life inspired

"Neuromorphic emulations express the dynamics of neural systems in analogous electronic circuits, offering a distributed, low-power technology for constructing intelligent systems. However, neuromorphic circuits are inherently imprecise and noisy, and there has been no systematic method for configuring reliable behavioral dynamics on these substrates. We describe such a method, which is able to install simple cognitive behavior on the neuromorphic substrate. Our approach casts light on the general question of how the neuronal circuits of the brain, and also future neuromorphic technologies, could implement cognitive behavior in a principled manner." Full paper @ PNAS

Labels: bio-inspired computing, intelligent behavior, neuroscience

"Flies are among the most agile flying creatures on Earth. To mimic this aerial prowess in a similarly sized robot requires tiny, high-efficiency mechanical components that pose miniaturization challenges governed by force-scaling laws, suggesting unconventional solutions for propulsion, actuation, and manufacturing." Full article @ Science

Labels: bio-inspired computing, flying, insects, robots

"Scientists in the US have built and tested robotic ants that they say behave just like a real ant colony. The robots do not resemble their insect counterparts; they are tiny cubes equipped with two watch motors to power the wheels that enable them to move. But their collective behaviour is remarkably ant-like." News @ BBC News

Labels: ants, bio-inspired computing, collective intelligence, computation, robots