Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Is it a… robot?

A giant robotic hawk or, say, a huge metal crab might sound like something from a sci-fi film, but the world of animal robotics is very much alive and kicking - and jumping, flying, even swimming.

But why are these robots being created? And why are scientists and researchers drawing inspiration from the animal kingdom?

To help us answer these questions we speak to Dr Ben Parslew of the Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering. An expert in animal locomotion, unmanned aerial vehicles, robotics, biomechanics and more, Dr Parslew offers unique insight into this fascinating world, where nature and technology collide.