The Abstract Podcast

Bringing robots to life

In this episode, we explain how social robots and mini drones could solve present and future problems.

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Originally Published: 
Newme telepresence robot
Newme

As Covid-19 infection rates continue to surge in the United States and across the planet, social distancing remains one of humanity’s core precautions, albeit a more difficult one to keep up through the holiday season. However, a robot revolution could ward off social distancing's biggest negative effects, helping keep more people safe and happy at home.

Meanwhile, roboticists are revolutionizing how drugs are delivered in the human body. Figuring out how to transform inanimate objects into robotic drones, tiny bots are transforming the future of medicine before our eyes.

Whether it’s a sticky spray that can create biomedical robots on demand or the telepresence technology that’s taking on infectious disease outbreaks, robotic science is reshaping how we take charge of our mental and physical health.

In this episode of The Abstract, we explain how social robots and mini drones could solve present and future problems.

Our first story is about how robots could promote social distancing. Evidence suggests the use of telepresence robots could combat four major negative side effects of the practice — and help people feel connected and calm at home.

Our second story is about a newly developed magnetic spray that can transform inanimate objects into fully articulating robotic drones controlled by a simple magnet. While still far from clinical practice, roboticists think this tech could radically change how drugs are delivered in the human body.

Read the original Inverse stories:

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Right now, facts and science matter more than ever. That's part of the reason for The Abstract, this all-new podcast from the Inverse staff that focuses exclusively on science and innovation. Three new episodes are released a week, and each covers one theme via two related stories. Each features audio of original Inverse reporting, where the facts and context take center stage. It's hosted by the Tanya Bustos of WSJ Podcasts. Because we're Inverse, it's all true but slightly off-kilter. It's made for people who want to know the whole story. Nick Lucchesi, executive editor, Inverse

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