# 26. Hugging Robots, Scalable Solar Fuel, Non-Invasive Spinal Implants

- Show: [The Next Byte Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast)
- Published: 2021-07-13
- Length: 21m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2021-07-13-26-hugging-robots-scalable-solar-fuel-non-invasive-spinal-implants
- Listen: https://the-next-byte-wevolver.simplecast.com/episodes/26-hugging-robots-artificial-photosynthesis-non-invasive-spinal-implants-GWKVqN6T

## Summary

Hosts Daniel and Forbode discuss three distinct engineering breakthroughs: HuggyBot, a hugging robot developed by Alexis E. Block at ETH Zurich to alleviate loneliness; an artificial leaf from EPFL that uses organic polymers to convert sunlight and water into oxygen fuel with high efficiency; and a non-invasive spinal implant from the University of Cambridge that uses microfluidic channels and flexible electronics to treat back pain without surgery.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2021-07-13-26-hugging-robots-scalable-solar-fuel-non-invasive-spinal-implants#t=0) Introduction and HuggyBot Overview
- [1:36](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2021-07-13-26-hugging-robots-scalable-solar-fuel-non-invasive-spinal-implants#t=96) HuggyBot Mechanics and User Testing
- [4:10](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2021-07-13-26-hugging-robots-scalable-solar-fuel-non-invasive-spinal-implants#t=250) HuggyBot Future Plans and Oxytocin Study
- [6:36](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2021-07-13-26-hugging-robots-scalable-solar-fuel-non-invasive-spinal-implants#t=396) Artificial Leaf: Biomimicry and Efficiency
- [11:09](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2021-07-13-26-hugging-robots-scalable-solar-fuel-non-invasive-spinal-implants#t=669) Artificial Leaf Materials and Scalability
- [13:49](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2021-07-13-26-hugging-robots-scalable-solar-fuel-non-invasive-spinal-implants#t=829) Non-Invasive Spinal Implants: The Problem
- [17:57](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2021-07-13-26-hugging-robots-scalable-solar-fuel-non-invasive-spinal-implants#t=1077) Spinal Implant Technology and Trials

## Topics

- [Robotics & autonomy](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/robotics-and-autonomy)
- [Energy & climate tech](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/energy-and-climate-tech)
- [Medical & health devices](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/medical-devices)
- [Materials & manufacturing processes](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/materials-and-processes)

## Most relevant to

makers and hobbyists

## Mentioned

- HuggyBot (product)
- ETH Zurich (company)
- EPFL (company)
- University of Cambridge (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Episode 102: Soft robots inspired by plants - Isabella Fiorello](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2024-12-13-episode-102-soft-robots-inspired-by-plants-isabella-fiorello) (Robot Talk)
- [Episode 147: Miniature living robots - Maria Guix](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2026-03-06-episode-147-miniature-living-robots-maria-guix) (Robot Talk)
- [Episode Thirteen – Robot evolution: survival of the fittest](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2022-01-28-episode-thirteen-robot-evolution-survival-of-the-fittest) (Robot Talk)
- [Ep 143: More Magnesium Please, Robot Bicep Curls, Malamud's General Index, and Are You Down with EMC?](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2021-11-05-ep-143-more-magnesium-please-robot-bicep-curls-malamuds-general-index-and-are-yo) (Hackaday Podcast)
- [Ep084: Awful Floppy Disk Music, Robot Climbs Walls, An Undersea Lab, Inside a Digital Pregnancy Test](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2020-09-11-ep084-awful-floppy-disk-music-robot-climbs-walls-an-undersea-lab-inside-a-digita) (Hackaday Podcast)

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