About our Biomechanics and Biorobotics Lab

In our biomechanics and biorobotics lab we are interested in the relationship between form, function, and ecology in living and extinct animals. The big question at the centre of all our research is to understand how the biomechanics of movement can limit the pathways available for evolution. To this end, we take on a range of projects across dozens of species and new technologies. From high-speed kinematics and predictive simulations in the lab to behaviour and movement tracking and force-plate analyses in the field, to bio-inspired climbing and hopping robots, we are a multi-disciplinary, exploration-driven team interested in a range of emerging biomechanics techniques.

 

Based out of the beautiful Sunshine Coast, Australia, we are an international team with collaborators in Africa, USA, UK, Europe, and more.

Interested in joining our lab? 

NEWS

Jojo, Robin and Chris posing in front of their bio-inspired lizard robots used for animal biomechanics studies on climbing locomotion

Bio-inspired climbing robots. We are now celebrating the 5th generation

The research on lizard climbing locomotion using robotics started back in 2017. Several generations of students and robots were necessary to get to this point. Gen 4 made worldwide news with our published papers. Now the 5th generation climbs even better ! Check out the video below.

Joschua Gaschk during his research field trip studying Northern Quoll behaviour with accelerometer and GPS

Northern Quoll behavioural study 'Sex and no sleep' made the world wide news

Josh Gaschk recently published his study on Northern Quoll behaviour and the results he found were stunning. Not surprising that they got world-wide attention! Using accelerometers and Machine Learning he could investigate what Quolls do throughout the entire day and night without watching.

A musko-skeletal model of a Kangaroo to study animal biomechanics of hopping in one of Australia's iconic animal species

How do kangaroos hop? This musco-skeletal computer model will tell us soon!

We have just been awarded an ARC discovery grant to solve the riddle of why kangaroos hop. Lauren Thornton is currently working on hopping simulations with a musko-skeletal kangaroo model, while Jasmin Annett will explore how kangaroos use this gait in their natural habitat using accelerometers

JOIN OUR LAB!

Our students come from various countries, at all stages in their studies. We are always looking for volunteers who are keen to experience some animal research. If you’re interested in short- or long-term projects at the edge of technology, biomechanics, and ecology, get in touch!