# 233. Reading a Fish’s Mind to Build Smarter Robots

- Show: [The Next Byte Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast)
- Published: 2025-11-18
- Length: 17m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2025-11-18-233-reading-a-fishs-mind-to-build-smarter-robots
- Listen: https://the-next-byte-wevolver.simplecast.com/episodes/233-reading-a-fishs-mind-to-build-smarter-robots-dHBnYoin

## Summary

Researchers from EPFL and Duke University reverse-engineered zebrafish navigation by using transparent larvae to map live neural activity, creating a simulation called SimZFish that matched real fish behavior. They validated this model by building an 80-centimeter robotic fish that uses only vision inputs to maintain position in a current, proving that complex sensory systems are unnecessary for this specific task. The team made their simulation tools and findings freely available to the scientific community to encourage further cross-disciplinary collaboration in bio-inspired robotics.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2025-11-18-233-reading-a-fishs-mind-to-build-smarter-robots#t=0) Introduction: Sponsor and Episode Overview
- [2:20](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2025-11-18-233-reading-a-fishs-mind-to-build-smarter-robots#t=140) EPFL and Duke Collaboration on Zebrafish Neuroscience
- [4:31](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2025-11-18-233-reading-a-fishs-mind-to-build-smarter-robots#t=271) Transparent Larvae and Live Neural Imaging
- [6:02](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2025-11-18-233-reading-a-fishs-mind-to-build-smarter-robots#t=362) Creating the SimZFish Simulation
- [8:56](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2025-11-18-233-reading-a-fishs-mind-to-build-smarter-robots#t=536) Building the 80cm Robotic Fish Prototype
- [10:18](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2025-11-18-233-reading-a-fishs-mind-to-build-smarter-robots#t=618) Vision-Only Control and Sensor Reduction
- [12:18](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2025-11-18-233-reading-a-fishs-mind-to-build-smarter-robots#t=738) Robot Performance and Bio-inspiration Results
- [13:57](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2025-11-18-233-reading-a-fishs-mind-to-build-smarter-robots#t=837) Open Source Tools and Future Collaboration

## Topics

- [Robotics & autonomy](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/robotics-and-autonomy)
- [Sensors & measurement in products](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sensors)
- [AI & machine learning](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/ai-and-machine-learning)
- [Prototyping & iteration](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/prototyping)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- Mouser Electronics (company)
- EPFL (company)
- Duke University (company)
- SimZFish (other)
- zebrafish (other)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Episode 154: Visual navigation in insects and robots - Andrew Philippides](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2026-05-01-episode-154-visual-navigation-in-insects-and-robots-andrew-philippides) (Robot Talk)
- [Understanding Real Brains with Robotic Rats, and Vice Versa](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ee-times-current/2023-09-25-understanding-real-brains-with-robotic-rats-and-vice-versa) (EE Times Current)
- [Neurons Close the Loop from Insect Perception to Action](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ee-times-current/2025-09-09-neurons-close-the-loop-from-insect-perception-to-action) (EE Times Current)
- [Episode Forty-Seven: Helmut Hauser](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2023-05-05-episode-forty-seven-helmut-hauser) (Robot Talk)
- [Episode 68: Bat-inspired robots - Rolf Mueller](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2024-01-12-episode-68-bat-inspired-robots-rolf-mueller) (Robot Talk)

## Citing this page

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