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

- Show: [Robot Talk](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk)
- Published: 2023-09-29
- Length: 27m
- Episode: 55
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2023-09-29-episode-55-adaptable-robots-inspired-by-nature-sara-adela-abad-guaman
- Listen: https://ukrobotics.libsyn.com/episode-fifty-five-sara-adela-abad-guaman

## Summary

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.

## Chapters

- [0:08](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2023-09-29-episode-55-adaptable-robots-inspired-by-nature-sara-adela-abad-guaman#t=8) Introduction and Research Overview
- [2:35](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2023-09-29-episode-55-adaptable-robots-inspired-by-nature-sara-adela-abad-guaman#t=155) Bioinspired Haptic Systems
- [4:15](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2023-09-29-episode-55-adaptable-robots-inspired-by-nature-sara-adela-abad-guaman#t=255) Mountain Goat Hoof Robot Foot
- [11:26](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2023-09-29-episode-55-adaptable-robots-inspired-by-nature-sara-adela-abad-guaman#t=686) Morphological Computation and Efficiency
- [16:10](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2023-09-29-episode-55-adaptable-robots-inspired-by-nature-sara-adela-abad-guaman#t=970) Agricultural Robotics and Climate Change
- [21:55](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2023-09-29-episode-55-adaptable-robots-inspired-by-nature-sara-adela-abad-guaman#t=1315) Haptic Fingertip Applications
- [24:08](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2023-09-29-episode-55-adaptable-robots-inspired-by-nature-sara-adela-abad-guaman#t=1448) Living with AI Podcast Promo

## Topics

- [Robotics & autonomy](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/robotics-and-autonomy)
- [Materials & manufacturing processes](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/materials-and-processes)
- [Sensors & measurement in products](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sensors)
- [AI & machine learning](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/ai-and-machine-learning)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- University College London (company)
- Adaptable Robotics Lab (other)
- UCM (company)
- Hamlin Center for Robotic Surgery (company)
- Imperial College London (company)
- Living with AI (other)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [133. Mighty Morphing All Terrain Robots Made By Nature](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2023-08-01-133-mighty-morphing-all-terrain-robots-made-by-nature) (The Next Byte Podcast)
- [35. The Feisty Crustacean That Inspired A New Generation of Super Robots](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2021-09-14-35-the-feisty-crustacean-that-inspired-a-new-generation-of-super-robots) (The Next Byte Podcast)
- [222. Tree-Climbing and Reef-Restoring Robots](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2025-06-17-222-tree-climbing-and-reef-restoring-robots) (The Next Byte Podcast)
- [68. Bird-inspired Bipedal Robots & Robotic Surgeons](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2022-05-03-68-bird-inspired-bipedal-robots-robotic-surgeons) (The Next Byte Podcast)
- [49. What Robots Can Learn from Starfish and Falcons](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2021-12-21-49-what-robots-can-learn-from-starfish-and-falcons) (The Next Byte Podcast)

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