Interfacing insect brain for space applications

Int Rev Neurobiol. 2009:86:39-47. doi: 10.1016/S0074-7742(09)86003-0.

Abstract

Insects exhibit remarkable navigation capabilities that current control architectures are still far from successfully mimic and reproduce. In this chapter, we present the results of a study on conceptualizing insect/machine hybrid controllers for improving autonomy of exploratory vehicles. First, the different principally possible levels of interfacing between insect and machine are examined followed by a review of current approaches towards hybridity and enabling technologies. Based on the insights of this activity, we propose a double hybrid control architecture which hinges around the concept of "insect-in-a-cockpit." It integrates both biological/artificial (insect/robot) modules and deliberative/reactive behavior. The basic assumption is that "low-level" tasks are managed by the robot, while the "insect intelligence" is exploited whenever high-level problem solving and decision making is required. Both neural and natural interfacing have been considered to achieve robustness and redundancy of exchanged information.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brain / physiology*
  • Insecta / anatomy & histology*
  • Space Flight / instrumentation*
  • User-Computer Interface*