Episode 107: Animal-inspired robot movement - Robert Siddall

Robot Talk · 31 Jan 2025 · 25m · Episode 107

What this episode covers

Robert Siddall, a lecturer in Robotics at the University of Surrey, discusses bio-inspired robot designs aimed at solving environmental problems. He details the development of a pangolin-inspired seed-planting robot that won the 2023 Natural Robotics contest, explaining the mechanical challenges of its rolling and digging mechanisms. Siddall also describes his PhD work on a gannet-inspired flying and diving robot, highlighting the difficulties of transitioning between air and water, and his research into gecko-inspired gliding robots for robust aerial movement.

Mentioned

Companies
University of Surrey, Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, Humboldt Foundation, Singapore Air Force
Also
Natural Robotics contest

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