
Back to Show
Watch Preview
NOVA
Rise of the Robots
Season 43
Episode 6
Machines are everywhere. They run our factory assembly lines and make our coffee. But humanoid robots—machines with human-like capabilities—have long been the stuff of science fiction. Until now. Fueled by an ambitious DARPA challenge, the race is on to design a robot that can replace humans in disaster relief situations. Follow the robots and the engineers that program them.
Support Provided By

53:21
Can bringing predators—and fear—back into an ecosystem help restore its natural balance?

Unlock with PBS Passport
53:21
Follow the epic journey of dog domestication and see what science says about dogs’ love.

1:52:46
Paleontologist Kirk Johnson explores the dynamic history—and future—of ice at the poles.

53:30
Discover the science behind Leonardo da Vinci's masterpieces—and Mona Lisa's iconic smile.

Unlock with PBS Passport
53:25
Can new engineering techniques help prevent deadly bridge collapses?

53:15
Amazing fossils reveal how mammals took over after an asteroid wiped out the dinosaurs.

Unlock with PBS Passport
53:32
Discover why scientists and entrepreneurs alike have their sights set on the Moon again.

53:22
In the shadow of Vesuvius and Pompeii, a lesser-known volcano puts Naples at risk.

Unlock with PBS Passport
53:34
New technologies are promising a new renaissance in space travel.

53:23
New archeological evidence shows the stunning engineering of the Great Pyramid of Giza.

Unlock with PBS Passport
53:15
Journey to Kīlauea volcano to investigate the eruptions that shook Hawaiʻi in 2018.