electrodes are attached to the insects left, right and back side, electric pulses are generated by a small wireless receiver on the insects back.
The insect actually becomes an actuator (similar to Robb’s experiments)
I think that that this experiment is interesting in two respects, firstly in that way that we, humans perceive these bionic insects. I think that people generally consider insects to be above robots on a sentient scale. But interestingly, Hofstadter describes that to most people, robotics / electronics is a total mystery, through ignorance they personify simple robots. It would be interesting to see how these bionic insects are regarded by humans.
Secondly the potential to be able to harness the insects finely tuned senses and even its processing abilities. For it to be able to send back a visual / audio stream and be not only controlled but programmed with what we want it to do.
Designed as an indoor, tangible representation of the weather outside – uses muscle wire & a vibrating motor to respond to data received from a wind and ambient light sensor placed outdoors.
A robot that flies like a bird – “Biomimicry”
Man has always had a fascination for flight. Starting with the wright brothers we have been inspired by nature – using wings and applying principles of aerodynamics learnt from birds. But the “smart bird” is something completely different, the smart bird is not inspired by nature but rather is a copy of it, an attempt to replicate it. The result is compelling. The team creates something that is in some ways surreal – a flying robot that looks natural. Research into robot aesthetics / movements / form / gesture is fascination because it’s through these mediums that we interface with the robot. They play a role in dictating our experience of the interaction – whether we come to accept the robot as a companion, tool or entertainer or reject it for being too different, unfamiliar and alien.
– Bristle uses a small vibrating motor to move.
– He avoids being picked up or touched.
– He uses an infrared distance sensor to perceive the word.
– After some persistence bristle will become accustomed to you and allow you to pick him up.