Fluid environments present unique opportunities and challenges for robotic systems. This talk explores approaches to designing robots that leverage fluid–structure interactions to generate intelligent behavior. Drawing inspiration from natural systems as well as computational design methodologies, a number of robotic platforms whose morphology – their body shape, material, and structure – plays an active role in sensing, control, and locomotion will be introduced. From sea-creature-inspired robots to “robot scientists” that autonomously fabricate, experiment, and analyze paper airplane flights, this talk will explore how robots, particularly their morphology—their body shape and structure—can be designed to leverage fluid-solid interactions, enabling intelligent behaviors that enhance robustness and efficiency. These design methodologies can play a key role in improving the processes of robot design, enabling the creation of better robots for the real world.

https://sites.google.com/view/nana-obayashi

Nana Obayashi is an Assistant Professor at New York University where she established the Prema Lab in 2026. The lab focuses on developing new methods and approaches for designing robotic systems that exploit embodiment, morphology, and environmental interactions. This includes research on bio-inspired robots, robotic automation, and computational design methodologies. She completed her BS and MS in aerospace engineering at Georgia Institute of Technology, USA. Her PhD studies were in robot design and optimization at EPFL in Switzerland, including research visits at the University of Cambridge.