# 229. Teaching Robots to Play Badminton

- Show: [The Next Byte Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast)
- Published: 2025-09-23
- Length: 15m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2025-09-23-229-teaching-robots-to-play-badminton
- Listen: https://the-next-byte-wevolver.simplecast.com/episodes/229-teaching-robots-to-play-badminton-JwbnP_oV

## Summary

The hosts discuss ETH Zurich's development of a quadruped robot playing badminton, highlighting the integration of Anymal robots and DINA robotic arms. They explain how this system uses a single reinforcement learning control policy to coordinate leg movement and arm swinging in real-time, stress-testing perception and planning capabilities. The episode connects this research to practical applications in surgical robotics, search and rescue, and collaborative manufacturing (cobots), emphasizing the transition from academic theory to industrial practice.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2025-09-23-229-teaching-robots-to-play-badminton#t=0) Introduction: Badminton and Robotics
- [1:13](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2025-09-23-229-teaching-robots-to-play-badminton#t=73) Sponsor Read: Mouser and Cobots
- [4:19](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2025-09-23-229-teaching-robots-to-play-badminton#t=259) ETH Zurich's Badminton Robot
- [7:33](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2025-09-23-229-teaching-robots-to-play-badminton#t=453) Kinematics and Shuttlecock Physics
- [9:56](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2025-09-23-229-teaching-robots-to-play-badminton#t=596) Anymal and DINA Integration
- [12:42](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2025-09-23-229-teaching-robots-to-play-badminton#t=762) Real-World Applications
- [13:51](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2025-09-23-229-teaching-robots-to-play-badminton#t=831) Future Improvements and Cameras

## Topics

- [Robotics & autonomy](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/robotics-and-autonomy)
- [Embedded firmware](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/embedded-firmware)
- [Sensors & measurement in products](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sensors)
- [Manufacturing partners & offshoring](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/manufacturing-partners)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- Mouser Electronics (company)
- ETH Zurich (company)
- Anymal (product)
- DINA (product)
- Machina (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [ANYbotics ANYmal quadruped with Enzo Wälchli](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2023-08-16-anybotics-anymal-quadruped-with-enzo-walchli) (The Robot Report Podcast)
- [Practical Applications of Embodied AI and Humanoid Robots](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2024-10-23-practical-applications-of-embodied-ai-and-humanoid-robots) (The Robot Report Podcast)
- [534: I Think We'll Add a Head](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2026-09-17-534-i-think-well-add-a-head) (Embedded.fm)
- [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)
- [187: Self-Driving Arm](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2017-02-15-187-self-driving-arm) (Embedded.fm)

## Citing this page

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