Sheila L. Macrine and Jennifer M.B. Fugate, "Embodied Intelligence: Multidisciplinary Perspectives on Natural, Artificial, and Hybrid Systems" (MIT Press, 2026)

Embodied Intelligence: Multidisciplinary Perspectives on Natural, Artificial, and Hybrid Systems (MIT Press, 2026) explores a radical transformation taking place in intelligence research. Rather than focusing exclusively on brains and computer code, the book examines the important role that embodiment plays in producing intelligent, goal-directed behavior.

The book brings together experts from a range of disciplines to create conversations across fields that are often studied separately. Through these diverse perspectives, the contributors investigate how intelligence may develop and operate across different scales, physical forms and systems.

The book moves beyond the traditional divide between biological and artificial intelligence. It considers how intelligent behavior can emerge in humans, other living organisms, technological systems and unexpected forms that may not fit conventional definitions of intelligence.

By adopting a broader understanding of embodied intelligence, the contributors challenge long-held assumptions about what intelligence is, where it exists and how it manifests. This perspective could reshape how we understand ourselves, the technologies we create and the diverse forms of intelligent behavior found throughout the world.

 Key Ideas:

1. Intelligence research is moving beyond its traditional focus on brains and computer code. 
2. Embodiment plays an important role in intelligence and goal-directed behavior. 
3. Intelligence can manifest across different scales, physical forms and biological or technological systems. 
4. Collaboration among philosophy, neuroscience, psychology, biology, robotics and artificial intelligence can lead to a more complete understanding of intelligence. 
5. Embodied intelligence challenges the traditional separation between biological and artificial systems. 
6. Intelligent behavior may emerge in forms and places that researchers have not traditionally recognized. 
7. A broader definition of intelligence could transform how we understand ourselves and design future technologies. 

Takeaway from the Conversation:

One of the strongest ideas from the conversation is that intelligence may be far more diverse than we traditionally assume. It cannot always be understood by looking only at the brain or computer code. We must also consider the body, physical form, surrounding environment and the different ways a system pursues its goals.

Macrine and Fugate’s insights invite us to move beyond the traditional divide between biological and artificial intelligence. Whether you explore selected chapters through the book’s open-access edition for educational or research purposes or purchase the complete volume, you’ll encounter perspectives from numerous disciplines that challenge familiar assumptions and expand our understanding of where intelligence can exist, how it can emerge, and what it means to be intelligent. 

About Podcast Host

Angela Marie Hutchinson is the author of “Create Your Yes! When You Keep Hearing No,” named a Forbes No. 4 book to advance your career. She is a podcast host for New Books Network, where she leads conversations for the neuroscience and Christianity channels. Hutchinson is also a talent and intellectual property executive, former social media professor and BBC commentator. She resides in Los Angeles with her husband and three children.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.