We tend to think of robot stories as an invention of modern science fiction.
But Signe Cohen, a professor of religious studies, has found many of them in ancient Buddhist and Hindu texts from India. The stories address very current questions about the abuse of power and what it means to be human.
Also in the show, drop in on the new Architectural Robotics class, where Engineering Professor Marjori Skubic is melding the field of design with electrical and computer engineering. And hear how plant scientist Felix Fritschi and engineer Guilherme DeSouza are speeding crop research using robots.
Music
Chris Stephens, a graduate student in musical geography, performs the sitar.
Anand Prahlad, a professor of English, performs the mbira.
Learn more about this episode and robot research at Mizzou »
