# Episode Fifty-Three: Robert Richardson

- Show: [Robot Talk](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk)
- Published: 2023-06-16
- Length: 35m
- Episode: 53
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2023-06-16-episode-fifty-three-robert-richardson
- Listen: https://ukrobotics.libsyn.com/episode-fifty-three-robert-richardson

## Summary

Robert Richardson, Professor of Robotics at the University of Leeds and Innovation Director at Acuity Robotics, discusses designing robot bodies for infrastructure repair and 3D printing applications. He details the development of 'Squirrel' robots for climbing vertical structures, drone-based asphalt repair systems, and swarm robots for sewer inspection. Richardson also recounts the 2011 expedition to the Great Pyramid of Giza, where his team deployed a lightweight inchworm robot to discover ancient graffiti.

## Chapters

- [0:07](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2023-06-16-episode-fifty-three-robert-richardson#t=7) Introduction: Robert Richardson and University of Leeds
- [1:52](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2023-06-16-episode-fifty-three-robert-richardson#t=112) Robotic 3D Printing and Functional Inserts
- [4:40](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2023-06-16-episode-fifty-three-robert-richardson#t=280) Drone-Based Asphalt Repair and Pothole Detection
- [8:51](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2023-06-16-episode-fifty-three-robert-richardson#t=531) Swarm Robots for Sewer and Water Pipe Inspection
- [14:30](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2023-06-16-episode-fifty-three-robert-richardson#t=870) Acuity Robotics and the Squirrel Climbing Robot
- [19:19](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2023-06-16-episode-fifty-three-robert-richardson#t=1159) Great Pyramid of Giza Expedition and Inchworm Robot
- [28:50](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2023-06-16-episode-fifty-three-robert-richardson#t=1730) UK-RAS Network and Responsible Innovation
- [33:53](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2023-06-16-episode-fifty-three-robert-richardson#t=2033) Conclusion and Future Challenges

## Topics

- [Mechanical engineering](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/mechanical-engineering)
- [Materials & manufacturing processes](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/materials-and-processes)
- [Sensors & measurement in products](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sensors)
- [Batteries & low-power design](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/batteries-and-low-power)
- [Starting a product company](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/starting-a-company)
- [Careers & education](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/engineering-careers-and-education)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- University of Leeds (company)
- Acuity Robotics (company)
- Squirrel robot (product)
- EPSRC UK-RAS Network (other)
- Great Pyramid of Giza (other)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [222. Tree-Climbing and Reef-Restoring Robots](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2025-06-17-222-tree-climbing-and-reef-restoring-robots) (The Next Byte Podcast)
- [Ep 181: 3D Printing with Volcano Nuts, The Hackaday Bookshelf, and a Puzzlebot](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2022-08-12-ep-181-3d-printing-with-volcano-nuts-the-hackaday-bookshelf-and-a-puzzlebot) (Hackaday Podcast)
- [12. Ford Trucks Made From Trash, NASA’s Ingenuity Drone, Snake-Inspired Nonslip Shoes](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2021-04-06-12-ford-trucks-made-from-trash-nasas-ingenuity-drone-snake-inspired-nonslip-shoe) (The Next Byte Podcast)
- [Ep 274: Capstan Robots, Avionics of Uncertain Purpose, and What the Frack?](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2024-06-07-ep-274-capstan-robots-avionics-of-uncertain-purpose-and-what-the-frack) (Hackaday Podcast)
- [Bonus Edition - 2023 RBR50 Review](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2023-04-21-bonus-edition-2023-rbr50-review) (The Robot Report Podcast)

## Citing this page

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