In this episode of the Untangling Web3 podcast, we dive into the fascinating and ever-evolving world of robots, robotics, and their intersection with artificial intelligence (AI).

From ancient mythology to cutting-edge tech, this episode explores how our visions of mechanical beings have transformed from mythical automatons to industrial arms, humanoid assistants, and autonomous drones.

We trace this journey from Asimov’s science fiction to real-world innovation and ask: what happens when automation meets ambition?

Key highlights:

• The Origins of Robotics and Sci-Fi Inspirations: The episode kicks off by going way back—literally—to ancient Greek myths like Talos, imagined metal giants powered by magic, and traces that lineage through history to literary visions like Karel Čapek’s play “R.U.R.” (which coined the term “robot”) and the iconic writings of Isaac Asimov. Asimov’s Three Laws of Robotics are highlighted as early governance frameworks that still influence today’s discussions about robotic ethics, AI control, and coexistence with machines.
• Industrial Automation and the Rise of Robotic Arms: From Henry Ford’s assembly lines to the first robotic arm patents in the 1950s, the episode chronicles the practical evolution of robotics in manufacturing. We cover the leap from basic machine tools to robotic arms capable of precision and autonomy, used in everything from automotive assembly to pharmaceutical packing. Japan’s early dominance in this field, driven by labor shortages and technological innovation, illustrates how robots revolutionized modern production.
• Modern Robotics, Humanoids, and the Role of AI: Fast-forward to today’s AI-enhanced robotics—this includes everything from Boston Dynamics’ quadrupeds to Tesla’s Optimus and autonomous drones. The conversation highlights how perception, feedback loops, and decision-making make modern robots fundamentally different from their predecessors. We also touch on real-world applications like healthcare robotics, military drones, and the promise (and risks) of placing humanoid robots into homes and public environments.

The world of robotics is no longer confined to sci-fi or factory floors. As AI supercharges automation, robots are becoming more intelligent, mobile, and integrated into daily life—from hospitals and homes to warehouses and war zones.

But as machines become more autonomous, questions of control, ethics, and purpose become increasingly urgent. Whether you dream of robotic butlers or fear the rise of machine overlords, this episode offers a comprehensive look at how far we’ve come—and where we might be headed next.

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This episode is sponsored by the VeChain foundation. Learn more about VeBetterDAO here:

https://vebetterdao.org/

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Learn more about Web3 at:

https://untanglingweb3.com/

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Untangling Web3 is brought to you by hosts Jack Davies and Alec Burns, with music by Daniel Paigge. Got a question or topic suggestion? Send us an email at [email protected].

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The views we express here are our own, and do not represent the views of our employers. Nothing discussed or stated in the show should be considered advice.