Tobias Seidl

Prof. Tobias Seidl serves as Vice Dean at the Westphalian Institute for Bionics within the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the Westphalian University of Applied Sciences in Bocholt, Germany. He has been with the university since January 2011, teaching bionics and sensor technology while leading research in biomimetic applications for robotics and engineering.

Education:

• Bionics studies at Saarbrücken
• PhD on desert ant navigation systems under Rüdiger Wehner at the University of Zurich with fieldwork in Tunisia
• Professional experience at the European Space Agency (ESA) in Noordwijk, Netherlands

Research Focus: Prof. Seidl's work centers on bionics, translating biological principles into engineering solutions. His expertise spans neuroethology (neural basis of natural behavior), functional morphology (structure-function relationships), and biomechanics. Key application areas include biomimetic robotics inspired by ants and spiders, sensor development, and bio-inspired materials. His research consistently bridges entomology with robotics, aerospace, and materials science to solve complex engineering challenges.

Publication Trends: Recent publications (2025-2016) reveal a strong focus on biomimetic applications in robotics, 3D printing, and aerospace. Dominant themes include adaptive biomimetic valves for automotive cooling, force-based path integration in walking robots, hydrophobic surface replication, and satellite deployable structures inspired by insect wings. His work consistently leverages biological observations—particularly from desert ants and spiders—to advance robotic locomotion, adhesion mechanisms, and space technology.

Research Infrastructure: As head of the Westphalian Institute for Bionics, Prof. Seidl leads R&D projects such as developing force sensors in ant legs for robotic applications. His institute serves as a hub for interdisciplinary collaboration between biologists and engineers, focusing on translating biological insights into technical innovations for automotive, aerospace, and medical applications.