# Episode 135: Robot anatomy and design - Chapa Sirithunge

- Show: [Robot Talk](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk)
- Published: 2025-11-28
- Length: 26m
- Episode: 135
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2025-11-28-episode-135-robot-anatomy-and-design-chapa-sirithunge
- Listen: https://ukrobotics.libsyn.com/episode-135-robot-anatomy-and-design-chapa-sirithunge

## Summary

Chapa Sirithunge, a Marie Sklodowska-Curie fellow at the University of Cambridge, discusses her research into bio-inspired robotics, specifically designing parametric robotic hands based on primate anatomy and the concept of 'biosimplification'. She explains how studying the flexible middle finger of the Aye-aye primate and the evolutionary history of primate hands informs the creation of versatile, open-source robotic hand designs with over 50 customizable parameters. Sirithunge also details her current work on improving safety on construction sites by integrating minimal sensor arrays and control algorithms into existing heavy machinery to create 'virtual repellents' between operators and moving parts.

## Chapters

- [0:07](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2025-11-28-episode-135-robot-anatomy-and-design-chapa-sirithunge#t=7) Introduction and Research Overview
- [5:21](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2025-11-28-episode-135-robot-anatomy-and-design-chapa-sirithunge#t=321) Bio-inspired Robotic Hand Design
- [8:29](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2025-11-28-episode-135-robot-anatomy-and-design-chapa-sirithunge#t=509) The Aye-Aye Inspiration and Parametric Design
- [11:47](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2025-11-28-episode-135-robot-anatomy-and-design-chapa-sirithunge#t=707) Biosimplification and Human-Robot Interaction
- [14:32](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2025-11-28-episode-135-robot-anatomy-and-design-chapa-sirithunge#t=872) Construction Site Safety and Automation
- [20:25](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2025-11-28-episode-135-robot-anatomy-and-design-chapa-sirithunge#t=1225) Future Skills for Construction Apprentices

## Topics

- [Robotics & autonomy](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/robotics-and-autonomy)
- [Industrial & consumer product design](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/industrial-design)
- [Sensors & measurement in products](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sensors)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- University of Cambridge (company)
- EPF Switzerland (company)
- Aye-aye (other)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [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)
- [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)
- [Understanding Real Brains with Robotic Rats, and Vice Versa](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ee-times-current/2023-09-25-understanding-real-brains-with-robotic-rats-and-vice-versa) (EE Times Current)
- [Ep 143: More Magnesium Please, Robot Bicep Curls, Malamud's General Index, and Are You Down with EMC?](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2021-11-05-ep-143-more-magnesium-please-robot-bicep-curls-malamuds-general-index-and-are-yo) (Hackaday 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)

## Citing this page

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