Biological Intelligence for Biomimetic Robots: An Introduction to Synthetic Neuroethology

An introduction to how neuroethology can inform the development of robots controlled by synaptic networks instead of algorithms, from a pioneer in biorobotics. An introduction to how neuroethology can inform the development of robots controlled by synaptic networks instead of algorithms, from a pioneer in biorobotics. The trait most fundamental to the evolution of animals is the capability to adapt to novel circumstances in unpredictable environments. Recent advances in biomimetics have made it feasible to construct robots modeled on such unsupervised autonomous behavior, and animal models provide a library of existence proofs. Filling an important gap in the field, this introductory textbook illuminates how neurobiological principles can inform the development of robots that are controlled by synaptic networks, as opposed to algorithms. Joseph Ayers provides a comprehensive overview of the sensory and motor systems of a variety of model biological systems and shows how their behaviors may be implemented in artificial systems, such as biomimetic robots. Introduces the concept of biological intelligence as applied to robots, building a strategy for autonomy based on the neuroethology of simple animal models Provides a mechanistic physiological framework for the control of innate behavior Illustrates how biomimetic vehicles can be operated in the field persistently and adaptively Developed by a pioneer in biorobotics with decades of teaching experience Proven in the classroom Suitable for professionals and researchers as well as undergraduate and graduate students in cognitive science and computer science

Table of Contents:
Preface vii 1 What is Biological Intelligence? 1 2 Types of Behavior 9 3 Motor Strategies and Biomechanical Advantages for Diverse Environments 17 4 Identified Neurons and Neuroanatomy 25 5 Physiological Models of Neurons 33 6 Nonlinear Dynamical Models of Neurons 71 7 Synaptic Physiology and Networks 79 8 Neuronal Integration 113 9 Neuromodulation and Behavioral States 127 10 Motor Networks and Central Pattern Generators 151 11 Command Neurons 165 12 Coordinating Systems and Gaits 173 13 Sensory Neurons and Sensory Coding 179 14 Physiology of Muscle 195 15 Types of Motor Systems 203 16 Proprioceptive Reflexes 211 17 Spatial Orientation--Taxes, Kineses, and Exteroceptive Reflexes 221 18 Behavioral Choice and Hierarchies 231 19 Behavioral Sequencing 237 20 Biomimetic Robots 247 21 Power Supplies and Charging 255 22 Control Hardware, Morphing Bodies, and Hulls 265 23 Synthetic Biology and Biohybrid Sensors 279 24 Mymorphic Actuators 283 25 Acoustic Communications and Localization 291 26 Supervision and Motivation 297 27 Reactive Autonomy and Adaptive Sequencing 303 28 Stigmergy and Cooperative Behavior 309 29 Biological Intelligence 313 References 319 Index 345

About the Author :
Joseph Ayers is Professor of Biology at Northeastern University and conducts his research at the Marine Science Center in Nahant, Massachusetts, where he was Director from 1991 to 2001. His research has been supported by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, the Office of Naval Research, the National Science Foundation, the National Institutes of Health, the Human Frontiers Science Program, and Schlumberger. His RoboLobster has been exhibited in the Cooper-Hewett Smithsonian Museum in New York, the Contemporary Arts Museum in Houston, and the Institute of Contemporary Art in Boston.