Ear-Bot: Locust Ear-on-a-Chip Bio-Hybrid Platform

During hundreds of millions of years of evolution, insects have evolved some of the most efficient and robust sensing organs, often far more sensitive than their man-made equivalents. In this study, we demonstrate a hybrid bio-technological approach, integrating a locust tympanic ear with a robotic...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Idan Fishel, Yoni Amit, Neta Shvil, Anton Sheinin, Amir Ayali, Yossi Yovel, Ben M. Maoz
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2021-01-01
Series:Sensors
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/21/1/228
Description
Summary:During hundreds of millions of years of evolution, insects have evolved some of the most efficient and robust sensing organs, often far more sensitive than their man-made equivalents. In this study, we demonstrate a hybrid bio-technological approach, integrating a locust tympanic ear with a robotic platform. Using an Ear-on-a-Chip method, we manage to create a long-lasting miniature sensory device that operates as part of a bio-hybrid robot. The neural signals recorded from the ear in response to sound pulses, are processed and used to control the robot’s motion. This work is a proof of concept, demonstrating the use of biological ears for robotic sensing and control.
ISSN:1424-8220