Tahmid Latif

About

Tahmid Latif is a pioneering researcher in the emerging field of biobotics — the integration of living insects with electronic systems to create controllable biological robots. His work sits at a fascinating intersection of neural engineering, robotics, and cyberphysical systems, with a particular focus on search-and-rescue applications in disaster scenarios. Latif's most influential contribution, "Sound Localization Sensors for Search and Rescue Biobots" (2015, 124 citations), demonstrated how insect biobots equipped with miniature sensor backpacks could form intelligent networks capable of locating survivors trapped under rubble. His earlier work on line-following terrestrial insect biobots (2012, 88 citations) established foundational techniques for directing insect locomotion through neural and muscular stimulation — an approach that circumvents the severe limitations of centimeter-scale synthetic robots navigating unpredictable environments. Beyond locomotion control, Latif has advanced critical supporting technologies, including acoustic localization, wireless communication characterization for biobot swarms, and electrochemical optimization of neurostimulation electrodes to improve reliability and reduce biological fatigue. His body of work, accumulating over 300 citations, has helped legitimize biobotics as a credible alternative to traditional miniature robotics, offering unique solutions where human access and conventional technology fall short.

Research Focus

Key Achievements

Top Papers

1. 1
   Sound Localization Sensors for Search and Rescue Biobots

   124 citations · 2015
2. 2
   Line following terrestrial insect biobots

   88 citations · 2012
3. 3
   Roach Biobots: Toward Reliability and Optimization of Control

   22 citations · 2017
4. 4
   Biobotic insect swarm based sensor networks for search and rescue

   21 citations · 2014
5. 5
   Acoustic sensors for biobotic search and rescue

   19 citations · 2014
6. 6
   In vitro electrochemical assessment of electrodes for neurostimulation in roach biobots

   11 citations · 2018
7. 7
   Characterization of RSS variability for biobot localization using 802.15.4 Radios

   8 citations · 2016
8. 8
   Towards acoustic localization for biobotic sensor networks

   7 citations · 2017
9. 9
   Preliminary statistical assessment towards characterization of biobotic control

   3 citations · 2016
10. 10
    Using liquid metal alloy (EGaIn) to electrochemically enhance SS stimulation electrodes for biobotic applications

    3 citations · 2016

Key Collaborators

Contact & Links