Robin Murphy
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Articles by Robin Murphy
What if an alien believes our robot videos?
Abstract REFERENCES AND NOTES Information & Authors Metrics & Citations Check Access References Figures Tables Media Share This article has 0 eLetter . Abstract In Hole in the Sky, an alien discovers the same problems with replicating robots that real-world roboticists have. Access the full article View all access options to continue reading this article.
Are humanoid robots in 2035 more fiction than science?
Abstract REFERENCES AND NOTES Information & Authors Metrics & Citations Check Access References Figures Tables Media Share Abstract The Will Smith 2004 blockbuster I, Robot predicts pervasive humanoid robots in 2035; investors agree, roboticists disagree. Access the full article View all access options to continue reading this article. CHECK ACCESS REFERENCES AND NOTES 1 R.
Evolution of humanoid locomotion control
Abstract REFERENCES AND NOTES Information & Authors Metrics & Citations Check Access References Figures Tables Media Share Abstract Humanoid robots stand at the forefront of robotics, aiming to capture the agility, robustness, and expressivity of human movement in an anthropomorphic form.
Learning vision-driven reactive soccer skills for humanoid robots
Abstract INTRODUCTION RESULTS DISCUSSION MATERIALS AND METHODS Acknowledgments Supplementary Materials REFERENCES AND NOTES Information & Authors Metrics & Citations View Options References Figures Tables Media Share Abstract Humanoid soccer poses a representative challenge for embodied intelligence, requiring robots to coordinate agile locomotion with unreliable visual perception in dynamic environments.
The Future of Humanoid Robots: Fiction or Reality by 2035?
A recent article in Science Robotics explores the potential of humanoid robots by 2035, questioning whether they will remain a concept of fiction or evolve into practical technology. The discussion highlights advancements in robotics and AI that could lead to significant developments in humanoid designs and functionalities. This inquiry is crucial as it addresses the implications of humanoid robots in various sectors, including healthcare, manufacturing, and personal assistance.
Is a robot a tool or an agent?
Abstract REFERENCES AND NOTES Information & Authors Metrics & Citations Check Access References Figures Tables Media Share Abstract The distinction is a matter of life and death to both a predator and a robot in the 2025 movie Predator: Badlands. Access the full article View all access options to continue reading this article. CHECK ACCESS REFERENCES AND NOTES 1 S. Russell, P. Norvig, Artificial Intelligence: A Modern Approach (Pearson, ed. 4, 2020). Google Scholar 2 K. M. Lynch, F. C.
Why drones and AI can’t quickly find missing flood victims, yet
(The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.) (THE CONVERSATION) For search and rescue, AI is not more accurate than humans, but it is far faster.
A high-endurance DNA origami snap-through switch for functional nanoscale control
Abstract INTRODUCTION RESULTS DISCUSSION MATERIALS AND METHODS Acknowledgments Supplementary Materials REFERENCES AND NOTES Information & Authors Metrics & Citations View Options References Figures Tables Media Share Abstract Switchable elements are central to both technological devices and biological machines because they enable controlled and reversible transitions between distinct functional states.
Learning flight navigation like a honey bee
Abstract Highlighted Article Information & Authors Metrics & Citations View Options References Figures Tables Media Share Abstract honey bees serve as inspiration for long-range autonomous flight in resource-constrained aerial robot navigation.
DNA origami snaps into place
Abstract REFERENCES AND NOTES Information & Authors Metrics & Citations Check Access References Figures Tables Media Share Abstract An electrically controlled DNA origami snap-through switch provides robust, programmable logic for molecular robotics. Related Research Article A high-endurance DNA origami snap-through switch for functional nanoscale control Science Robotics24 Jun 2026 Access the full article View all access options to continue reading this article.
