) Spider web sensing: 3D printed webs for flow and vibration detection
- [27:35](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2023-05-05-episode-forty-seven-helmut-hauser#t=1655) Biological sensing principles: redundancy, diversity, and plant intelligence

## Topics

- [Mechanical engineering](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/mechanical-engineering)
- [Sensors & measurement in products](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sensors)
- [AI & machine learning](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/ai-and-machine-learning)
- [Materials & manufacturing processes](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/materials-and-processes)
- [Robotics & autonomy](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/robotics-and-autonomy)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- University of Bristol (company)
- Bristol Robotics Laboratory (company)
- Lauder Lab (company)
- Oxford (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Understanding Real Brains with Robotic Rats, and Vice Versa](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ee-times-current/2023-09-25-understanding-real-brains-with-robotic-rats-and-vice-versa) (EE Times Current)
- [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)
- [Neurons Close the Loop from Insect Perception to Action](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ee-times-current/2025-09-09-neurons-close-the-loop-from-insect-perception-to-action) (EE Times Current)
- [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)
- [233. Reading a Fish’s Mind to Build Smarter Robots](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2025-11-18-233-reading-a-fishs-mind-to-build-smarter-robots) (The Next Byte Podcast)

## Citing this page

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