Uploaded December 2018 | Updated September 2026, 2 hours ago

---

Auke Ijspeert is a professor at the EPFL (the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology at Lausanne), and head of the Biorobotics Laboratory (BioRob). Auke is interested in using numerical simulations and robots to get a better understanding of animal locomotion and movement control, and in using inspiration from biology to design novel types of robots and locomotion controllers.

In our wide-ranging conversation, we cover many things, including:

- The purpose and value of biomicking robots
- Why Auke is worried about drones and robots in future battlefields
- The difference between theory and practice for robot design
- Why Auke works with AI researchers but not that closely
- How we should think about regulating robotics
- Why Auke thinks we're still a long way off from AGI
- The problem with scientists and researchers forgetting to think about ethics
- When we can expect large scale robotics in modern life
- Why C3PO isn't an ideal answer to home robotics
- How hype cycles drive robotics and tech development and
- Why AI research and progress may in fact be slowing down
- The reason Auke is so excited and optimistic about autonomous vehicles
- Why scientists are fascinated and frustrated with Boston Dynamics

--

VISIT The Disruptors FOR TONS MORE INTERVIEWS, TOPICS & GUIDES
https://disruptors.fm

SUBSCRIBE TO PODCAST ON iTUNES
https://disruptors.fm/itunes

SUBSCRIBE TO PODCAST ON ANDROID (Any Podcast App)
https://disruptors.fm/android

JOIN OUR NEWSLETTER + GET FREE AUDIOBOOK
https://disruptors.fm/join

SUPPORT US WITH TAX-DEDUCTIBLE DONATION
https://disruptors.fm/support