Robert Siddall

Dr. Robert Siddall is a Lecturer in Robotics at the University of Surrey’s School of Mechanical Engineering Sciences, affiliated with the Centre for Aerodynamics and Environmental Flow. He holds a Master’s in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Cambridge and a PhD in Aeronautics from Imperial College London, where his thesis on aerial-aquatic locomotion earned the 'Best UK PhD in Robotics Award'. His research focuses on bioinspired robotics, particularly animal-inspired locomotion systems for robots operating across air, water, and land. Notable contributions include the AquaMAV plunge-diving robot, the SailMAV flying-sailing hybrid, and studies on gecko landing mechanics using robotic models. He has also led projects at the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems and co-founded an ESA-funded agricultural robotics startup.

Education:

• PhD in Aeronautics, Imperial College London
• MEng in Aerospace Engineering, University of Cambridge

Research Interests: Multimodal locomotion (aerial-aquatic transitions), bioinspired design, soft robotics, environmental monitoring robotics, and animal biomechanics. He guest edits a Nature Scientific Reports special issue on bioinspired locomotion.

Publications & Grants: Over 30 peer-reviewed articles, including high-impact studies in Communications Biology, Science Robotics, and Nature. Notable achievements include winning the Drones for Good competition with Buildrone and pioneering calcium-carbide-fueled aquatic escape systems.

Labs/Teams: Leads Surrey’s bioinspired robotics group, collaborating with global institutions like the Max Planck Institute. His team develops prototypes like the Gecko Lander, Microspine Grapple, and robotic reptile models.