# Episode 78: Connecting science fiction and fact - Stephen Oram

- Show: [Robot Talk](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk)
- Published: 2024-03-22
- Length: 28m
- Episode: 78
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2024-03-22-episode-78-connecting-science-fiction-and-fact-stephen-oram
- Listen: https://ukrobotics.libsyn.com/episode-seventy-eight-stephen-oram

## Summary

Stephen Oram, an author at Nudge the Future Fiction, discusses his work in applied science fiction, exploring the intersection of messy humans and imperfect technology through collaborations with institutions like the Bristol Robotics Lab and King's College London. He explains how his recent collection, Extracting Humanity, stems from projects involving weather AI and defense scenarios, aiming to highlight ethical issues and the experiences of vulnerable populations. Oram argues that near-future sci-fi serves as a crucial conversation tool to navigate the rapid pace of technological change, moving beyond simple aspiration to examine realistic, mundane integrations of robotics into daily life.

## Chapters

- [0:08](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2024-03-22-episode-78-connecting-science-fiction-and-fact-stephen-oram#t=8) Introduction: Stephen Oram and Nudge the Future Fiction
- [1:59](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2024-03-22-episode-78-connecting-science-fiction-and-fact-stephen-oram#t=119) Inspiration from Bristol Robotics Lab and Reality vs. Sci-Fi
- [5:02](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2024-03-22-episode-78-connecting-science-fiction-and-fact-stephen-oram#t=302) The Role of Science Fiction in a Rapidly Changing Tech Ecosystem
- [10:03](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2024-03-22-episode-78-connecting-science-fiction-and-fact-stephen-oram#t=603) Applied Science Fiction: Projects with King's College and DSTL
- [15:47](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2024-03-22-episode-78-connecting-science-fiction-and-fact-stephen-oram#t=947) Navigating the Gray Area Between Scientists and the Public
- [18:25](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2024-03-22-episode-78-connecting-science-fiction-and-fact-stephen-oram#t=1105) Focusing on Vulnerable Populations and Edge Cases
- [21:07](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2024-03-22-episode-78-connecting-science-fiction-and-fact-stephen-oram#t=1267) The Piss-Powered Pyjamas and Technology Rejection
- [23:22](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2024-03-22-episode-78-connecting-science-fiction-and-fact-stephen-oram#t=1402) The Mundane, Everyday Integration of Robots

## Topics

- [AI & machine learning](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/ai-and-machine-learning)
- [Robotics & autonomy](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/robotics-and-autonomy)
- [Security & privacy](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/security-and-privacy)
- [Industrial & consumer product design](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/industrial-design)
- [Marketing & brand](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/marketing-and-brand)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- Nudge the Future Fiction (company)
- Bristol Robotics Lab (company)
- Extracting Humanity (product)
- King's College London (company)
- Coventry University (company)
- Defense Science and Technology Lab (company)
- Vector (other)
- Northampton delivery bot (product)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [From Sci-Fi to Reality:  Physical AI's Future with Dr. Jan Liphardt](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2026-04-24-from-sci-fi-to-reality-physical-ais-future-with-dr-jan-liphardt) (The Robot Report Podcast)
- [235: Imagine That, Suckers! (Repeat)](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2021-09-16-235-imagine-that-suckers-repeat) (Embedded.fm)
- [Kate Darling on the Future of Robotics and AI Ethics](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2023-10-24-kate-darling-on-the-future-of-robotics-and-ai-ethics) (The Robot Report Podcast)
- [408: Room In Your Heart for Your Robot](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2022-03-31-408-room-in-your-heart-for-your-robot) (Embedded.fm)
- [525: Some Sort of Metal](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2026-05-14-525-some-sort-of-metal) (Embedded.fm)

## Citing this page

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