James McLurkin is a young researcher at MIT's Artificial Intelligence Lab, where he is helping push the frontiers of robotics by combining ideas from engineering with biology. His robotic ants can work together to accomplish tasks. Hear what he had to say in 1995 and again in 2006.

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"Prototype Online: Inventive Voices" is a production of the Smithsonian's Lemelson Center. Written and hosted by Paul Rosenthal. Audio production by Benjamin Bloom. Theme music by Will Eastman. Art Molella, executive producer. James McLurkin was originally interviewed in October 1995 by Helen Weiss. His updated interview with Paul Rosenthal was in March 2006; podcast released 6 June 2006.