ECTS - University of Pisa
The course introduces the principles of biorobotics and specifically of biomimetics, illustrated by case-studies, where human and animal models are applied in robotics.
The objective is to provide the students with the knowledge about the principles derived from the study of living beings used in robotics, at the morphological, functional, and behavioural level.
The knowledge gained by the students is assessed through an oral exam session.
The course provides the students with the tools for understanding and designing robots that exploit principles derived from the study of living beings and provides the students with the opportunity to discuss case studies.
The skills gained are assessed through the discussion of case studies and the final exam
The students develop a novel view of robotics, and reinforce the basics of traditional robotics with up to date approach.
The behaviors developed by the students will come up during the discussion of case studies and the final examination.
Basic knowledge of physics, biology, linear algebra, ordinary differential equations
The course accounts for 3 main activities:
the most part consists of lectures on the principles of bioinspiration and neuro-robotics, humanoid robotics and robot perception, embodied intelligence and soft robotics;
a second set of activities consists of the discussion of case studies;
the final part of the course consists of hands-on activities where the students are asked to deal with practical applications of the introduced methodologies.
The lecturers provide the materials to study, like the slides used in the classes and the papers/book chapters discussed, through the official web applications.
Communications are based on email and personal meetings on request.
The classes are in English.
Introduction
Bioinspired robotics principles
Introduction to the animal kingdom
Fundamental models of animal locomotion and manipulation
terrestrial animals, aquatic and flying animals
Fundamental models of robotic locomotion and manipulation
terrestrial robots (bipedal, multilegged, legless)
aquatic and aerial robots
soft robotics
Neurocontrollers
Neural-system
Neuro-controllers
Bioinspired perception
Vision, mechanoception (proprioception and exteroception), and other sensory organs;
Sensing robots
Intelligence and Behaviour
Seminary
Slides, relevant papers, book chapters and other material will be provided during lessons
The course materials are available on the official web applications.
Oral exam