The Moon needs robots
Abstract REFERENCES AND NOTES Information & Authors Metrics & Citations Check Access References Figures Tables Media Share Abstract Four science fiction works describe realistic construction and mining robots enabling human habitation of the Moon. Access the full article View all access options to continue reading this article. CHECK ACCESS REFERENCES AND NOTES 1 M.-m. Poo, China’s space program on the march. Nat. Sci. Rev. 13, nwaf335 (2026).
Designing microrobots with embodied physical intelligence
Skip to main content Main content starts here Abstract A flexible chain of 3D microprinted units exhibits emergent dynamics in response to environmental interactions. SIGN UP FOR THE AWARD-WINNING SCIENCEADVISER NEWSLETTER The latest news, commentary, and research, free to your inbox daily Many microorganisms generate motion through active shape change, like how worms and snakes navigate.
Skip to main content Main content starts here Abstract The 2025 novel Mechanize My Hands for War features humanoid robots for agriculture. Access the full article View all access options to continue reading this article. REFERENCES AND NOTES 1 M. P. Groover, “Automation,” Encyclopedia Britannica, 18 February 2026; www.britannica.com/technology/automation. 2 A. Bechar, C. Vigneault, Agricultural robots for field operations: Concepts and components. Biosyst. Eng. 149, 94–111 (2016). 3 R. Gebbers, V. I.
Cross-robot behavior adaptation through intention alignment
Abstract Imitation learning (IL) has succeeded in enabling robots to perform new tasks by learning from demonstrations. However, its success is often constrained by the need for direct skill mappings between a learner and a demonstrator under identical conditions, limiting its adaptability to diverse environments and generalization across robots with different physical embodiments.
Origami-inspired grasper for safe tissue manipulation
Abstract The OriGrasp can flatten for storage and deploy as a compliant grasper for firm yet safe handling of bowel tissue. SIGN UP FOR THE AWARD-WINNING SCIENCEADVISER NEWSLETTER The latest news, commentary, and research, free to your inbox daily Instruments used in minimally invasive surgery must be small and capable of manipulating delicate tissues without causing damage.
Neurorobotics may make a smarter, but not happier, robot
Abstract In Luminous, two generations of a Korean family use neurorobotics to build sentient robot friends. Access the full article View all access options to continue reading this article. REFERENCES 1 T. J. Hwu, J. L. Krichmar, Neurorobotics: Connecting the Brain, Body, and Environment (MIT Press, 2022). 2 T. J. Prescott, S. P. Wilson, Understanding brain functional architecture through robotics. Sci. Robot. 8, eadg6014 (2023). 3 E.
Modular reconfigurable robots: Toward on-demand multifunctional applications
Abstract Modular reconfigurable robot (MRR) systems have attracted growing attention because of their versatility and ability to operate across diverse domains. Research on MRR systems has made notable progress, evolving from laboratory settings to real-world applications. However, a gap remains in aligning MRR technologies with specific needs, and a comprehensive review of challenges in practical applications is still lacking.
Collision-tolerant deformable quadrotor arms
Abstract The HoLoArm drone has flexible arms for impact resistance and can recover from collisions and maintain flight stability. SIGN UP FOR THE AWARD-WINNING SCIENCEADVISER NEWSLETTER The latest news, commentary, and research, free to your inbox daily Ensuring uncrewed aerial vehicle safety in dynamic environments is challenging because collisions are often inevitable for navigation in the real world.
Would you give four stars to a restaurant entirely staffed by robots?
Abstract Annalee Newitz’s Automatic Noodle illustrates the challenges of robots operating a ghost kitchen. Access the full article View all access options to continue reading this article. REFERENCES AND NOTES 1 C. Klein, “The Automat: Birth of a fast food nation,” (13 July 2012); www.history.com/articles/the-automat-birth-of-a-fast-food-nation. 2 R. Murphy, V. B. M. Gandudi, T. Amin, A. Clendenin, J. Moats, An analysis of international use of robots for COVID-19. Robot. Auton. Syst. 148, 103922 (2022). 3 E.
