# 53. Mind-Control and Bug-Like Robots

- Show: [The Next Byte Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast)
- Published: 2022-01-18
- Length: 25m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2022-01-18-53-mind-control-and-bug-like-robots
- Listen: https://the-next-byte-wevolver.simplecast.com/episodes/53-mind-controlled-robots-n3FVmaMK

## Summary

Daniel Farbod and Daniel discuss brain-computer interfaces from EPFL, explaining how inverse reinforcement learning allows users to control robotic arms with just 3-5 iterations by providing error signals rather than direct control commands. They then cover MIT's development of soft, bio-inspired artificial muscles for bug-sized robots, which use layered electrodes and elastic materials to achieve flight times over 20 seconds for robots under one gram, addressing durability and power constraints of traditional rigid actuators.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2022-01-18-53-mind-control-and-bug-like-robots#t=0) Introduction and Mouser Electronics Sponsor Read
- [1:05](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2022-01-18-53-mind-control-and-bug-like-robots#t=65) Brain-Computer Interfaces and EPFL's Mind-Controlled Robot
- [5:20](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2022-01-18-53-mind-control-and-bug-like-robots#t=320) Inverse Reinforcement Learning and Error Signals
- [11:35](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2022-01-18-53-mind-control-and-bug-like-robots#t=695) MIT's Bug Robots and Soft Actuators
- [19:19](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2022-01-18-53-mind-control-and-bug-like-robots#t=1159) Actuator Lifespan and Lift-to-Weight Ratios

## Topics

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

## Most relevant to

makers and hobbyists

## Mentioned

- Mouser Electronics (company)
- EPFL (company)
- Neuralink (company)
- Cyber Foundation (company)
- Neil Harbison (other)
- MIT (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Episode Seventeen – Bioinspired Robots: learning from nature](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2022-06-13-episode-seventeen-bioinspired-robots-learning-from-nature) (Robot Talk)
- [Episode Twenty-Seven: Simon Wanstall](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2022-11-25-episode-twenty-seven-simon-wanstall) (Robot Talk)
- [187: Self-Driving Arm](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2017-02-15-187-self-driving-arm) (Embedded.fm)
- [Episode 96: Soft robots in medicine and healthcare - Maria Elena Giannaccini](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2024-11-01-episode-96-soft-robots-in-medicine-and-healthcare-maria-elena-giannaccini) (Robot Talk)
- [Episode 153: Origami-inspired robots - Chenying Liu](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2026-04-24-episode-153-origami-inspired-robots-chenying-liu) (Robot Talk)

## Citing this page

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