Here is an article I wrote for Innorobo, an event supported by Innoecho, a robotics innovation company. The article focuses on using insects as a model for building robots.
I met the CEO of Innoecho at a robotics conference a month ago. We shared an enthusiasm for Biomimicry and a passion for developing the ecosystem of technology.
The research I have been doing over the past few years has focused on the physiology of insects and electronic theory. I am combining these subjects with arts and crafts to create robotic insects which move and behave in lifelike ways. The use of flexible materials and being inspired by the real architecture of insects helps take the robots to an exciting place without the need for complex circuitry.
As described in the linked article, many researchers are also inspired by insects. These creatures are able to execute complex behaviors and tasks with very few discreet neurons. This is due to a fundamental difference between computer controlled robots and insects. Insects have sensory organs which trigger a cascade of behavior patterns. Computer controlled robots must use sensors to collect data, process the data, make a decision, then start the process of executing a behavior.
The paradigm shift that we'll have to accept is to allow the environment of a robot to control the robot. This is a difficult step for humans especially because we're building robots to work for us. In fact, the etymology of robot is a Czech word for slave. To give up control is to make a robot free, and how is that going to make investors money?
Product design and business models aren't my goal. I am seeking to combine craft techniques and art materials to make an open source, autonomous robot that is accessible for humans to build and live with globally.
