The "brain-based devices" (Brain Based Devices, BBD) are not like conventional robots, which are designed according to engineering principles, but are, in fact, intelligent thinking machines. The BBD is designed based on biological principles and are programmed to adjust their behavior to the environment by self. The first BBD, called NOMAD (Neurally Organized Mobile Adaptive Device) was developed by Dr. Gerald Edelman, the founder and director of the Institute in the late'80s. To view a recent interview with Dr. Edelman about his latest book, Second Nature: Brain Science and Human Nature
The NOMAD learns from his experience using a simulated brain called Darwin, based on the principles of organization of the vertebrate brain, which were coded in a computer program.
As explained Dr. Edelman, the brain is a Darwin 'selection system', not a 'system of instruction. Robots are computers that carry out logical tasks unambiguous, while the human brain does not operate by logic but by the pattern recognition.
At the Institute, several generations of NOMAD and Darwin have evolved into a powerful new class of intelligent machines. NOMAD has audio sensors, a video sensor, ultrasonic distance sensors, a device that includes sensors for electrical conductivity, and two sets of 'whiskers' that can sense when the device makes contact with the objects in their environment.
It moves on wheels and can rotate in place. Although there are some low complexity controllers in the device, the main control is via a 'nervous system' in a simulated series of computers, with which the device communicates with a wireless connection. The nervous system integrates the various sensory inputs and responds with the control engine that performs the device.
NOMAD navigate around on wheels, she avoids the obstacles and hit them, approached them after the objects in the distance, grab objects with your bra, taste objects, and avoid objects that have learned to know evil.
The main focus of research at the Institute of BBD was to test theories about the functions of a nervous system embodied in a real world, although these results may also provide a basis for practical applications.
Spatial and episodic memory
The hippocampus is an area that the brain uses to store and retrieve memories. The BBD Darwin X incorporates aspects of the detailed anatomy of the hippocampus and the surrounding brain regions (cortical areas of vision, space and movement), areas known to be required for the acquisition and recall of spatial memory and episodic.
Darwin X finds its way successfully through a maze of work. After a period of exploration, find what is hidden, and remember the locations, so that goes to it from any place where boot.
These developments are applied in natural environments, a research area in which the Institute is particularly interested.
Motor control and movement sensitive
The Institute has constructed a BBD that incorporates a detailed model of the cerebellum, a brain area that is used for precise motor control. This BBD was given the task of navigating a path marked by traffic cones. At first the navigation was awkward, because it depends on the reflection of infrared proximity sensors that are actuated when BBD was within 30 centimeters away from a cone. Over time, when the circuit became cerebellum can predict the correct motor response based on visual cues of movement, the movement of the BBD became more sensitive. This tuning of motor control may have important applications for machine control, and to understand human movement.
BBD footballer
They have also created a platform that uses the BBD Segway transporter. This robot is designed especially for soccer. This BBD recognizes objects on the field (balls, teammates, bows, etc.) and uses a mechanical device specially designed to catch and kick a ball.
The team of scientists from the Institute participated in the Open Championships of the United States of RoboCop. In 2005, the BBD was unbeaten soccer player, competing against BBD designed Carnegie Mellon University
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