Bio-Engineering Lab

Welcome!

We are fascinated by how animals fly, navigate and solve complex problems!

Our research focuses on seeking insights into the sensorimotor systems of animals that enable complex behaviours like flight, navigating long distances, working together in groups/swarms, etc..

Using animals like bees and birds as inspirational and prototypical models we are always looking to design and engineer smarter robots.

Towards these goals, we strive to conduct multi-disciplinary research that crosses between engineering, organismal biology and robotics.

Please feel free to check out the different areas we are working on under the "Research" tab

We are also part of the Flow Science Lab, check out their site here: http://fsl-unsw.com/TianFSL/index.html

Research Topics

An incomplete list of topics we are currently working on

  1. Biomechanics and neuroethology of insect flight

  2. Biomechanics of insect stingers and ovipositors

  3. Development of bio-inspired micro-surgical devices

  4. Aerial navigation through complex spatial environments.

  5. Flight stabilization in unsteady/adverse conditions

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Opportunities

Postdocs with background in insect biomechanics, physiology and neuroethology who interested in joining our group should contact Dr Sridhar Ravi (email below)

For Masters and PhD students:

PhD and Masters scholarships ($35,000 per year) are available for high-achieving students (with H1 & H2/High Distinction in UG and/or Masters by Research) in engineering, biological sciences, mathematics or relevant sciences.

Masters and PhD Topics Available

(1) Biomechanics and physiology of insect stingers/ovipositors

(2) Compliant actuation and transmission systems for miniature flying systems

(3) Obstacle detection and avoidance in insects

(4) Biomechanics and neuroethology of flight through cluttered environments

(5) Robust flight-control system for miniature lighter-than-air robots

(6) Energetics of insect flight

If you are interested in any of these topics, please contact Sridhar.ravi@adfa.edu.au

We also provide support to candidates who are interested in preparing applications for external funding/scholarships.

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