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Synchronized Robotics (completed)

The project will develop Collective Robotics through Real-time Entrainment of Evolved dynamical Systems.

Two attractors in purple and red on a blue background. Illustration.

Dynamical systems often settle into cycles, but these can still be highly complex. Photo: Lorenz attractor, Wikimedia Commons CC 4.0

About the project

Humans and many other vertebrates contain oscillatory networks known as central pattern generators that generate movement patterns. These networks are able to entrain to rhythms and adapt to social information. However, we still do not understand the mechanisms behind this very well.

The project “COllective ROBOtics through Real-time Entrainment of Evolved dynamical Systems” (COROBOREES) uses evolutionary methods to create complex non-linear dynamical systems that allow flexibility while retaining stability. These will be used as central pattern generators with tunable social responsiveness in legged robots.

Purpose

Using this generative approach, in both simulated and prototyped robots, the project will investigate:

  • Minimum requirements for rhythmic entrainment
  • How rhythmic complexity affects entrainment
  • Conditions for synchronization