Shishir Kolathaya
Texas A&M University, Georgia Institute of Technology, California Institute of Technology, Indian Institute of Science Bangalore, Mitchell Institute, Robert Bosch (India), Interaction Institute for Social Change, Inspire Institute, Robert Bosch (Netherlands), Robert Bosch (China), Indian Institute of Technology Bombay
Papers
45
Total Citations
654
H-Index
16
About
Shishir Kolathaya is a prominent robotics researcher whose work sits at the intersection of control theory, legged locomotion, and machine learning. His research has made significant contributions to bipedal and humanoid robot locomotion, with a particular focus on developing mathematically rigorous frameworks for stable, dynamic walking and running. Drawing on tools such as Control Lyapunov Functions, Spring Loaded Inverted Pendulum (SLIP) models, and human-inspired control methodologies, Kolathaya has helped establish principled approaches to one of robotics' most challenging problems. His most cited work on multi-domain bipedal walking with the ATRIAS robot (55 citations) exemplifies his ability to bridge theoretical formalism with physical implementation, a theme running throughout his career across platforms including DURUS, AMBER, and Digit. Notably, his 2022 paper demonstrating that linear policies suffice for robust walking on challenging terrains reflects his growing interest in learning-based methods. His work on prosthetic limb control further demonstrates the real-world applicability of his research. With contributions spanning stability analysis, algorithmic locomotion design, and hardware validation, Kolathaya has established himself as a leading voice in principled legged robot control.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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- 3Bipedal Robotic Running with DURUS-2D43 citations · 2017
- 4Local stability of PD controlled bipedal walking robots34 citations · 2020
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- 9Quadratic programming and impedance control for transfemoral prosthesis26 citations · 2014
- 10Human-inspired walking via unified PD and impedance control24 citations · 2014