#114 – Russ Tedrake: Underactuated Robotics, Control, Dynamics and Touch

Roboticist and MIT professor Russ Tedrake explores the intersection of control theory, mechanics, and biological movement. Passive dynamic walkers and the energy-efficient swimming of fish demonstrate how physical dynamics can often outperform complex active control systems. The conversation examines the challenges of bipedal locomotion, highlighting the DARPA Robotics Challenge as a pivotal moment for testing robust software in high-stakes environments. Tedrake emphasizes the necessity of rigorous mathematical thinking in robotics, even as deep learning gains prominence, and advocates for embracing contact mechanics rather than avoiding them. Future advancements in home robotics, particularly in manipulation and soft robotics, depend on developing systems that can safely and intuitively interact with human environments. Ultimately, the evolution of robotics relies on balancing sophisticated control algorithms with a deep, first-principles understanding of the physical world.