Patrick Longhini

Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific, Tempest Technologies (United States), Naval Information Warfare Systems Command

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About

Patrick Longhini is a robotics researcher whose work bridges biologically-inspired design and practical safety for field robots. He is best known for introducing ANIBOT, the first biologically-inspired animal robot controlled by a Central Pattern Generator (CPG) network of neurons—a hardware realization that directly translates neural models from theoretical biology into a functioning quadruped. This work, cited 9 times, represents a significant step in neuromorphic robotics and has opened new pathways for understanding how animal locomotion can be replicated in machines. Beyond bio-inspired systems, Longhini has made critical contributions to the safety of tele-operated, skid-steered robots used in bomb disposal and hazardous missions. His research on tip-over prevention, published in 2014 and 2015 (with 4 and 7 citations respectively), developed adaptive control strategies and heuristic reactive behaviors to prevent these heavy-payload robots from overturning on uneven terrain. These practical solutions directly address a life-threatening risk for operators and have informed safer robot design in military and civilian applications. Longhini’s work uniquely combines theoretical modeling with hands-on experimentation, making him a notable figure in both neuromorphic engineering and field robotics safety.