Episode 55: Adaptable robots inspired by nature - Sara Adela Abad Guaman

Robot Talk · 29 Sept 2023 · 27m · Episode 55

What this episode covers

Sara Adela Abad Guaman, an assistant professor at University College London and head of the Adaptable Robotics Lab, discusses her research into bioinspired robots that use morphological computation to adapt to uncertain environments. She details a robotic foot inspired by mountain goat hooves, which uses compliant structures to enhance traction and stability on slippery terrain without relying on complex central processing. The conversation also covers haptic fingertip interfaces developed for minimally invasive surgery that have found applications in diagnosing touch loss and enhancing virtual reality interactions. Guaman emphasizes how these adaptable systems can address global challenges like climate change by enabling versatile agricultural robots that reduce chemical usage.

Mentioned

Companies
University College London, UCM, Hamlin Center for Robotic Surgery, Imperial College London
Also
Adaptable Robotics Lab, Living with AI

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