Enrico Ajanic

École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne

Papers

Total Citations

158

H-Index

About

Enrico Ajanic is a leading roboticist whose work bridges biology and engineering, drawing inspiration from avian and vertebrate anatomy to create agile, high-performance aerial robots. His research focuses on bio-inspired robotics, particularly flapping-wing flight, variable-stiffness structures, and high-speed grasping mechanisms for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Ajanic’s most influential contribution is the development of a **variable-stiffness tensegrity spine** (2020, 87 citations), which mimics the adaptive flexibility of vertebrate spines to enhance load-bearing and maneuverability in robots. He also pioneered a **passive claw system for high-speed grasping** (2022, 36 citations), enabling UAVs to swoop and capture objects mid-flight like birds of prey—a breakthrough for autonomous perching and interaction. His **robotic avian wing** (2022, 35 citations) experimentally validated the aerodynamic benefits of wing folding and stroke tilting, offering key insights into avian flight mechanics that can improve drone agility and slow-speed performance. Ajanic’s work has been recognized for its impact on both robotics and biomechanics, advancing the design of more capable, nature-inspired drones. His research continues to push the boundaries of what bio-inspired aerial robots can achieve.