Biomimetic robots imitate animals and their abilities, using skills from biology and computer engineering. Advances in research have allowed for the creation of robots that can move like worms or birds, and have sensory organs. The best-known early biomimetic robots were a cockroach and a lobster, designed to navigate difficult terrain and ocean environments. The ultimate goal is for these robots to perform tasks autonomously, without human direction. The military may use robot dogs as pack assistants in the future.
Biomimetic robots borrow their structure and senses from animals, such as humans or insects. Their capabilities are copied from earth’s greatest success stories, living organisms; they tend to work better in the unpredictable real world than the controlled artifice of a laboratory. Robotic engineers are able to combine skills from the fields of biology and computer engineering.
Advances in biological research mean that we know much more about how animals survive, such as the sensory organs of deep-sea creatures or the gravity-defying feet of geckos. The speed, power and size of computers make it possible to create programs that mimic the neurophysiological functions of the brain. Reverse engineering (tracing a result through its process to its source) has as its principle that the cause exists. Therefore, just knowing that there is an animal that can track moving objects as it flies through space without visible light proves that it is possible.
To imagine such a biomimetic robot, you might consider its method of locomotion. Remember, such a robot would never have wheels on an axle, but it could wiggle like a worm or hop like a bird. It may have sensory “organs,” such as an instrument for measuring temperature. Also, his skills will likely be something humans aren’t good at, like locating underwater mines, or can’t do it fast enough.
The best known early biomimetic robots were a cockroach and a lobster. Two university research groups at the forefront of robotics developed them to navigate in their natural environments of an obstacle-strewn terrain and a slippery ocean bay, respectively. The sprawl hexapod has six tall legs that follow the order of their steps after the beetle. This allows him to move over uneven ground without tipping over or taking damage to his body. The robo-lobster navigates smoothly across the seabed and tracks scents back to their source, even through turbulent water.
Ultimately, an ideal biomimetic robot performs its tasks autonomously, without constant human direction. He will be able to move around, gather sensory information, interact with his surroundings and make decisions on his own. The military may one day employ robot dogs that act as pack assistants to carry a soldier’s supplies through difficult terrain.
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