Dr Hamed Rajabi is the Director of the Mechanical Intelligence (MI) Research Group at London South Bank University (LSBU). A distinguished researcher with dual doctorates in Engineering and Natural Sciences, Dr Rajabi is at the forefront of harnessing Mechanical Intelligence (MI) to revolutionise engineering design. His interdisciplinary expertise, merging biology and engineering, is demonstrated through more than 80 publications in prestigious journals including PNAS, Science Robotics, and Advanced Science.

With a vision to leverage Mechanical Intelligence (MI) for the development of biomimetic systems with advanced capabilities, Dr Rajabi’s pursuit of innovation continues to make a lasting impact on both research and education in bioinspired design.

Dr Ali Khaheshi is a Postdoctoral Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering Intelligence Community (RAE IC) at London South Bank University. His research bridges biology and engineering through the development of insect-inspired flapping-wing drones, focusing on energy efficiency, mechanical intelligence, and adaptive control.

With a multidisciplinary background—BSc in Mechanical Engineering, MSc in Materials Science, and a PhD in Natural Sciences—he envisions delivering world-leading interdisciplinary research that reshapes our understanding of flight mechanics in both nature and technology.

Dr. Khaheshi has established a strong track record through several patented innovations and high-impact publications in top-ranked journals such as Advanced Science, PNAS, Materials & Design, and Acta Biomaterialia. His work has been featured widely in media, including NDR TV, Phys.org, AZO Materials, Aljazeera.net, New Atlas, and 3D Printing Industry. He received an endorsement as an Exceptional Promise under the Global Talent category by the Royal Academy of Engineering in 2021.

He is Nasif. His doctoral research delves into the world of stag beetles. He studies their impressive mandibles, analysing how variations in shape and structure correlate with mechanical performance during intricate combat behaviours. Combining behavioural observation with biomechanical analysis, he aims to uncover the fundamental principles linking physical traits to functional capabilities in these remarkable insects.

He has a multidisciplinary background with MSc in molecular biology and evolution, BSc in biotechnology and Anthropology, and a multitude of other trainings. He has received multiple internal and external grants. Additionally, he was the winner of the South Bank Ignite business pitch competition, where he showcased 'MandiGrip', a novel surgical tool concept inspired by stag beetle mandible mechanics.

He maintains a broad interest in animal behaviour, evolutionary and marine biology, anthropology, 3D printing, design, and technological progress, alongside anthropology and science communication. Outside the lab, he enjoys rolling dice in Warhammer 40k, grabbing drinks around the world and sharing otter reels.

Sepehr H. Eraghi is a doctoral researcher at the MI Lab, London South Bank University (LSBU), where he pioneers novel engineering solutions inspired by the intricate folding patterns of insect wings. Drawing upon the principles learned from these insect wing folding mechanisms, he develops mechanically intelligent systems for adaptive deployable structures, soft robotic actuators, and foldable morphing wings for flapping wing drones. His specialization lies in translating complex biological mechanisms into tangible, innovative designs—a skill recognized with a gold medal from the International Federation of Inventors' Associations (IFIA) for a bio-inspired robotic joint he developed. As an official Inventor ('Inv') member of IFIA, Sepehr leverages over nine years of dedicated research experience. His contributions to the field are documented in prestigious journals, including PNAS, Advanced Science, Acta Biomaterialia, Communications Biology, and Royal Society Interface Focus.
Employing a comprehensive toolkit that synergizes parametric modeling, Finite Element Analysis (FEA), biomechanical analysis, mathematical modelling, computer programming, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and additive manufacturing, Sepehr is committed to developing sustainable technologies. His overarching ambition is to forge a deeper connection between nature's optimized designs and contemporary engineering practice. He focuses on creating holistic frameworks and methodologies that not only advance scientific understanding but also effectively address critical societal and industrial challenges through bio-inspired innovation.

Zelin Wang is a second-year PhD student at the Mechanical Intelligence (MI) Lab, London South Bank University. His research focuses on bio-inspired multi-functional laparoscopic surgical end-effectors, drawing on the structural principles of insect mandibles to improve tool performance in minimally invasive surgery.

He has a strong background in mechanical and experimental design, using biomimetic concepts to develop and test novel end-effector prototypes. His work involves 3D printing, mechanical testing, and multi-variable optimization, allowing for precise evaluation of how structural variations influence surgical functionality. Through a combination of design iteration and performance analysis, he aims to refine instrument capabilities to better meet clinical demands.

