• News Views Podcast Learn team about contribute republish AIhub resources AIhub events News Views Podcast Learn News Views Podcast Learn Robot Talk Episode 140 - Robot balance and agility, with Amir Patel Claire chatted to Amir Patel from University College London about designing robots with the agility and manoeuvrability of a cheetah. • Amir Patelis an Associate Professor of Robotics & AI in the Department of Computer Science at University College London (UCL). • His research uses robotics methods-sensor fusion, computer vision, mechanical modelling, and optimal control-to understand and quantify animal locomotion, especially high-speed predators such as the cheetah, and to translate these insights into bio-inspired machines. • Previously, he served on the faculty of Electrical Engineering at the University of Cape Town, where he founded and directed the African Robotics Unit (ARU). • Related posts : Robot Talk Episode 145 - Robotics and automation in manufacturing, with Agata Suwala Reversible, detachable robotic hand redefines dexterity “Robot, make me a chair” Robot Talk Episode 144 - Robot trust in humans, with Samuele Vinanzi How can robots acquire skills through interactions with the physical world? • An interview with Jiaheng Hu Sven Koenig wins the 2026 ACM/SIGAI Autonomous Agents Research Award Robot Talk Episode 143 - Robots for children, with Elmira Yadollahi New frontiers in robotics at CES 2026 ↑ News Views Podcast Learn post timeline team about contribute republish AIhub resources AIhub events RSS substack linkedin facebook twitter bluesky youtube Would you like to learn how to tell impactful stories about your robot or AI system?

Article Summaries:

  • In episode 140 of Robot Talk, host Claire interviewed Amir Patel, an Associate Professor of Robotics & AI at University College London. Patel explained how his research blends sensor fusion, computer vision, mechanical modelling and optimal control to study the locomotion of high‑speed predators, particularly the cheetah. By quantifying these animals’ balance and agility, he translates the findings into bio‑inspired robotic designs that emulate the cheetah’s manoeuvrability. Patel also highlighted his earlier work at the University of Cape Town, where he founded and led the African Robotics Unit. The conversation underscored the growing trend of using animal biomechanics to advance robotic performance.

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