Josh Bongard

Josh Bongard, a roboticist known for his work on evolutionary robotics, teams up with Richard Watson, an interdisciplinary researcher focused on evolution and cognition. They dive into the fascinating dynamics of integration, exploring why cells and societies come together. Bongard discusses how robots can adapt through nested systems, while Watson unpacks the concept of natural induction—leaving behind traditional selection theories. They examine how relationships drive stability and creativity, leading to a new understanding of evolution, learning, and even the essence of love.

Joined by Josh Bongard, a pioneering Professor of Computer Science at the University of Vermont, the discussion journey dives into the fascinating world of biological robots known as xenobots. Bongard explores how these living machines challenge our understanding of life and consciousness. The conversation also navigates the role of AI in biological development and the ethical dilemmas posed by self-replicating organisms. Listeners will re-evaluate the essence of intelligence and the profound implications of intertwining biology with technology.

Dr. Josh Bongard, a computer scientist and roboticist who co-created Xenobots, discusses AI-designed living systems. He describes how frog cells were shaped into moving, self-repairing constructs. Short takes cover cognition at tiny scales, memory without brains, kinematic self-replication, ethical questions about synthetic life, and how AI can reveal new biological principles.