# 68. Bird-inspired Bipedal Robots & Robotic Surgeons

- Show: [The Next Byte Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast)
- Published: 2022-05-03
- Length: 31m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2022-05-03-68-bird-inspired-bipedal-robots-robotic-surgeons
- Listen: https://the-next-byte-wevolver.simplecast.com/episodes/68-bird-inspired-bipedal-robots-robotic-surgeons-5T2EOpx5

## Summary

Daniel Scott Mitchell and Farbod Moghaddam discuss research from the Max Planck Institute’s dynamic locomotion group on 'Birdbot,' a bird-inspired bipedal robot that uses multi-joint tendon mechanics to achieve 75% greater energy efficiency than traditional designs. They also cover MIT’s development of a joystick-operated robotic arm for endovascular stroke intervention, which uses magnetic wires to allow remote surgeons to perform procedures more precisely and safely. The hosts analyze how these biological and robotic integrations reduce complexity and improve outcomes in both locomotion and medical surgery.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2022-05-03-68-bird-inspired-bipedal-robots-robotic-surgeons#t=0) Introduction: Bird-inspired Bipedal Robots
- [1:48](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2022-05-03-68-bird-inspired-bipedal-robots-robotic-surgeons#t=108) Birdbot Design: Multi-joint Tendon Mechanics
- [10:04](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2022-05-03-68-bird-inspired-bipedal-robots-robotic-surgeons#t=604) Birdbot Testing: Efficiency and Scalability
- [15:59](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2022-05-03-68-bird-inspired-bipedal-robots-robotic-surgeons#t=959) Sponsor Read: Mouser Electronics and Neuralink
- [20:43](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2022-05-03-68-bird-inspired-bipedal-robots-robotic-surgeons#t=1243) MIT Robotic Surgeon: Endovascular Intervention
- [25:18](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2022-05-03-68-bird-inspired-bipedal-robots-robotic-surgeons#t=1518) Robotic System Validation and Remote Surgery Benefits

## Topics

- [Robotics & autonomy](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/robotics-and-autonomy)
- [Mechanical engineering](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/mechanical-engineering)
- [Medical & health devices](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/medical-devices)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- Max Planck Institute (company)
- Birdbot (product)
- Mouser Electronics (company)
- Neuralink (company)
- MIT (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Episode Twenty-Five: Ferdinando Rodriguez y Baena](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2022-11-11-episode-twenty-five-ferdinando-rodriguez-y-baena) (Robot Talk)
- [Episode Three - Robot Locomotion: getting moving](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2020-11-27-episode-three-robot-locomotion-getting-moving) (Robot Talk)
- [Episode 140: Robot balance and agility - Amir Patel](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2026-01-16-episode-140-robot-balance-and-agility-amir-patel) (Robot Talk)
- [Episode 107: Animal-inspired robot movement - Robert Siddall](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2025-01-31-episode-107-animal-inspired-robot-movement-robert-siddall) (Robot Talk)
- [Episode Fifty: Elena De Momi](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2023-05-26-episode-fifty-elena-de-momi) (Robot Talk)

## Citing this page

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