# Episode 120: Evolving robots to explore other planets - Emma Hart

- Show: [Robot Talk](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk)
- Published: 2025-05-09
- Length: 26m
- Episode: 120
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2025-05-09-episode-120-evolving-robots-to-explore-other-planets-emma-hart
- Listen: https://ukrobotics.libsyn.com/episode-120-evolving-robots-to-explore-other-planets-emma-hart

## Summary

Emma Hart, a professor at Edinburgh Napier University, explains how evolutionary algorithms can evolve both the physical design and control systems of robots for planetary exploration. She describes a proof-of-concept project involving a 'factory in a box' that uses 3D printing and automated assembly to build robots adapted to specific environments. Hart details how the system evolves robot 'DNA'—encoding body and brain traits—to solve tasks like navigating rough terrain, often producing unexpected, animal-like designs. The research, conducted with the University of York and others, demonstrates end-to-end automated manufacturing and simulation, with potential applications in nuclear decommissioning and sustainable robotics.

## Chapters

- [0:07](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2025-05-09-episode-120-evolving-robots-to-explore-other-planets-emma-hart#t=7) Introduction: Emma Hart and Robot Evolution
- [2:34](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2025-05-09-episode-120-evolving-robots-to-explore-other-planets-emma-hart#t=154) The Factory in a Box Concept for Planetary Exploration
- [5:03](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2025-05-09-episode-120-evolving-robots-to-explore-other-planets-emma-hart#t=303) Mimicking Biological Evolution in Simulation
- [9:01](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2025-05-09-episode-120-evolving-robots-to-explore-other-planets-emma-hart#t=541) Robot DNA: Encoding Body and Brain
- [13:11](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2025-05-09-episode-120-evolving-robots-to-explore-other-planets-emma-hart#t=791) Proof of Concept: Automated Manufacturing and Assembly
- [16:38](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2025-05-09-episode-120-evolving-robots-to-explore-other-planets-emma-hart#t=998) Surprising Robot Designs and Environmental Adaptation
- [17:39](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2025-05-09-episode-120-evolving-robots-to-explore-other-planets-emma-hart#t=1059) Applications: Nuclear Decommissioning and Sustainable Materials
- [21:19](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2025-05-09-episode-120-evolving-robots-to-explore-other-planets-emma-hart#t=1279) Strangest Designs and Redundant Features
- [24:08](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2025-05-09-episode-120-evolving-robots-to-explore-other-planets-emma-hart#t=1448) Future of Soft Robotics and Evolutionary Biology

## Topics

- [Robotics & autonomy](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/robotics-and-autonomy)
- [AI & machine learning](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/ai-and-machine-learning)
- [Prototyping & iteration](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/prototyping)
- [Materials & manufacturing processes](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/materials-and-processes)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- Edinburgh Napier University (company)
- University of York (company)
- University of West of England (company)
- University of Amsterdam (company)
- Raspberry Pi (chip)
- 3D printer (tool)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Ep054: Xenomorph Cookies, 101 Uses for Hot Glue, Rolling Robots, and a Clippy Computer](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2020-02-14-ep054-xenomorph-cookies-101-uses-for-hot-glue-rolling-robots-and-a-clippy-comput) (Hackaday Podcast)
- [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)
- [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)
- [Editors Pick: Best Robots of CES 2023; Boston Dynamics Atlas video review](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2023-01-21-editors-pick-best-robots-of-ces-2023-boston-dynamics-atlas-video-review) (The Robot Report 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)

## Citing this page

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