Robots do not like Asimov’s three laws
We and our 43 IAB TCF partners store and access information on your device for the following purposes: store and/or access information on a device, advertising and content measurement, audience research, and services development, personalised advertising, and personalised content. Personal data may be processed to do the following: use precise geolocation data and actively scan device characteristics for identification.
Robots do not like Asimov’s three laws
Opens in a new window Opens an external website Opens an external website in a new window This website utilizes technologies such as cookies to enable essential site functionality, as well as for analytics, personalization, and targeted advertising. To learn more, view the following link: Privacy Policy Skip to main content Main content starts here Focus SCIENCE FICTION, SCIENCE FACT Robin R.
The robots in Superman and The Fantastic Four: First Steps are as amazing as the superheroes
Opens in a new window Opens an external website Opens an external website in a new window This website utilizes technologies such as cookies to enable essential site functionality, as well as for analytics, personalization, and targeted advertising. To learn more, view the following link: Privacy Policy Skip to main content Main content starts here Abstract Robot assistants in Superman and The Fantastic Four: First Steps may not save the world, but they fulfill six different jobs.
Extending robot minds through collective learning
Abstract The current trend toward generalist robot behaviors with monolithic artificial intelligence (AI) models is unsustainable. I advocate for a paradigm shift that embraces distributed architectures for collective robotic intelligence. A modular “mixture-of-robots” approach with specialized interdependent components can achieve superlinear gains, offering benefits in scalability, adaptability, and learning complex interactive skills.
Lowly fly or impressive miniature robot?
Focus SCIENCE FICTION, SCIENCE FACT Robin R. Murphy https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0774-4312Authors Info & Affiliations Abstract The novel Flybot gives a science-forward view of the challenges in building a fully autonomous robot fly. Access the full article View all access options to continue reading this article. REFERENCES AND NOTES 1 Central Intelligence Agency, “Insectothopter”; https://cia.gov/legacy/museum/artifact/insectothopter/. 2 R. Wood, R. Nagpal, G.-Y. Wei, Flight of the robobees. Sci.
Knowledge before faith is the motto of a robot pope
Skip to main content Main content starts here Focus SCIENCE FICTION, SCIENCE FACT Robin R. Murphy https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0774-4312Authors Info & Affiliations Abstract Clifford D. Simak’s Project Pope imagines a distant future where logic unifies religion. Access the full article View all access options to continue reading this article. REFERENCES 1 R. R. Murphy, Introduction to AI Robotics (MIT Press, ed. 2, 2019). 2 A. Cangelosi, M. Asada, Eds., Cognitive Robotics (MIT Press, 2022). 3 X. Li, Z.
Enhancing geometric maps through environmental interactions
Nyckelord: Gaussian Processes Robotics UGV Active perception geometric maps; Datalogi; Computer Science; Sammanfattning: The deployment of rescue robots in real operations is becoming increasingly commonthanks to recent advances in AI technologies and high performance hardware.
Why drones and AI can't quickly find missing flood victims, yet
For search and rescue, AI is not more accurate than humans, but it is far faster. Recent successes in applying computer vision and machine learning to drone imagery for rapidly determining building and road damage after hurricanes or shifting wildfire lines suggest that artificial intelligence could be valuable in searching for missing persons after a flood.
Why drones and AI can't quickly find missing flood victims, yet
For search and rescue, AI is not more accurate than humans, but it is far faster. Recent successes in applying computer vision and machine learning to drone imagery for rapidly determining building and road damage after hurricanes or shifting wildfire lines suggest that artificial intelligence could be valuable in searching for missing persons after a flood. kAm|249:?6 =62C?:?8 DJDE6>D EJA:42==J E2<6 =6DD E92? @?6 D64@?5 E@ D42? 2 9:89\C6D@=FE:@?
Why drones and AI can’t quickly find missing flood victims, yet
For search and rescue, AI is not more accurate than humans, but it is far faster. Recent successes in applying computer vision and machine learning to drone imagery for rapidly determining building and road damage after hurricanes or shifting wildfire lines suggest that artificial intelligence could be valuable in searching for missing persons after a flood.
