Robot swarms and the technology of the next decade

What are the applications or the ramifications of new tiny mechanical bees? And how will society adjust?

This episode is about the technologies that we may well see in the 2020s, such as swarm robotics. We look at the uses but also the responsibilities that need to accompany such technological and scientific shifts. 

Dr Edmund Hunt talks to Nesta’s Bea Karol Burks about his work in swarm robotics. Science and tech writer, speaker and thinker Sumit Paul-Choudhury joins Bea and presenter Tiernan Douieb to discuss tomorrow’s innovations and the consequences and considerations they may hold for society.

From swarms of robots to swarms of cells, you will also hear a snippet from broadcaster and writer Philip Ball talking about turning his own skin cells into neurons and how they organised themselves in to ‘mini brains’.

Useful links featured in this episode:

• The Tipping Point Prize
• Dr Edmund Hunt’s ‘robot swarm’ essay
• Bristol Robotics Laboratory 
• Philip Ball talking about How to Grow a Human as part of Nesta’s ‘Talks To…’ series

Get in touch with Future Curious  by email at futurecurious@nesta.org.uk 

Or via twitter @Nesta_UK / #futurecurious

Future Curious is presented by Tiernan Douieb and produced and published by Nesta’s communication team. Sound by Sonia Foday. Edited by Wardour Studios. Original music by Ged Flood.