Introduction to Robotics and
Neuromorphic/Biomorphic Engineering
WEBquest
Introduction
Task
Process
Evaluation
Conclusion
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Robotics is an exciting field of science that is in its infancy. Since the beginning of civilization, humans have dreamed of robotic creatures that would do their biding. In the second half of the 20th century this dream has become a reality. With amazing technical advances in the last few years, robotics has become a viable industry. But there is still much work to be done!
One vital aspect of robotics is designing the workings of the robot “brain” or CPU. Today, there are many different ways robot scientists approach this difficult task. One way is to carefully study the way the human (or animal) brain works and then figure out how it causes certain behaviors. Scientists then apply the knowledge they have gained to the intricate workings of a robot. This approach to robotics is called the study of Biological Systems. Roboticists who study neuromorphic engineering and biomorphic robotics focus on Biological Systems. |
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Your
Task is to learn all you can about Neuromorphic and Biomorphic
engineering. You will do this by first
learning robot basics and then something about neuroscience. Finally, you will
put it all together by exploring the Biological Systems approach to robot
design.
PART A: Robots!
1) List 3 questions you have about robots. Make sure the questions are ones you really want answered. As you surf,
look for answers to your questions and write them down. Don’t worry if you can’t find the answers…
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2) Answer the question: In the future, how do you think will robots change your life? To answer these questions you will need to ... explore some background information about robotics 
Introduction to Robotics
Robot News
Robot Information Central 
The Amazing Robot Museum
www.slugbugrobot.com (click on “RoboInfo” pdf. at the top) |
PART B: Neuroscience!
Go to the Neuroscience for Kids website and click around. Look for information about neurons. After
you have spent ten minutes looking at different pages on this great website,
complete task 3.
3) Write down three important facts about
neurons to share with the class.
PART C: Put it together, Neuroscience and
Robotics!
Look over the websites below, then complete
the following tasks.
4) In your own words, write out a brief
description of Biomorphic Robotics.
5) List three fields of study a
Neuromorphic Engineer might interested in (example: Biology).
6) Complete the following statements
·
I think getting
inspiration from nature is a good way to design robots because…
·
I think getting
inspiration from nature is a bad way to design robots because…
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http://www.cnse.caltech.edu/Overview/index.html |
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http://www.isr.umd.edu/INE/html/newsletter.html |
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By completing this webquest you will have learned ...
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And you have formed an opinion about the pros and cons of using biological systems as inspiration for robot design. |
To evaluate your
learning ...
Do a PMI - a Plus, Minus, Interesting list about the study of Biological
Systems in Robotics
Or-
Give your opinion about this question -
Is the Biological Approach to robot design a
good idea? Support your opinion with evidence from your investigations.
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This webquest is not about right or wrong answers. It is about young people gaining an understanding of how robots and robotic devices are being developed for use in the future. There is no right answer to the Biological Systems Approach to robotics. It seems to have advantages and disadvantages. Modern Neuromorphic and Biomorphic engineers combine aspects of computer science, mechanical engineering and nature to dream of, design, and then build robots. Perhaps all possible approaches are necessary in order to unlock the complicated mystery of human thought. |