Why drones and AI can’t quickly find missing flood victims, yet
Machine learning systems typically take less than one second to scan a high-resolution image from a drone versus one to three minutes for a person. Plus, drones often produce more imagery to view than is humanly possible in the critical first hours of a search when survivors may still be alive. Searching for flood victims is a type of wilderness search and rescue that presents unique challenges.
The greatest challenge for prosthetics may be social, not neural, connections
Skip to main content Main content starts here Focus SCIENCE FICTION, SCIENCE FACT Robin R. Murphy https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0774-4312Authors Info & Affiliations Abstract Death of the Author: A Novel imagines the influence of an experimental exoskeleton on a disabled author and her family. Access the full article View all access options to continue reading this article. REFERENCES AND NOTES 1 R. R. Murphy, Sci-fi imagines how good brain-machine interfaces will amplify bad choices. Sci. Robot.
Preventing pressure ulcers by increasing pressure: An unorthodox alternating-pressure mattress
Abstract Despite the devastating effects of pressure ulcers (PUs), little is understood about how they can be prevented using alternating-pressure (AP) mattresses. Such mattresses typically aim to minimize the pressures imparted while alternating between different states of pressure to prevent areas of tissue from being persistently occluded of blood flow.
The robots in the Val Kilmer movie Red Planet predated Perseverance and Ingenuity
Skip to main content Main content starts here Focus SCIENCE FICTION, SCIENCE FACT Robin R. Murphy https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0774-4312Authors Info & Affiliations Abstract A big-budget flop about terraforming Mars had a ground-aerial robot team predating Perseverance and Ingenuity. Access the full article View all access options to continue reading this article. REFERENCES 1 R. R. Murphy, “Marsupial robots,” in Robot Teams: From Diversity to Polymorphism, T. Balch, L. Parker, Eds. (AK Peters, 2002), pp.
Reverse engineering the control law for schooling in zebrafish using virtual reality
Abstract Revealing the evolved mechanisms that give rise to collective behavior is a central objective in the study of cellular and organismal systems. In addition, understanding the algorithmic basis of social interactions in a causal and quantitative way offers an important foundation for subsequently quantifying social deficits.
Adaptive active solids
Abstract Active solids composed of connected building blocks are capable of adaptive locomotion and deformation. SIGN UP FOR THE AWARD-WINNING SCIENCEADVISER NEWSLETTER The latest news, commentary, and research, free to your inbox daily Living organisms in nature have the innate ability to respond to their environment by deforming and reorientating themselves or through reflexive actions in a dynamic and adaptive manner. Robots, however, need a closed-loop control system to locomote adaptively.
Swimming in the “Matrix”: VR fish pass the Turing test using a simple control law for collective behavior
Abstract Immersive virtual reality reveals that a simple control model from fish schooling can be used to control autonomous vehicles. Access the full article View all access options to continue reading this article. REFERENCES AND NOTES 1 C. Lai, S. Tanaka, T. D. Harris, A. K. Lee, Volitional activation of remote place representations with a hippocampal brain-machine interface. Science 382, 566–573 (2023). 2 C. D. Harvey, F. Collman, D. A. Dombeck, D. W.
Reversible kink instability drives ultrafast jumping in nematodes and soft robots
Abstract Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) exhibit a bending-elastic instability, or kink, before becoming airborne, a feature previously hypothesized but not substantiated to enhance jumping performance. Here, we provide the evidence that this kink is crucial for improving launch performance.
Biohybrid robot contracts like the human iris
Abstract Patterning planar muscle layers can create biohybrid robots capable of unique and controllable muscle activity. SIGN UP FOR THE AWARD-WINNING SCIENCEADVISER NEWSLETTER The latest news, commentary, and research, free to your inbox daily Many biohybrid robots use actuators made of engineered skeletal muscle tissue that can contract when electrically or optically stimulated.