Amir Peikherfeh is a Ph.D. student in Mechanical Engineering at London South Bank University’s MI Lab. Specialising in origami kinematics and computational dynamics, his research addresses the trade-off between rigid control and soft compliance in modern robotics. Amir is developing a novel class of mechanically programmable robotic joints. By combining a custom dynamic bar-and-hinge physics engine with reinforcement learning, he is optimising new design configurations that enable soft, fluid motion in next-generation robotics.

Ilia Amirmostofian is a PhD researcher at the Mechanical Intelligence (MI) Research Group, London South Bank University. His research focuses on bio-inspired design, with a particular interest in translating natural structural principles into engineering systems through computational modeling and additive manufacturing.

His current project explores moth-wing-inspired structural logic to develop gyroid-based parametric tiles. By combining biological abstraction, parametric design, and digital fabrication workflows, he aims to establish a new design methodology that connects natural intelligence with generative engineering and optimization.

With a background in mechanical engineering and experience in vibration analysis, machine learning, and automotive systems, Ilia brings an interdisciplinary perspective to bio-inspired research. His work is driven by the goal of creating lightweight, adaptable, and manufacturable structures for future engineering applications.

Gabriel Barale is a PhD student at London South Bank University (LSBU), working in the development of UAV’s, especially flapping-wing drones. Driven by an innate childhood curiosity for dissecting and building mechanics, Gabriel has rapidly distinguished himself. Recognized for his technical versatility across computer-aided design (CAD), numerical simulations (CFD/FEA), additive (FDM/SLA) and formative manufacturing, machining, and programming in Python, MATLAB, and C++. His academic record is marked by excellence in complex domains like dynamics, thermodynamics and solid mechanics. Currently, Gabriel continues his work with the Mechanical Intelligence Research Group (MILAB) at LSBU, where his work focuses on the development of deployable mechanisms, pneumatic systems, and experimental setups, collaborating closely with advanced research teams. Professionally, Gabriel is defined by an exceptional work ethic, clear communication, and a collaborative, empowering leadership style. He views engineering as a creative and moral vehicle to solve real-world technical and medical challenges for the betterment of society.

Mitch is a Mechanical Engineering (BEng, Msc) student at London South Bank University, with great interest in mechatronics andmanufacturing. Throughout his engineering education journey, he has primarily developed above curriculum attributes in designing for and utilizing FDM,whilst working as a research assistant at MI.

He explores multi-disciplinary concepts in electrical and mechanical engineering, as well as biomimicry,through meaningful impacts to various research projects. By utilizing his background in visual media, he received the School of Engineering award for Student Creativity (2024).

Mia is a second-year engineering student with a strong interest in research and theoretical analysis; she has extended her studies by developing a deeper foundation in the physical and life sciences to support an interdisciplinary approach to complex engineering challenges.

Her interests lie in the fundamental understanding of system behaviour, with a particular focus on the modelling, and control of coupled systems. She is motivated by a desire to thoroughly analyse how principles governing physical and biological systems can be abstracted, quantified, and applied within engineering contexts. Alongside her technical work, she maintains a strong engagement with art and design; she actively explores the integration of artistic thinking into engineering practice, recognising creativity as a critical component to developing an open-minded and forward thinking engineering approach.

Eva is a second-year Mechanical Engineering student at London South Bank University and a member of the Mechanical Intelligence (MI) Research Group. Her goal is to develop a multidisciplinary approach to engineering by exploring how biological principles—particularly those found in insects—can inform efficient and adaptive mechanical design.

Through her involvement in the lab, Eva aims to deepen her understanding of system behaviour, material interaction, and intelligent movement, while building a strong foundation of practical and analytical skills. She is especially drawn to experimental work that challenges traditional design methods and encourages learning across disciplines. Beyond engineering, Eva has a broad curiosity that includes painting, yoga, and history—interests that reflect her appreciation for both structure and creativity in the world around her.

Roshan is a General Engineering student with a robust background in aviation systems and a deep commitment to cutting-edge aerospace research. He has bridged his extensive practical experience with advanced theoretical analysis to pioneer innovative solutions for next-generation aerial vehicles.

His current research focuses on bio-inspired wing morphing for fixed-wing drones, where he investigates how the adaptive mechanisms found in avian flight can be abstracted and integrated into unmanned aerial systems. Roshan is motivated by a desire to blend nature’s efficiency with rigorous engineering principles to enhance aerodynamic performance and control. This research is deeply informed by an 8-year career as an Airline Engineer in his home country, where he specialized in the maintenance, diagnosis, and optimization of complex aircraft mechanical systems. By seamlessly combining years of hands-on, safety-critical industry expertise with forward-thinking academic research, Roshan brings a unique, highly practical perspective to solving complex aerospace challenges.