A Conversation with Dr. James Bellingham, Bloomberg Distinguished Professor of Exploration Robotics and Executive Director of the Johns Hopkins Institute for Assured Autonomy, and Nell Greenfieldboyce, A&S ’94, ’95 (MA), Correspondent for NPR's Science Desk.

The world’s interconnected oceans represent approximately 71% of our planet’s surface, but only 25% of their seafloors have been mapped in detail, which presents military risks, missed resource opportunities, and difficult rescue and recovery efforts. But with advances in robotics design, nimble, small, crewless vehicles are at work discovering new resources and providing critical data. What will they discover next—from the depths of Earth’s oceans to the reaches of deep space?

Marine technologies expert and Arctic expedition leader James Bellingham will take up this question of autonomous robots’ vital impacts in aquaculture management, climate data gathering, and deep sea energy source discovery as he discusses his recent book, "How Are Marine Robots Shaping Our Future?" (Johns Hopkins University Press, 2025) in conversation with NPR science correspondent Nell Greenfieldboyce.

To purchase the book, visit https://www.press.jhu.edu/books/title/53664/how-are-marine-robots-shaping-our-future. Use code HMRINE26 at checkout to receive 30% off, valid until 3/31/2026*

*promo code HMRINE26 valid only at http://press.jhu.edu. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Valid until 03/31/26. ** To order 10 or more copies, email [email protected]

This event is presented by Johns Hopkins Wavelengths in partnership with the Sheridan Libraries & University Museums and Hopkins at Home. It was recorded at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg Center in Washington, DC on Tuesday, March 3.

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