#54 What is the next tangible breakthrough in robotics? with Roberto Calandra (TU Dresden)

with Ulrich Irnich & Markus Kuckertz

Episode 54 focuses on the future of robotics, in particular the next tangible breakthroughs and expected benefits in robotics. Our guest is Roberto Calandra, Full Professor at the Technical University of Dresden and founder of the Learning, Adaptive Systems and Robotics Lab. Roberto’s scientific interests are in the field of robotics and machine learning, with the aim of making robots smarter and more useful in the real world.

The conversation between Uli, Markus and Roberto focuses on the groundbreaking advances in touch sensing technology, in particular the development of Digit, a high-precision touch sensor for robots that mimics the human sense of touch. Roberto discusses how this technology is revolutionising the industry by enabling robots to interact with their environment in ways previously thought impossible.

The conversation highlights how the integration of high-resolution tactile sensors and AI algorithms is pushing the boundaries of what robots can do, from handling delicate objects to enhancing virtual reality experiences. The potential of these innovations for areas such as manufacturing, healthcare and e-commerce becomes clear. The discussion offers a glimpse into a future where robots will become more integrated into our daily lives and change the world we live in.

More information can be found here:

• Website of the TU Dresden: https://tu-dresden.de
• Website of the Learning, Adaptive Systems and Robotics (LASR) Lab: https://lasr.org/
• Website of the Digit Tactile Sensor: https://digit.ml
• Roberto’s personal website: https://www.robertocalandra.com

Your feedback on the episode and suggestions for topics and guests are very welcome! Connect and discuss with us:

• Roberto Calandra: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rcalandra/
• Ulrich Irnich: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ulrichirnich/
• Markus Kuckertz: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markuskuckertz/

Contributors – Hosts: Ulrich Irnich & Markus Kuckertz // Production: Daniel Sprügel, Maniac Studios (https://maniacstudios.com/) // Editorial: Marcus Pawlik © Digital Pacemaker Podcast 2024