Aerial additive manufacturing: Toward on-site building construction with aerial robots
Abstract Recent advancements in large-scale additive manufacturing have extended its application in the building industry, delivering notable gains in productivity, efficiency, environmental sustainability, and safety compared with traditional construction methods.
Understanding humanoid robots could save your life
Skip to main content Main content starts here Abstract One of the twists in Companion depends on faulty assumptions about the internal anatomy of a humanoid robot. Access the full article View all access options to continue reading this article. REFERENCES AND NOTES 1 H. L. Bradwell, R. Winnington, S. Thill, R. B.
It is hard to be a robot in the wild
eLetters is a forum for ongoing peer review. eLetters are not edited, proofread, or indexed, but they are screened. eLetters should provide substantive and scholarly commentary on the article. Neither embedded figures nor equations with special characters can be submitted, and we discourage the use of figures and equations within eLetters in general.
Would a robot ever get angry enough to attack a person?
eLetters is a forum for ongoing peer review. eLetters are not edited, proofread, or indexed, but they are screened. eLetters should provide substantive and scholarly commentary on the article. Neither embedded figures nor equations with special characters can be submitted, and we discourage the use of figures and equations within eLetters in general.
Development of compositionality through interactive learning of language and action of robots
Abstract Humans excel at applying learned behavior to unlearned situations. A crucial component of this generalization behavior is our ability to compose/decompose a whole into reusable parts, an attribute known as compositionality.
Even teleoperated robots are discriminated against in science fictions
Information & Authors Published In Science Robotics Volume 9 | Issue 97 December 2024 Article versions Submission history Received: 18 November 2024 Accepted: 19 November 2024 Permissions Request permissions for this article. Metrics & Citations Article Usage Altmetrics Cite as Even teleoperated robots are discriminated against in science fictions.Sci. Robot.9,eadu6332(2024).DOI:10.1126/scirobotics.adu6332 Export citation Select the format you want to export the citation of this publication.
How much initiative should a service robot have?
Focus SCIENCE FICTION, SCIENCE FACT Robin R. Murphy https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0774-4312 Authors Info & Affiliations Abstract Adrian Tchaikovsky’s new novel Service Model humorously imagines a robot Jeeves coping with the end of civilization. Get full access to this article View all available purchase options and get full access to this article. REFERENCES 1 M.
Ted Chiang imagines a computational theory of robots
Focus SCIENCE FICTION, SCIENCE FACT Robin R. Murphy https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0774-4312 Authors Info & Affiliations Abstract Two short science fiction stories, “Exhalation” and “Seventy-Two Letters”, explore robots inside and out. Get full access to this article View all available purchase options and get full access to this article. REFERENCES 1 R. R. Murphy, Early science fiction got microbots surprisingly right. Sci. Robot. 9, eado1489 (2024). 2 D.
Machine learning, robots, and abuse of power
Focus SCIENCE FICTION, SCIENCE FACT Robin R. Murphy https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0774-4312 Authors Info & Affiliations Science Robotics 25 Sep 2024 Vol 9, Issue 94 Abstract The novel Annie Bot by Sierra Greer is a machine learning take on the domestic noir genre. Get full access to this article View all available purchase options and get full access to this article. REFERENCES 1 J. M. Garcia-Garcia, V. M. R. Penichet, M. D.
Collection of microrobots for gentle cell manipulation
Abstract Optically actuated soft microrobotic tools were designed for cell transportation, manipulation, and cell-to-cell interactions. SIGN UP FOR THE SCIENCEADVISER NEWSLETTER The latest news, commentary, and research, free to your inbox daily Optical tweezers are a well-established instrument for manipulating microscopic objects, but the heat from the laser can damage a single cell.
Erratum for the Research Article “Field deployment of Wolbachia-infected Aedes aegypti using uncrewed aerial vehicle” by Y.-H. Lin et al.
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