About this episode
Professor Jan Newcomb Hodges shares his pioneering work in robotics and advanced technology development. This distinguished engineer built the first robot to enter the crippled Three Mile Island reactor, demonstrating how automated systems can operate in environments too dangerous for humans. Hodges has continued developing robotic solutions for law enforcement and other critical applications, advancing the field through practical innovations. His extensive background includes decades of lecturing and technology development since 1990, establishing him as a foremost leader in emerging technologies. The discussion covers the evolution of robotics from nuclear disaster response to modern applications in security and exploration. Hodges explains how artificial intelligence and mechanical engineering combine to create machines capable of complex tasks in hazardous situations. His insights into future technological developments reveal how robotics will continue transforming human capabilities and expanding our reach into previously inaccessible realms.